BBB worked as the executive architect in close collaboration with Selldorf Architects. The design for the renovation and enhancement celebrates the architectural legacy and unique character of the Frick while providing contemporary museum services and amenities. The majestic atmosphere of the Frick’s beloved main-floor galleries has been restored, and the former second-floor family quarters, open to the public for the first time, have been transformed into a series of intimate exhibition rooms. The 70th Street Garden, which becomes a visual centerpiece of the project, has been restored in keeping with the vision of Russell Page and sits above a new 218-seat auditorium. The project also encompasses critical infrastructure and systems upgrades with the goal of safeguarding the institution and its collections for future generations. BBB was responsible for the development and coordination of the project, management of the multi-disciplinary consultant team, and restoration and documentation of historic elements of the landmarked structures.
The Frick Collection Renovation & Enhancement
New York, NY

The first comprehensive upgrade since The Frick Collection opened in 1935, this project opens up more of the historic house to the public, presents more of the permanent collection, and improves facilities for special exhibitions, education programs, conservation, and visitor amenities, including ADA access.





A Restored Atmosphere in Beloved Spaces

Living Hall
Significant work was undertaken to restore the mansion to its late Gilded Age splendor, particularly in the first-floor galleries.

East Gallery
Skylights and laylights were replaced over the first-floor galleries and the Garden Court.

Oval Room
Architectural features throughout the buildings were carefully treated, preserving elaborately carved wood paneling and carvings, decorative marble and plaster, and bronze fixtures and hardware.

West Gallery
Textiles and wall hangings were recreated and reinstalled, manufactured by the same firms commissioned by the Frick family more than a century ago.

Café Reception
Even the newly constructed spaces are executed with a sensitivity and restraint that complements, respects, and enhances the Frick’s unique architectural legacy.


Stephen A. Schwarzman Auditorium
Underneath the 70th Street Garden, a former vault has been converted into an intimate, enveloping space for performances, talks, and other events. To create this space, the design and construction team completely removed the 70th Street Garden, excavated and constructed the auditorium, then replanted the garden over top of it.




Modern Amenities for a Historic Institution

Museum Shop
A new second-story extension atop the Reception Hall includes dedicated, light-filled retail space for the Museum Shop.

Westmoreland
The Frick Collection’s first-ever on-site café, Westmoreland, named after Henry Clay Frick’s private railroad car, is located on the second floor of the expansion, with views over the restored 70th Street Garden.

Office Space
Staff offices are housed in the new building inserted between the historic mansion and the Frick Art Reference Library.

Sherman Fairchild Center for Art Conservation
Conservators’ studios have been expanded and upgraded with state-of-the-art new spaces and equipment.

Roof Terrace
Atop the Frick Art Reference Library, a new outdoor terrace offers a place for staff to meet or unwind.
Project Credits
BBB Partner-in-Charge
Richard W. Southwick
BBB Team
Andres Alvarez Davila
Noerah Alvi
Cedric Araica
Susan Baggs
Susan Bopp
Allison Fricke
Joe Gall
Miriam Kelly
Sergey Khoroshilov
Lars Moestue
Ariane Prache
Kate Reggev
Monika Sarac
Peter R. Scaglione
Jerry Schmit
Andrea Sforza
Michael Wetstone
Noerah Alvi
Cedric Araica
Susan Baggs
Susan Bopp
Allison Fricke
Joe Gall
Miriam Kelly
Sergey Khoroshilov
Lars Moestue
Ariane Prache
Kate Reggev
Monika Sarac
Peter R. Scaglione
Jerry Schmit
Andrea Sforza
Michael Wetstone
Design Architect
Selldorf Architects
Horticulture & Garden Design
Lynden B. Miller Public Garden Design
Structural
Guy Nordenson and Associates
Structural Engineer of Record, Waterproofing, Roof
Simpson Gumpertz & Herger Inc.
MEP/IT/Security
Kohler Ronan, LLC
Civil Engineering
Philip Habib & Associates, P.E., P.C.
Geotechnical
Langan
Lighting
L'Observatoire International Lighting Designers and Consultants
Theatre, Acoustics, AV & Façade, Window, Skylight
Arup
Fire Protection
Code Consultants International (CCI)
Sustainability
Atelier Ten
LEED Commissioning
WSP Global
Food Service
Clevenger Frable LaVallee
Vertical Transportation
Jenkins and Huntington
Cost Estimator
Dharam Consulting
Conservation Studios Consultant
Samuel M. Anderson Architects
BIM Specialist
Existing Conditions Surveys Inc
Expeditor
Conversano Associates
Owner's Representative
Colliers International
Construction Manager
Sciame
Awards & Press
Women Builders Council
Notable Private Project Award
Architectural Record
Architectural Record Awards, Honorable Mention (Museums)
Copper Development Association
North American Copper in Architecture (NACIA) Award
Robb Report
The Best Art of the Year, From MoMA’s Jack Whitten Restrospective to a Caravaggio Blockbuster
Designboom
International museum day: 10 must-see museums that just opened (or will soon)
Dezeen
Selldorf Architects completes The Frick Collection renovation in New York
Condé Nast Traveler
New York City’s Museums and Cultural Institutions Are Having a Renaissance
Hospitality Design
Five on Friday: March 28th, 2025
Untapped Cities
A Walk Through the Renovated Frick Collection in NYC
The Age
Spectacular new openings make New York an even better place to visit
La Voce di New York
The Frick Collection to Reopen on April 17 After Significant Renovation
Art Daily
Full slate of new publications announced to celebrate the Frick's grand reopening
The City Life
The Frick Collection Reveals Plans for New Collection Galleries on Second Floor of Original Residence