The View from the Frick

To the Editor:

Re “Another View on The Frick” (Nov. 17)

The Frick has planned for decades to expand the museum on the site currently occupied by one of its three gardens. The expansion will enable the Frick to further its mission as a museum and library.

Between 1940 and 1972, the museum purchased the three townhouses on 70th Street with the intent of constructing on the entire site a new wing to house much-needed classrooms, a larger auditorium, conservation facilities, and other amenities to better serve the public.

Following the purchase of the third lot, the Frick in 1973 received approval from the Landmarks Preservation Commission to construct on the parcels a terrace and an interim garden, both of which were to serve as placeholders for approximately ten years until financing for a large addition could be secured.

After an analysis showed that costs of building a temporary garden were considerably higher than anticipated , the museum instead decided to install what was referred to as a “permanent” architectural garden and a one-story pavilion to house a reception hall, coat check, and shop on the ground-floor level, and two small rooms in the basement to satisfy the “forseeable minimal needs of the Collection for certain interior space,” as stated by former Frick Director Everett Fahy in his May 21, 1974 testimony to the Landmarks Preservation Commission. Considering the use of the word “permanent” in the context of “foreseeable minimal needs” is critical to understanding the Frick’s intent concerning the property.

Forty years later, the museum’s minimal needs are no longer being met. As has been reported, the Frick studied several plans that would have kept the garden and pavilion intact, and concluded that the original plan calling for an addition on the entire parcel is the best solution to satisfy the Frick’s needs. It will also allow for the opening of a major portion of the second floor of the mansion as galleries.

The garden on East 70th Street, while attractive, is not original to the property and period of the Frick residence or the 1935 conversion to a museum by John Russell Pope. While building on this site is not an easy choice, it is the best way for the Frick to achieve its mission-driven goals, and is the reason the Frick spent so many years and substantial funds acquiring the parcel.

The Frick has three gardens now (two outside one inside) and will continue to have three gardens after the addition is built. The historic Fifth Avenue Garden by Frederick Law Olmsted, Jr. will remain unchanged as will the signature interior Garden Court by John Russell Pope. The 70th Street Garden will be replaced by a garden atop the new addition that will be open to the public and offer views of Central Park and an outdoor space for contemplation.

Our interactions with a range of interested parties have been positive and helpful, and we look forward to continuing this dialogue as we refine and finalize the proposal.

Ian Wardropper, Director

The Frick Collection