Five Little-Known Spots to Enjoy Summer at the Frick

Restful Retreats

The Frick grounds are at their most spectacular in the summer. From majestic trees to fragrant flowers, wandering the pathways around the site offers an escape within the city, and the numerous benches scattered throughout the Frick campus provide ample opportunities to enjoy the peace and tranquility of the gardens. One of our absolute favorite places can be found as you stroll the pathways surrounding Clayton. Nestled between beautiful flowers and a breezy curly willow is a small bench perfect for enjoying solitude or a romantic moment. 

Active Entry

The steps in front of The Frick Art Museum are the perfect place to embrace your nebby side. Enjoy views of neighboring Frick Park and keep an eye on the comings and goings at the museum. The Italian Renaissance-style museum was built to house Helen Clay Frick’s collection of art, which has grown since the museum opened in 1970. 

Peaceful Porch

The rocking chairs on the Playhouse porch offer a secluded and shady space to write your new novel or enjoy a glass of wine from the Café Wine Bar. Like the neighboring Greenhouse, this 1897 Dutch Colonial was designed by Alden & Harlow, one of Pittsburgh’s most renowned architectural firms of the day. Looking for a peek inside? Click here for information about tours of Clayton.

The Orchard

Enjoy the Adirondack chairs located throughout the site. You can almost always find a pair of chairs in the orchard. In 1904, this orchard was established with the planting of 20 peach trees. About 50 years later, only four of the trees remained. The current orchard of Siberian crabapples provides showy spring color and an acknowledgement of the historic use of this section of the grounds. 

The Great Lawn

You might think that being at the center of the Frick grounds would be chaotic, but the opposite is actually true. The vastness of this lawn offers the perfect location for a tranquil picnic, an inspired art project or a quiet moment with a good book. Bring a blanket and claim your spot on the lawn. 


We can’t wait to see you this summer at the Frick!