The Frick Collection has announced the appointment of Julia Day as its new Chief Conservator, marking a significant moment in the institution’s history as it celebrates the reopening of its newly renovated home at 1 East 70th Street and the unveiling of the Sherman Fairchild Center for Art Conservation.
Day, who stepped into her new role this spring, now oversees the museum’s Conservation and Art Preparation and Installation teams. She will work closely with staff on the preservation of the Frick’s world-renowned permanent collection and historic interiors, while also supporting research, special exhibitions, and mentorship programs designed to foster the next generation of conservators.
This appointment also marks Day’s return to the Frick, where she previously served from 2008 to 2022 as Assistant Conservator, Associate Conservator, and eventually Conservator under her predecessor, Joseph Godla. During her earlier tenure, she played a pivotal role in the care of the museum’s decorative arts and sculpture, as well as in coordinating the institution’s temporary relocation to Frick Madison in the Marcel Breuer–designed building on Madison Avenue.
Day was also instrumental in working with Sam Anderson Architects to develop plans for the museum’s state-of-the-art conservation and preparation facilities, which now support expanded programming, including a year-long graduate conservation internship and the forthcoming creation of a two- to three-year post-graduate position.
With its renovated galleries, advanced conservation center, and broader programming, the Frick enters a new era—one where innovation meets preservation, and Julia Day plays a central role in shaping its future.