Manhattan’s Frick Collection Faces Backlash Over Ambitious Nightlife Proposal

Manhattan’s Frick Collection Faces Backlash Over Ambitious Nightlife Proposal

Edited by: TJVNews.com

The Frick Collection, a renowned Upper East Side art gallery located near Central Park, is facing controversy and opposition from local residents over its ambitious proposal to open 17 new bars and host events that could last until 4 a.m, according to a recently published report in the New York Post. The gallery, known for its exquisite collection housed in the former estate of American industrialist Henry Clay Frick, has submitted a liquor license application that has raised concerns among neighbors, who fear the transformation of the historic facility into a modern “high-class party space,” the Post report added.

The Frick Collection’s liquor license application, obtained by The Post, outlines plans to open 17 bars and host all-night events on all 14 floors of its nearly 200,000 square foot building. While the gallery asserts that it does not intend to open that many bars, local residents remain skeptical and are pushing for significant modifications to the proposal.

Angry neighbors, represented by the East 70th Street Block Association, are expressing their concerns about the potential disruption caused by late-night events and the impact on the tranquil neighborhood, as was reported by the Post. Community Board 8 sources state that no other museum in New York City hosts parties until 2 a.m., and the idea of converting The Frick into a late-night event venue is deemed “crazy.”

Members of the East 70th Street Block Association have written to the Community Board, urging the implementation of stipulations to address their concerns. The report in the Post said that the proposed stipulations include allowing only five liquor bars to operate simultaneously, capping the capacity of collection areas at 400 people, and restricting events to start no later than 9 p.m. The community group emphasized support for The Frick Collection’s educational mission but vehemently opposes the transformation into what they describe as a “high-class party space,” the report added.

Ben Kallos, the attorney for the East 70th Street Block Association and a former Upper East Side City Councilman, has highlighted the shock and opposition from the community, according to the Post report. Kallos argues that the proposed changes, spanning 11 to 14 floors, are excessive and not in line with the neighborhood’s character.

The letter submitted to the Community Board argues that the proposal is excessive, questioning the need for 17 bars and expressing concern about the potential scale of events.

As The Frick Collection undergoes a $160 million renovation and expansion, its liquor license application has become a focal point of contention, the Post reported.  While a spokesperson for the museum insists that the primary focus will continue to be on art, neighbors worry that the proposed late-night events could alter the character of the institution.

Representatives for The Frick emphasize that the proposed changes are aligned with the museum’s historical operations and that the completion of the renovation will introduce a small restaurant on the second floor of the reception hall, the Post report noted.

“The Frick will be programming its spaces as it did previously, with a focus on the art,” a spokesperson for the museum told The Post.

“With the completion of the renovation and enhancement project, the Frick will have a small restaurant on the second floor of its reception hall. The application is structured to accommodate the restaurant as well as events at the Frick, aligned with our previous and current operations.

“We are continuing to have clarifying conversations with our neighbors about these plans.”

Attorney Jonathan Bing, echoing these sentiments, underscores the “primary purpose” of the application as being for the new restaurant.

“There will be a limited number of events in the building, as there always have been, probably dating back since 1934,” Bing, a former state Assemblyman, told the Patch.

While Bing defends the application’s intent, Kallos contends that it exceeds what would be acceptable for a 900-square-foot restaurant.

The Frick Collection and the community are engaged in ongoing conversations to find common ground. The clash between the institution’s vision for its post-renovation phase and the community’s concerns underscores the challenges faced by cultural institutions seeking to evolve while maintaining harmonious relationships with their surroundings. As the discussions continue, the outcome will likely shape the future of The Frick Collection and its role in the Upper East Side community.