All Of It - Episode Summary: "The Frick is Back!"

Host: Alison Stewart
Guest: Amy Eng, John Updike Curator at the Frick Collection
Release Date: April 14, 2025

Introduction to the Frick Collection's Reopening

Alison Stewart introduces the episode by announcing the reopening of the Frick Collection to the public after a five-year closure for extensive renovations. She provides a historical backdrop, noting that the Frick Collection was originally the residence of Henry Clay Frick, a steel magnate whose wealth accumulation methods would be controversial today. Frick’s passion for art led him to amass a significant collection, transforming his home into a museum as stipulated in his will. Opening in 1935, the Frick Collection has remained a cornerstone of New York City's cultural landscape, blending European masterpieces with the elegant ambiance of a historic mansion.

Renovation Overview and Objectives

Amy Eng elaborates on the comprehensive $330 million renovation project aimed at modernizing the museum while preserving its historic essence. The renovation addressed several structural issues, such as building leaks and inadequate storage for artworks. Importantly, the project involved opening the previously inaccessible second floor to the public for the first time, expanding gallery space by 30%, and creating new performance areas within a repurposed bunker previously intended as a doomsday shelter.

Notable Quote:
Amy Eng (04:42): "Small things like having a cafe, having an auditorium that we don't have to turn people away at the door because the capacity is so small, that kind of thing, letting people in out of the rain because suddenly the reception hall is just a little bit more generous."

The Role of Helen Frick in Shaping the Collection

The conversation shifts to Helen Clay Frick, Henry Frick’s daughter, who played a pivotal role in expanding and curating the collection long after her father's death in 1919. Amy Eng highlights Helen’s influence in incorporating early Italian Renaissance works into the museum, which were not previously part of her father's acquisitions. This addition is now honored in the restored rooms on the second floor, including her former bedroom.

Notable Quote:
Amy Eng (03:09): "She's the one who brought in a lot of the early Italian Renaissance, the Duccio, Cimabue, Piero della Francesca, the early stuff that her father just wasn't particularly collecting in his time."

Temporary Relocation: The Frick Madison Experience

During the renovation, the Frick Collection did not cease operations but instead relocated temporarily to the Breuer Building, previously home to the Whitney Museum until 2024. Amy Eng explains that the decision to maintain public access was driven by a commitment to the city. The temporary venue, Frick Madison, showcased select pieces from the main collection, prioritizing iconic artworks to maintain public interest and engagement.

Notable Quote:
Amy Eng (05:30): "But I think it was immediately decided by our former director, Ian Wardropper, and the board of trustees that we kind of owed it to the City of New York to have some of the collection available for view, for experience."

Architectural Enhancements and New Spaces

The renovation, led by architect Annabelle Selldorf, not only preserved the historical integrity of the Frick Collection but also introduced 27,000 square feet of new space. This expansion includes enhanced public areas, education rooms, and seamless architectural connections between the museum and its library. The new design emphasizes grace, consistency, and coherence, creating beautiful vistas and thoughtful spatial experiences for visitors.

Notable Quote:
Amy Eng (13:25): "These public spaces, education rooms, these linkages, for example, between the library and the collection. They're not just hallways, they're beautiful spaces."

Artisan Collaboration and Restoration Efforts

Amy Eng underscores the meticulous craftsmanship involved in the renovation, highlighting collaborations with international artisans. Traditional crafts such as silk wall hangings from Lyon and diverse marble selections demonstrate the commitment to authenticity and aesthetic excellence. This dedication ensures that the restored elements honor the museum's original splendor while integrating modern enhancements.

Notable Quote:
Amy Eng (16:22): "It was really to give the visitors a little bit more breathing room... to create beautiful spaces."

Innovative Exhibitions and Installations

The reopening boasts several new and noteworthy exhibitions. Among them are:

• Porcelain Floral Sculptures: Created by Ukrainian-born Russian artist Vladimir Kanievsky, these porcelain arrangements replace live flowers, respecting conservation principles while honoring Helen Frick's original vision of floral displays in the galleries.

  Notable Quote:
  Amy Eng (18:45): "They’re produced by a Ukrainian born Russian artist called Vladimir Kanievsky. He works locally in New Jersey and he has produced an unbelievable arrangement of plants and flowers made of porcelain throughout the galleries."

• Works on Paper: Featuring drawings by Degas and Rubens, this exhibition showcases the Frick’s robust but previously underrepresented collection of works on paper. These pieces are exhibited temporarily due to their light-sensitive nature.

  Notable Quote:
  Amy Eng (20:15): "This is a really nice moment to celebrate further what's in the Frick's collection by showing objects that Henry Clay Frick collected, works on paper, as well as what the trustees have augmented in the collection."

• Vermeer's "Love Letters": A collaborative exhibit with the Rijksmuseum and the National Gallery of Ireland, this display brings together complementary works that explore themes of intimacy and correspondence.

  Notable Quote:
  Amy Eng (20:50): "We are bringing together three paintings. This is based on the Frick's famous Mistress and maid picture... it opens on June 17th."

Enhanced Visitor Experience and Accessibility

The renovation prioritizes visitor comfort and accessibility. New amenities such as a café and an expanded reception hall provide a more welcoming and accommodating environment. The addition of a restaurant allows for a broader range of offerings, moving beyond basic refreshments to include options like wine, enhancing the overall visitor experience.

Notable Quote:
Amy Eng (18:00): "We look forward to having the bar at the Frick open when the cafe opens in June."

Performance Spaces and Cultural Programming

A significant addition to the Frick Collection is the new performance space, designed with excellent acoustics and aesthetics in mind. The inaugural performances during the two-week opening festival have already sold out, featuring prominent artists like Anthony Costanza and Nico Muhle-Heilig. These performances integrate contemporary cultural expressions with the museum’s historic environment, fostering a dynamic and living art community.

Notable Quote:
Amy Eng (21:24): "There is a lot that they sold out so quickly this two weeks of opening festival performances. And it is chock a block full of stars."

Conservation Philosophy: Art Labels and Visitor Engagement

Amy Eng addresses the museum's approach to art labeling, emphasizing the preservation of the historic home atmosphere by avoiding didactic labels that dictate interpretation. Instead, each artwork has a plaque with essential identification details, and comprehensive information is accessible through a paid guide or a free app with audio commentary. This approach encourages visitors to engage with the art personally and interpretatively.

Notable Quote:
Amy Eng (22:27): "The reason we don't have didactic labels... this is the mission of the museum to preserve that sense of a home."

Closing Reflections and Looking Forward

In her final remarks, Amy Eng expresses her favorite aspect of the renovated museum: the harmonious return of the paintings to a setting that feels authentically their own. She highlights the balance achieved between maintaining the historic essence and embracing contemporary needs, ensuring that the Frick Collection remains a vibrant and relevant cultural institution.

Notable Quote:
Amy Eng (24:06): "I would say that it's just nice to have the paintings feel and look like they're back at home."

Conclusion

Alison Stewart wraps up the episode by reiterating the significance of the Frick Collection's reopening, celebrating the museum's successful transformation and its commitment to both preserving art history and fostering contemporary cultural dialogue.

Additional Notes:

• Instagram Engagement: Listeners are encouraged to view photographs from the episode’s members' opening on the show's Instagram account, Olivetnyc.
• Future Exhibits and Events: The Frick Collection plans to continue enriching its offerings with temporary exhibits, performances, and collaborative projects, ensuring an ongoing dynamic presence in New York City's art scene.

This comprehensive summary encapsulates the key discussions and insights from the "All Of It" podcast episode, providing listeners with a detailed overview of the Frick Collection’s revitalization and its future trajectory.