For the first time in five years, The Frick Collection on Manhattan’s Upper East Side is hosting a special exhibition—and this one is worth the wait. On June 18 just two months after its grand reopening, the museum unveiled Vermeer’s Love Letters, the inaugural show in its newly constructed special exhibition galleries.
The exhibition marks a significant milestone for The Frick, which reopened on April 17 following an extensive renovation by Selldorf Architects. Alongside the new galleries, visitors can now enjoy a 220-seat theater and the charming 50-seat café, Westmoreland, all part of the museum’s revitalized space.
Vermeer’s Love Letters brings together three iconic works by Dutch master Johannes Vermeer, two of which have never been shown alongside the Frick’s own treasured piece, Mistress and Maid. This painting holds special significance as it was the final masterpiece acquired by museum founder Henry Clay Frick before his death.
Joining Mistress and Maid are The Love Letter from the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam and Woman Writing a Letter with Her Maid from the National Gallery of Ireland, Dublin. Although these works share similar themes of intimacy, secrecy, and communication, they have never been displayed together—until now.
“This exhibition feels particularly meaningful,” said Xavier F. Salomon, Deputy Director of The Frick Collection. “It honors Henry Clay Frick’s legacy as a collector and celebrates Vermeer’s enduring place in the art world.”
The show explores the significance of letter writing and epistolary exchanges during the seventeenth century—a time when handwritten letters were a central part of social life, romance, and intrigue.
According to Axel Rüger, Director of The Frick, this is the first Vermeer-focused exhibition in New York City since 2001. “Vermeer remains one of the most celebrated artists globally, and it’s fitting that his work is the centerpiece of our first special exhibition in our transformed home,” Rüger stated.
Vermeer’s Love Letters runs through August 31 making it a must-see addition to New York’s summer cultural calendar. For art lovers, history buffs, or those simply curious about one of the world’s most enigmatic painters, this is an exhibition not to miss.
Location: The Frick Collection, 1 East 70th St., New York City
Dates: Through August 31