New York City (Fodor's, 2012) - Fodor's [92]
Henry Clay Frick made his fortune amid the soot and smoke of Pittsburgh, where he was a coke (a coal fuel derivative) and steel baron. Decidedly removed from soot is this facility, once Frick’s private New York residence.
Édouard Manet’s The Bullfight (1864) hangs in the East Gallery, which also exhibits a Chinard portrait bust (1809; bought in 2004). Two of the Frick’s three Vermeers—Officer and Laughing Girl (circa 1658) and Girl Interrupted at Her Music (1660–61)—hang by the front staircase.
Nearly 50 additional paintings, as well as sculpture, decorative arts, and furniture, are in the West and East galleries. Three Rembrandts, including The Polish Rider (circa 1655) and Self-Portrait (1658), as well as a third Vermeer, Mistress and Maid (circa 1665–70), hang in the former; paintings by El Greco, Goya, Millet, Greuze, and Hogarth in the latter.
An audio guide, available in several languages, is included with admission, as are the year-round temporary exhibits. The tranquil indoor garden court is a great spot for a rest. Children under 10 are not admitted, 10–16 with adult only. | 1 E. 70th St., at 5th Ave., Upper East Side | 10021 | 212/288–0700 | www.frick.org | $18 | Tues.–Sat. 10–6, Sun. 11–5 | Subway: 6 to 68th St./Hunter College.
Jewish Museum.
Within a Gothic-style 1908 mansion, the museum draws on a large collection of art and ceremonial objects to explore Jewish identity and culture spanning more than 4,000 years.
The two-floor permanent exhibition Culture and Continuity: The Jewish Journey displays nearly 800 objects complemented by interactive media. The wide-ranging collection includes a 3rd-century Roman burial plaque, 20th-century sculpture by Elie Nadelman, and contemporary art from artists such as Marc Chagall and Man Ray. | 1109 5th Ave., at E. 92nd St., Upper East Side | 10128 | 212/423–3200 | www.jewishmuseum.org | $12, Sat. free | Sat.–Tues. 11–5:45, Thurs. 11–8, Fri. 11–4 | Subway: 6 to 96th St.
Fodor’s Choice | The Metropolitan Museum of Art.
If the city held no other museum than the colossal Metropolitan Museum of Art, you could still occupy yourself for days roaming its labyrinthine corridors. Because the Metropolitan Museum has something approaching 3 million works on display over its more than 7 square mi, you’re going to have to make some hard choices. Looking at everything here could take a week. | 5th Ave. at 82nd St., Upper East Side | 10028 | 212/535–7710 | www.metmuseum.org | $20 suggested donation | Tues.–Thurs. and Sun. 9:30–5:30, Fri. and Sat. 9:30–9 | Subway: 4, 5, 6 to 86th St.
Museum of American Illustration.
Founded in 1901, the museum of the Society of Illustrators presents its annual “Oscars,” a juried, international competition, from January to March. The best in children’s book illustrations is featured October through November. In between are eclectic exhibitions on science fiction, fashion, political, and historical illustration. | 128 E. 63rd St., between Lexington and Park Aves., Upper East Side | 10023 | 212/838–2560 | www.societyillustrators.org | Free | Tues. 10–8, Wed.–Fri. 10–5, Sat. noon–4 | Subway: F to 63rd St.; 4, 5, 6, N, R to 59th St./Lexington Ave.
Museum of the City of New York.
Within a Colonial Revival building designed for the museum in the 1930s, the city’s history and many quirks are revealed through engaging exhibits. Beginning in early 2010 and through 2012, the museum’s permanent galleries will undergo a major renovation.
The museum will still have a series of rotating exhibitions on subjects such as architecture, fashion, history, and politics. Don’t miss Timescapes, a 25-minute media projection that innovatively illustrates New York’s physical expansion and population changes. The museum hosts New York–centric lectures, films, and walking tours. TIP When you’re finished touring the museum, cross the street and stroll through the Vanderbilt Gates to enter the Conservatory Garden, one of Central Park’s hidden gems. | 1220 5th Ave., at E. 103rd St., Upper East Side | 10029 | 212/534–1672 | www.mcny.org | $10 suggested