The Frick Collection Restoration

West Gallery Ceiling, Garden Court Fountain, and Stone Conservation

Originally constructed as the private residence of Henry Clay Frick in 1914 and transformed into a public museum in the 1930s, The Frick Collection is one of New York’s most significant Gilded Age landmarks. As part of a comprehensive renovation and expansion project completed in 2025, EverGreene played a central role in the conservation and restoration of key interior spaces, including the West Gallery and the Garden Court, one of the museum’s most iconic environments.

The Garden Court, originally an open-air carriageway, was enclosed in the early 1930s under architect John Russell Pope, creating a luminous interior courtyard defined by a glass and iron skylight, limestone colonnades, and a central marble fountain. The West Gallery—formerly the picture gallery—features a richly ornamented plaster ceiling and decorative finishes that are emblematic of the mansion’s original design.

West Gallery Ceiling Restoration

EverGreene conducted a detailed conditions assessment and historic finishes investigations to guide the restoration of the West Gallery ceiling. Work included stabilization of ornamental plaster, repair of damaged elements, and inpainting of decorative finishes to reintegrate areas of loss while preserving original material wherever possible. The result is a fully revitalized ceiling that reflects the craftsmanship and intent of the 1914 design.

Garden Court Fountain Conservation

The Garden Court fountain—constructed of St. Genevieve marble and continuously operating for decades—required both aesthetic and functional restoration. Guided by the findings of a condition assessment, the complete fountain restoration included removal of mineral deposits and staining, polishing and surface refinements, crack repairs and replacement of deteriorated marble with carefully color-matched stone, the conservation of a bronze frog sculptures, and the coordination of plumbing and mechanical system upgrades. These efforts restored the courtyard’s center piece and ensured the fountain’s  reliable, long-term performance.

Garden Court Stone Conservation

Complementing the fountain work, EverGreene conserved approximately 3,400 square feet of limestone surfaces throughout the Garden Court, including columns, piers, and ornamental detailing. The team implemented a sensitive cleaning program designed to remove soiling, salts, and discoloration while preserving the stone’s historic patina. Techniques included dry cleaning with soft brushing and vacuuming, controlled steam cleaning for deeper staining, targeted poultice treatments for persistent discoloration, and ongoing monitoring and maintenance during the construction. This approach brightened the entire space while maintaining its historic character and material integrity.

Across all three scopes, EverGreene’s work was guided by rigorous investigation, testing, and collaboration. Treatment methodologies were developed in consultation with curators, architects, and engineers, ensuring that each intervention balanced conservation ethics with project goals. By integrating architectural finishes restoration with stone and fountain conservation, EverGreene delivered a unified approach that addressed both aesthetic and performance requirements.