Fifth Avenue Garden

As a result of a decision of the Board of Trustees in 1939, three magnolias were selected for the Fifth Avenue garden. The two trees on the lower tier are Saucer Magnolias (Magnolia soulangeana) and the species on the upper tier by the flagpole is a Star Magnolia (Magnolia stellata). Considered to be some of the largest in the New York area, and certainly the most grand in the setting in which they are displayed, they maintain their balance by yearly pruning, to sustain their sprawling shape in proportion to the long limestone facade of The Frick Collection.

Archival Photographs

  • photo of garden with trees, edges, and pathway, circa 1939

    Fifth Avenue Garden, showing Olmsted's privet hedges and the recently planted magnolia trees,1939.

  • photo of gated garden with buildings in background, circa 1939

    Fifth Avenue Garden, looking southwest, 1939

  • photo of garden near Frick Collection building next to avenue with cars and park, circa 1955

    Fifth Avenue Garden, looking southwest, 1955

  • photo of garden in front of building with U.S.A. flag near building, circa 1955

    Fifth Avenue Garden, looking southeast, 1955

  • photo of garden in front of building, circa 1955

    Fifth Avenue Garden, looking southeast, 1955

  • photo of garden with steps into the Frick Collection building, circa 1955

    Fifth Avenue Garden, looking northeast, 1955

  • photo of The Frick Collection exterior with cars parked outside, circa 1974

    Frick Collection exterior, 1974

Source: The Frick Collection/Frick Art Reference Library Archives