Frye Art Museum

Can't wait for this place to reopen!

The Frye has changed. It used to be devoted exclusively to representational art of all periods. That is, no abstract art, no conceptual art, no minimalist art, no installations, no performance art. No basketballs suspended in a fish tank ( Jeff Koons ) .nThe museum was initially built to house the collection of Charles and Emma Frye. More representational art was acquired and the collection grew.Shows from outside were mounted such as the works of Bo Bartlett, Wilhelm Hammershoi, Nicolai Fechin, Maxfield Parrish, Toulouse- Lautrec, Norman Rockwell, Renoir, Daumier. While other art museums were going in different directions, The Frye remained the last bastion of representational art... landscapes, portraits interiors, still lifes.nPersonally, I think the spirit if not the letter of the Frye's will has been betrayed. I think they would be appalled at how their museum has changed.nBut the present directorship feels otherwise, asserting that the Fryes were innovative and forward looking collectors.nThis is absurd.nTheir collection contains hardly any cutting edge representational work of the timenThe Fryes collected works by Bierstadt, Twatchman, W.M. Chase,Raschen, von Stuck, Bouguereau, Dahl Etc.nAmong the 232 paintings in the collection there is one Cassatt, one Thomas Eakins.nCharles Frye began collecting in 1893, well after the advent of the Impressionists. But they do not make up a notable portion of the work he sought.nSo, no....the Fryes were NOT innovative avant- guard collectors !nCurrently, due to selling off the land for development, the parking lot is gone and there is no longer free parking. Admission continues to be free, though. Be sure to check what is on exhibition before you go lest you be confronted with a lot of things you do not care for.

Cool little art spot, but the walk there from downtown is littered with homeless people giving you the stink eye.

YES, Go! It's still open. Get your free time ticket online. Great Shows up!!!

Great community museum. Entry is free, and they always have some unique displays and exhibits.