Beyer Blinder Belle signs on for Frick Collection’s expansion

Beyer Blinder Belle has now joined Selldorf Architects as part of the team working on the expansion of the Frick Collection, the museum announced on Tuesday. After some back and forth over the design in 2014, the museum tapped Selldorf Architects to lead the expansion in October last year.

Beyer Blinder Belle will serve as the executive architect on the project and will provide technical support to bring Selldorf Architects’s design to fruition.

“Both Beyer Blinder Belle and Selldorf Architects will bring to this project incredible insight, having successfully preserved the distinct character of numerous historic structures, as well as executing designs that maximize a building’s potential as a space for public engagement,” Ian Wardropper, the director of the Frick Collection, said in a statement.

Beyer Blinder Belle is renowned for its renovation of historic buildings including the the Grand Central Terminal, the Met Breuer, and the South Street Seaport Museum.

The Frick’s expansion will open the second floor of the museum to the public for the first time. In addition, the museum is hoping to create a new gallery for special exhibits, dedicated spaces for the museum’s educational programming, and redesigning the existing visitor amenities to allow for a more streamlined circulation through the building.

Selldorf is likely to unveil its design for the expansion towards the end of this year or possibly early next year.

• Selldorf Architects tapped for Frick Collection expansion [Curbed]
• Tour The Frick's Off-Limits Second Floor With This 360 Degree Tour [Curbed]