The Frick Collection is a wonderful hidden gem in New York City. The art museum is housed in Henry Clay Frick’s Fifth Avenue mansion in Upper East Side of Manhattan. The collection is largely Old Masters paintings, European sculpture, and decorative arts. Being a small museum, it is the perfect morning or afternoon jaunt. The mansion’s collection includes Bellini, Rembrandt, Vermeer, Goya, Holbein, and more. The experience feels as if you were invited to Frick’s mansion and he is giving a tour of his art collection. The environment is serene, quaint, and beautiful.
- Get the Acoustiguide audio tour and listen to the stories about the paintings. Most paintings, sculptures, and decorative art pieces have audio stories that tell you interesting bits about of the subject and artist. The paintings will come “alive” as you hear their tales.
- Do not miss the painting of the Comtesse d’Haussonville. She is the museum’s unofficial mascot and her intriguing smile and pose are irresistible.
- Do not miss the “dueling” paintings on each side of the fireplace in the Living Hall by Hans Holbein. The story of the Sir Thomas Moore and Thomas Cromwell paintings are fascinating.
- Download the museum’s free The Frick Collection App. It is a wonderful guide to the museum and it has most of the audio tours, so if you run short of time or just want to re-listen then it is conveniently on your phone.
Visit the museum at noon, when everyone is at lunch, and stay for a couple of hours. Then take a five minute walk to the Lowell Hotel and have afternoon tea in the Pembroke Room. Plan ahead: the Pembroke is small and reservations are needed. Afternoon Tea will give you a chance to sit after all of the walking and standing, as well as a chance to have a quiet place to reflect on your visit to the Frick Collection. Enjoy your tea, scones, and finger sandwiches while you discuss the Old Masters paintings like a pompous art critic…but, of course.