Frick Appoints New Andrew W. Mellon Chief Librarian
New York (March 16, 2026) — The Frick Collection today announced the appointment of Luciano Johnson as its new Andrew W. Mellon Chief Librarian. He will take up the post overseeing the Frick Art Research Library on March 23.
The appointment concludes a comprehensive search process for this senior management role. Johnson succeeds Dr. Stephen Bury, who served as the Mellon Chief Librarian for nearly fifteen years, through fall 2025.
Johnson has held various roles at the Frick Art Research Library since 2000, most recently serving, for the past five years, as the Eichholz Foundation Associate Chief Librarian for Preservation, Imaging, and Creative Services.
Among his many accomplishments over the years, he led the implementation of the Frick’s institution-wide Digital Asset Management System, launched our first public digital collections portal (digitalcollections.frick.org), and helped formulate our first digital preservation program, including directing the Mellon Foundation–funded digitization of more than 1.5 million pages of archival materials.
More recently, overseeing the Graphic Design Department that he helped establish, Johnson collaborated on the institution’s visual branding refresh, in conjunction with the Frick’s 2025 reopening. He also coordinated the build-out of the new book and paper conservation studio—which supports both museum and library collections, including materials for exhibitions—and helped plan the new 3D scanning program. Through it all, he has been a leading voice in cross-departmental planning for major book and archival acquisitions, including their conservation, digitization, stewardship, and access.
Commented Axel Rüger, the Frick’s Anna-Maria and Stephen Kellen Director, “A critical objective of the Frick’s recent renovation was to forge greater connections between our museum and library, both physically and programmatically. For many years, Luciano has been a thoughtful partner in helping achieve this goal, and his wide-ranging experience speaks to the importance of the library’s services and resources—both to its global community of students and scholars and to the needs and mission of the entire Frick Collection. His depth of knowledge of the institution’s collections and history position him well to lead the Frick Art Research Library, and we are excited to collaborate with him on its next chapter.”
Added Luciano Johnson, “The Frick Art Research Library has long been one of the world’s great centers for the study of art history. Having supported the library in many areas over the years, I’m thrilled to help guide its continued evolution as Andrew W. Mellon Chief Librarian, especially by strengthening its connection to the museum and expanding how scholars and researchers engage with its collections. By connecting closely with our scholarly community and collaborating with peer institutions, we can ensure that the library remains a dynamic center for art historical discovery and access while reaffirming the vital role of information professionals in preserving the authenticity and integrity of knowledge.”
ABOUT THE FRICK COLLECTION
Housed in one of New York City’s last great Gilded Age homes, The Frick Collection provides intimate encounters with one of the world’s foremost collections of fine and decorative arts. Open since 1935, the institution originated with Henry Clay Frick, who bequeathed his Fifth Avenue residence and collection of European paintings, sculpture, and decorative arts for the enjoyment of the public. The museum’s holdings, which encompass masterworks from the Renaissance to the late nineteenth century, have grown over the decades, more than doubling in number since the opening of the museum.
The Frick Art Research Library, founded more than one hundred years ago by Henry Clay Frick’s daughter Helen Clay Frick, is a leading center for art historical scholarship. Its mission is to provide access to materials and programs on the study of fine and decorative arts created in, or influenced by, the European tradition from the fourth through the twentieth century. In addition to serving students, scholars, and the public free of charge, the library supports research, preservation, and programs throughout The Frick Collection.
Last spring, the Frick completed a major renovation and enhancement project and reopened on April 17, 2025, with great fanfare. Designed by Selldorf Architects, with executive architect Beyer Blinder Belle, the project was developed to honor the historic legacy and character of the Frick while addressing critical infrastructural and operational needs.
For more information, please visit frick.org.