The Playhouse

Designed by the architectural firm Alden & Harlow in 1897, the Playhouse was a center of activity for the Frick children when the Fricks lived at Clayton. Family photographs show many children gathered here for parties and events. Original amenities included furniture built to the smaller scale of the rooms, a bowling alley and a darkroom for Childs Frick’s pursuit of photography.

Today, staff offices are housed in the Playhouse, and it is not accessible to visitors. 

Archival Images of the Frick Children's Playhouse

A view of the Playhouse from the orchard
A view of the Playhouse from the orchard
Archival view of the Playhouse
Archival view of the Playhouse
Clayton Cadets
Clayton Cadets
Interior view of the Playhouse
Interior view of the Playhouse
The bowling alley at the Playhouse
The bowling alley at the Playhouse

Photos courtesy The Frick Collection/Frick Art Reference Library Archives