June 1, 2025

The Frick Collection Reopens in New York City

Bust of Don Fernando Álvarez de Toledo,
Third Duke of Alba
, bronze, 1571, by
Jacques Jonghelinck (1530-1606)
After five years of anticipation, the Frick Collection has officially reopened its doors. Undergoing a comprehensive renovation and enhancement project costing $220 million, the transformation of this beloved New York institution is nothing short of extraordinary. What was already one of the city’s most charming and exquisite museums has emerged smarter, more intimate, and more accessible, exceeding all expectations while preserving its essential character.

Seeing the Frick’s legendary masterpieces back in their rightful setting was deeply moving. Thanks to new overhead lighting and masterful curation, the Turners, Corots, and Rembrandts are more engaging and visible as the artists intended. Titian’s Portrait of a Man in a Red Cap and Bellini’s St. Francis in the Desert have never looked better. There’s a sense of homecoming in every corner—and an unmistakable reverence for the legacy of Henry Clay Frick’s vision.

In a city renowned for its world-class cultural destinations, the reborn Frick has reclaimed its spot as one of the most essential—and unique—museums in New York. It's not just a return. It’s a revelation.

Unfortunately, no pictures were allowed in the galleries, so I can only share a few photos I took of the bronze Bust of Don Fernando Álvarez de Toledo, Third Duke of Alba (1507–1582), in the serene Garden Court, replete with central fountain, stately columns, and a skylight ceiling.
Bust of Don Fernando Álvarez de Toledo, Third Duke of Alba
Bust of Don Fernando Álvarez de Toledo, Third Duke of Alba
Postcards of some of the masterpieces on view