THE DESTINATION
The Frick Collection
1 East 70th Street

THE JOURNEY
I don’t have to tell folks how to get to the Upper East Side, but we took the train to 72 and walked across the park for an added treat.

THE DETAILS
Advance timed tickets are required and cost $30 for adults, $17 for students.
Hours are 10:30a to 5:30p; closed on Tuesdays.
Pay-what-you-wish admission is offered Wednesdays from 1:30 to 5:30p, available online.

THE BACKGROUND
ICYMI, The Frick Collection reopened in April, after closing for covid and then embarking on a multi-year renovation to address infrastructure needs. The collection of masterworks from the Renaissance through the 19th Century began with Henry Clay Frick (1849–1919), who bequeathed his home, paintings, sculptures and decorative arts to the public — the museum opened in 1935. The Frick Art Research Library was founded in 1920 by Helen Clay Frick, Henry’s daughter. Recognized as one of the world’s top art history research centers, it has served students, scholars and members of the public free of charge for generations.

The renovation included a modest addition and repurposed the original space to include special exhibition galleries on the museum’s first floor, the Frick’s first dedicated education rooms, a new 218-seat auditorium, and a restaurant. The project also included the restoration of the 70th Street garden, which is visible — though not accessible — from new vantage points throughout the building (that’s a bit frustrating, actually.)

The museum is much bigger than it looks, with a substantial second floor. Nothing seems to be labeled, so you just have to sit back and enjoy. The audio tour links to some pieces but not all. They charge $5 for the gallery guide, which gives the rundown on everything.

The interior courtyard is beautiful; allow time to hang. There was a singer and bassist playing when we were there.

The place is special, and worth the slog to the UES.

PITSTOP
The museum has a cafe, Westmoreland, named for Frick’s private Pullman railway car that her purchased in 1910 and named for the Pennsylvania county of his birth. Avocado toast is $18. There’s also a coffeeshop.

We had tea at Ladurée Madison, around the corner, which made the whole afternoon feel very Upper East Side.