Frick Launches the Public Phase of the Capital Campaign for its Renovation

Designed by Selldorf Architects in collaboration with Beyer Blinder Belle Architects & Planners, the project is the first comprehensive upgrade of the Frick’s facilities in nearly ninety years and will allow the public to experience more of the original Frick family residence. With a public opening anticipated for late 2024, the renovated museum and library will include newly created spaces for exhibitions, education, and conservation, new public amenities, increased accessibility, and upgraded systems and infrastructure, ensuring the ongoing vitality of the Frick for decades to come.

With an overall goal of $290 million, the Campaign for the Frick supports the Frick’s renovation and upgrade and provides funding for the temporary relocation of its collections and programs to Frick Madison, which remains open to the public through March 3, 2024. The campaign is anchored by a lead gift of $35 million from long-time Frick Trustee Stephen A. Schwarzman, who helped spearhead the silent phase of the campaign in 2019. In recognition of his generous support, the Frick will name its new auditorium the Stephen A. Schwarzman Auditorium. Major contributions have also been made by the Sidney R. and Susan R. Knafel Family, Margot and Jeremiah M. Bogert, Barbara and Bradford Evans, Elizabeth M. and Jean-Marie R. Eveillard, Barbara N. and James S. Reibel, The Anna-Maria and Stephen Kellen Foundation, the Sherman Fairchild Foundation, the Estate of Roberta H. Schneiderman, and the Selz Foundation. In addition, the City of New York allocated $6.4 million from the New York City Council and the Office of the Manhattan Borough President in recognition of the contributions and impact of The Frick Collection and the Frick Art Reference Library within the civic, cultural, and educational fabric of the city.

“The Campaign for the Frick is critical to ensuring that the Frick’s unparalleled holdings and historic buildings can be enjoyed and experienced by audiences for years to come,” stated Ian Wardropper, the Frick’s Anna-Maria and Stephen Kellen Director. “As we eagerly anticipate the reopening of our renovated and enhanced home at the end of next year, the now-public phase of our capital campaign provides an exciting opportunity to engage a wider community in the support of this transformative project. We are grateful to the many foundations, individuals, and government agencies who have played an integral role in our fundraising efforts thus far, making possible our temporary residency at Frick Madison and the revitalizing work continuing at East 70th Street. We look forward to the critical next phase of our campaign, which will help us reach our final fundraising goal.”

Added Elizabeth M. Eveillard, Chair of the Frick’s Board of Trustees, “We would like to acknowledge Stephen A. Schwarzman for his tremendous generosity and leadership gift during the silent phase of our campaign. In addition, we would like to extend a special thank you to the entire Board of Trustees. Their generous commitment of time and expertise is matched only by their advocacy for our institution, which has inspired countless others to support the Frick as we move through this exciting period of revitalization.”