The Frick Collection in New York has entered into an exciting three-year collaboration with Louis Vuitton, aiming to enhance cultural engagement through various initiatives at the museum.
As the primary sponsor, Louis Vuitton will support three significant exhibitions at the Frick. The first, titled "Siena: The Art of Bronze, 1450-1500," will explore Siena's historical significance in bronze innovation during the Renaissance, set to open this fall. Following that, "Painting with Fire: Susanne de Court and the Art of Enamel," showcasing the work of the 17th-century French enameler, will debut in spring 2027. A third exhibition, which will highlight 19th-century paintings, is also planned for late 2027, though details are yet to be revealed.
Additionally, the partnership includes the establishment of a two-year position known as the Louis Vuitton Curatorial Research Associate. Yifu Liu, currently a curatorial fellow at the Frick, will assume this role, focusing on the museum's Asian porcelain collection and the artistic exchanges between Europe and China during the 18th century.
Louis Vuitton will also fund a year's worth of the Frick's popular First Fridays program, offering free admission on the first Friday of each month from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m., except for January and September. This initiative will run from June 2026 to May 2027 under the branding of Louis Vuitton First Fridays.
Frick director Axel Rüger expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, "We are thrilled to engage with Louis Vuitton in such a meaningful and sustaining way. The House's commitment to cultural experiences of the highest quality aligns well with our own. This sponsorship will provide critical funding for exhibitions, public programming, and art historical research, enabling us to enhance our offerings post-renovation."
The collaboration will kick off with Louis Vuitton's presentation of its Cruise 2027 collection, designed by Nicolas Ghesquière, in the Frick's first-floor galleries on May 20, necessitating a brief closure of the museum.
This partnership exemplifies how fashion and art can intersect to create enriching cultural experiences, paving the way for future collaborations that inspire and engage diverse audiences.
