The Frick Collection

"The Frick Collection is undergoing a $160 million renovation and will open a new restaurant on the second floor of its reception hall this fall. This will be the first restaurant in the museum’s history. The museum will also feature 14 new bars, accessible only during special events and private gatherings. Previously, the Frick applied for one-day liquor licenses for special events, but now aims to permanently serve food and alcohol. The museum had to negotiate with Upper East Side residents to reduce the initial proposal of 17 bars to 14, with numerous restrictions imposed." - Luke Fortney

"The Frick Collection and its neighbors have been at odds in recent months over a proposal to open 17 late-night bars at the museum. Upper East Side residents feared the museum, which is closed for renovations, would become an after-hours venue with parties, live music, and dancing. The two parties reached an agreement this month after seven weeks of back and forth: The Frick will operate 14 bars when it reopens this year, but they will have lots of rules, including limited windows of service and a ban on happy hours, according to Upper East Site. The Frick closed for renovations in 2020. At the time, the $160 million plans included new galleries, an education center, and updates to its infrastructure." - Luke Fortney

"The phrase "jewel box" may be overused when referring to exquisite galleries and museums, but there's no better way to describe the Frick Collection, at 70th Street and Fifth Avenue. The early-20th-century neoclassical mansion facing Central Park, designed by Carrère and Hastings (who were also responsible for the main branch of the New York Public Library), was the residence of industrialist Henry Clay Frick before being converted to a museum after his death. Most of the works on display were acquired by Frick and his wife during their lifetimes, and are predominantly paintings by European old masters—Boucher, Holbein, Fragonard, Reynolds, Van Dyck, and others. The museum is arranged, however, much as it would have been during the Fricks' day, with antique furniture sitting in the rooms where the paintings are hung."

"COVID-19 update: Soon to re-open at Frick Madison location. Check out the roster of virtual offerings including drawing classes and art discussions with resident experts. Housed in a classic early 20th-century mansion commissioned by the industrialist Henry Clay Frick, the collection boasts iconic works from the Renaissance to the early 19th-century, including pieces by El Greco, Goya, and Rembrandt. We especially love the absolutely over-the-top rococo room with wall-to-wall frescoes by Honoré Fragonard. COVID-19 disclaimer: We are working hard to keep our listings as up to date as possible (deliveries, outdoor dining, etc.), but given the evolving nature of local COVID-19 restrictions, we recommend double-checking the information in this guide with any business you plan on visiting. Also, please note that we have not vetted any businesses listed within our guides for their compliance with applicable safety regulations. "

The Classic New York City Guide

"COVID-19 update: Soon to re-open at Frick Madison location. Check out the roster of virtual offerings including drawing classes and art discussions with resident experts. Housed in a classic early 20th-century mansion commissioned by the industrialist Henry Clay Frick, the collection boasts iconic works from the Renaissance to the early 19th-century, including pieces by El Greco, Goya, and Rembrandt. We especially love the absolutely over-the-top rococo room with wall-to-wall frescoes by Honoré Fragonard. COVID-19 disclaimer: We are working hard to keep our listings as up to date as possible (deliveries, outdoor dining, etc.), but given the evolving nature of local COVID-19 restrictions, we recommend double-checking the information in this guide with any business you plan on visiting. Also, please note that we have not vetted any businesses listed within our guides for their compliance with applicable safety regulations. "