The Frick Collection is one of New York City’s most significant arts institutions, comprised of an art museum, art reference library and gardens. The project delivers the first comprehensive upgrade since the museum opened to the public in 1935, expanding public access to the 1914 mansion and display of the collection. Facilities for special exhibitions, education programs and collections conservation will be improved, together with new visitor amenities and a concert hall.

As part of the design team led by Beyer Blinder Belle with Selldorf Architects, Miriam Kelly authored the Preservation Plan and designed the repair and reuse strategy for the historic mansion, library and gardens. The Preservation Plan establishes the relative significance of different areas and elements, using archival materials and on-site surveys to identify the integrity and condition of historic features. The Plan illustrates changes made in the building over the course of a century and identifies opportunities for restoration, adaptation and new interventions. The Plan formed part of a strategic preservation framework for The Frick Collection, informed the design approach for new interventions and articulated the relationships between new spaces and the Frick’s historic character.