Though it may be smaller than the nearby Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Frick Collection on Manhattan’s Upper East Side is one of the most impressive collections of European art on this side of the Atlantic. Housed in the illustrious former residence of steel titan Henry Clay Frick, the eponymous collection brims with personality. The Frick allows visitors to immerse themselves in the lavish lifestyle of the Gilded Age and experience art in the most intimate of settings.
The mansion-turned-museum occupies one full city block along 5th Avenue. Every detail of the exquisite space comes alive with Henry Clay Frick’s curated vision – an El Greco masterpiece looming over the fireplace, two powerful Titians flanking the library wall, a large Renoir in the South Hall, and more.
Frick preferred serene pieces that were pleasant to live with. Nowhere in the house is this more evident than in the Fragonard Room, named after the massive paintings by Jean-Honoré Fragonard. In a six-panel series called the “Progress of Love,” the 18th-century French Rococo-style painter portrays a youthful romance in gorgeous, soft hues.
In the large, richly-carpeted West Gallery, the pallet is much darker, featuring dramatic works by Vermeer, Rembrandt and La Tour. Yet two luminescent Turners at the center of the room provide contrast. The East Gallery boasts Spanish Masters, like Goya and El Greco, and even Manet’s Spanish-themed painting “The Bullfight.”
In the Music Room near the East Gallery, visitors can take in brief films about Mr. Frick and the collection. But perhaps the most enjoyable space in the house is the Garden Court, an indoor garden and sanctuary modeled in the style of a grand Roman atrium. The bubbling fountain and balmy air create a true oasis in the city.
The Frick is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., and 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Sundays in New York City. The price of admission is $18.00 for adults and includes a free audio guide. A $2.00 guidebook is also available for purchase in the entrance hall. For additional visitor information, visit the Frick Web site .
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Have you ever been to the Frick Collection? Please share your comments with us!
it’s too bad most of the museums are located on the east side and are a pain to get to from uptown on the west side. it makes me not want to go so much.
well it’s not that bad because the west side is better than th east side anyways 😉
Its a good fun to see the old master painting. I would definitely like to see the fabulous master minded paintings..