This project is the first comprehensive upgrade to our buildings in more than 85 years, and we are excited to be moving forward with this much-needed renovation and enhancement.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Liz Daly, Manager of Community and Government Affairs, either at FrickFuture@frick.org or at 646-783-5815.
If you are interested in receiving updates on our building project, email FrickFuture@frick.org
Project Overview
As recently announced, we anticipate re-opening the historic mansion in late 2024.
Our project remains on schedule, and to date we have completed many milestones, such as basement excavations and the demolition of the old art vault, erection of the steel for the overbuild in the center of the campus and the back of the Frick Art Reference Library, and pouring the new concrete slab for the 70th Street Garden. The skylights over the West and East galleries, as well as the Garden Court are installed.
On our Announcements page, you will find short videos on the skylight installation and the ongoing move of the Boucher Room to its original location.
Below are some of the specific activities that will be taking place through the summer.
Spring/Summer 2023
Towards the summer, as the buildings are being enclosed, work will systematically start moving to the interiors, and scaffolding around the buildings will be removed. The link between the museum and library will be installed. The sidewalk pedestrian sheds and traffic barriers will continue to remain in place.
On East 70th Street, activities include:
- Finishing the roof of the Reception Hall
- Removal of the hoist elevator
- Completion of the accessible entrance ramp
- Selective demolition work
- Delivery of construction equipment and materials to the site
On East 71st Street:
- Bringing in additional mechanical equipment for the Frick Art Reference Library
- Utilization of a second traffic lane for access and moving materials. This will result in the loss of part of the parking lane on the north side of 71st Street.
These activities may be subject to change due to weather or other circumstances.
A temporary HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning) system has been installed in the Fifth Avenue Garden that allows air to circulate and keeps the temperature and humidity at appropriate levels to protect the building and its interiors, while we install the new HVAC and other infrastructure upgrades. We anticipate that the equipment will remain onsite until the end of the project. A plywood barrier painted the color of the limestone has been installed in front of it, as well as new plantings.
Previous work on the site has included erecting protective barriers and fencing on both East 70th and East 71st Streets, as well as pedestrian walkways.
Various architectural elements in the 70th Street Garden were photographed and sent offsite for conservation.
The Frick has assembled a team of experts to oversee the garden’s restoration and reinstallation, in keeping with Russell Page’s original vision. If you would like to know more, read our announcements.
The Frick Collection and our contractors are committed to the health and safety of our personnel and the surrounding community. All activities are conducted based on New York State reopening guidelines as well as the latest Covid-19 guidance from the relevant government agencies.
Construction is being carried out in accordance with New York City laws and regulations, which allow construction activities between 7:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. on weekdays. Advance notice will be given should it be necessary to perform work outside these hours.