After a four-year construction period and a $330 million undertaking, The Frick Collection is reopening its doors to the public on April 17th, 2025. Museum-goers will be treated to enhanced gallery spaces, a new 220-seat auditorium, and second floor access for the first time in the institution’s history. With all that’s underway, it’s easy to forget that the Upper East Side cultural hub houses an unused 1914 bowling alley in its basement.
If you feel enticed by some of NYC’s best secrets and rich history, you’ll surely find it uptown.
All about The Frick’s bowling alley
Trust us, this hidden, off-limits part of The Frick is unlike any other bowling alley in NYC. A blast from the past, the antiquated 1914 two-lane bowling alley and billiards room sports pine and maple lanes, wooden walls, and ornate ceiling panels with a nod to 17th and 18th century England. It’s quite refined but so antiquated that it makes you feel as though you’re literally stepping back in time.
Steel entrepreneur Henry Clay Frick had the bowling alley constructed in 1914 for $850 and it was completed two years later. However, he didn’t get to do much bowling, unfortunately, as he died of a heart attack in 1919. Not willing to let the space go unused, his daughter filled it with books. (Our kinda gal.)
According to The New York Times, it wasn’t until 1997 that the space underwent extensive renovations — but only to remain unused. Since there is only one area in which to enter and exit, it does not comply with NYC fire codes and remains inaccessible to the public.
While visitors have plenty to explore upon the museum’s reopening this spring, it’s interesting to think what lies underneath it all. If you’re keen on exploring areas that are under the radar, our guide to the best hidden gardens and hidden bars will pique your interest.
For more on The Frick’s grand return, visit the museum website and be sure to have a gander at our go-to exhibitions in NYC.