One of New York’s Gilded Age masterpieces will soon get a major refresh. The Frick Collection announced plans for the renovation and expansion of its Upper East Side building this week, selecting a design by Selldorf Architects . The structure, which was built in 1914 by Carrère and Hastings as the home of Henry Clay Frick, has not had an extensive upgrade since it was expanded and converted into a museum in 1935 by architect John Russell Pope. The new $160 million design addresses the institution's needs in the 21st century, which include an educational center, space to display the permanent collection, and conservation facilities.
The newly renovated reception hall will have beautiful views of the museum's garden, which was designed by famous British landscape architect Russell Page.
Selldorf Architects developed the design, and Beyer Blinder Belle will serve as executive architect on the project, which is slated to begin in 2020. Selldorf’s design will open up rooms on the second floor of the original residence to serve as permanent-collection galleries and will create a new exhibition area on the main floor, increasing exhibition space by 30 percent. A dedicated education center and an underground 220-seat auditorium will be built, and the current back-of-the-house facilities, including the museum and library’s conservation laboratories, will be updated. But even with all the changes, the museum’s architectural legacy remains intact. “Our proposed design is the result of an unwavering commitment to maintaining the intimate experience of viewing art at the Frick that is unique and special to so many—myself included,” architect Annabelle Selldorf said in a statement.
The renovations would include a newly designed Special Exhibition space (pictured).
And it’s not only the museum's buildings that will be enhanced. The Frick’s 70th Street Garden, originally designed by Russell Page, will be restored by garden designer and preservationist Lynden B. Miller. The project, which will pursue LEED certification, is a major step toward the future of the museum, and improvements made to the infrastructure will improve energy efficiency and sustainability, ensuring the architectural wonder will welcome visitors for generations. The renovation is expected to be completed by 2022.
