The Frick Collection

The Frick Collection is my other favorite museum in New York. It is located at 1 East 70th Street on the corner of 70th and Fifth Avenue.

The Frick was founded by industrialist Henry Clay Frick. Mr. Frick loved to collect and study art and wanted to encourage others to do the same. His home was designed around his art collection in anticipation of the home one day becoming a museum. In his will he directed that, after the death of his wife, his Fifth Avenue mansion and his entire art collection would become a public gallery to be called The Frick Collection. He also left a $15,000,000 endowment to provide for maintenance of the collection and acquisitions of new art works. With the exception of a few pieces, the art in the permanent collection was acquired by Mr. Frick during his lifetime.

Mr. Frick had amazing taste. The museum has a fantastic collection of European and American Art:18th century French furniture, Flemish tapestries, and European porcelain and sculptures. In addition, The Frick contains a magnificent collection of paintings including works from Vermeer, Whistler, Constable, and Boucher. My favorite paintings are the Progress of Love series by Fragonard (which are housed in the Fragonard room pictured on the left.) I really love Fragonard’s sugary hedonistic style and would say that this room is not to be missed.

During the year the Frick hosts a series of concerts in the mansion’s music room. The museum also sponsors lectures, trips and a few benefit events every year. In 1920, Helen Clay Frick, Henry’s daughter, established a magnificent art library in the building next door. The art library has become one of the best resources for the research and study of Western Art.

Like the Cloisters, the Frick is a must see on any trip to New York. If you can't make it to New York, click on the link on the side of my blog and you will be able to take a virtual tour of some of the museum's collection.