The Frick Collection

Profile

Robber baron Henry Clay Frick amassed an incredible fortune—and a goodly number of enemies—by ruthlessly exploiting steelworkers in 19th century Pittsburgh. Unfazed by his repuation as Public Enemy Number One, the industrial magnate lived flamboyantly. His tony, neo-Classical mansion was built in 1913 by architects Carrere and Hastings (who were also responsible for the New York Public Library's midtown headquarters) and has publicly showcased his sizable collection of ill-gotten gains since becoming a museum in the 1930s. While best-known for paintings spanning from the Renaissance to the turn of the last century, the holdings also include an impressive sampling of 18th century French furniture, Limoges enamel, Oriental tapestries and small bronzes. Indeed, the plentitude of masterpieces is mind-boggling. Two of the Frick's three Vermeers hang by the front staircase, portraits by Gainsborough and Reynolds stare out from the dining room walls, and canvases by Turner and Constable grace the library, a world-class component itself. Multiple Rococo wall panels by Boucher and his protege Fragonard are unlikely to travel. The list just goes on and on: Corot, Degas, Goya, Turner, Van Dyck, Velazquez and Whistler are all represented. — Simon Dumenco

When ornate, gilt-edged frames and heavy marble tables get too weighty to contemplate further, step into this lovely, light-infused courtyard replete with gently spalshing fountains and quiet nooks.

Tours
The Acoustiguide player (a hand-held device with audio commentary on the artwork) is included in the price of admission. An intro video loops from Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Weddings
Those lucky enough to be a private member of the collection (from $35,000) are granted the privilege of using the space, but they must use an event planner. The lofty building, full of enormous arched brick doorways, is separated into three different areas and accommodates up to 400 for cocktails and 200 for dinner.