In this exclusive interview, Annabelle reflects on her approach to designing The Frick’s renovation, carried out in collaboration with executive architect Beyer Blinder Belle. Joining a storied tradition of transformation at the Frick mansion, the latest interventions aim to honor our buildings’ history while meeting the needs of a 21st century institution. To exemplify her ethos, she gives viewers a preview of the new Stephen A. Schwarzman Auditorium, which features an intimate curvilinear design and state-of-the-art acoustics by Arup. The beautiful space will host music, lectures, performances, and other engaging programs that—like the entire renovation itself—will foster a deeper, renewed connection to The Frick and its collections.

As part of the “Art Women” talk series, Fondation Beyeler hosted Annabelle Selldorf as a distinguished speaker. In this thought-provoking session, Selldorf shared her unique insights as an architect, contributing to the ongoing discourse on the experiences, developments, and achievements relevant to women in the art world. This event exemplifies Fondation Beyeler’s steadfast commitment to providing a platform for female curators, authors, artists, designers, architects, and scholars, fostering an exploration of diverse perspectives on the impactful role of women within the art community.

The annual Linbury Lecture features distinguished speakers who present illustrated talks delving into themes related to the National Gallery’s history and collections. In 2023, Annabelle Selldorf was invited to deliver the lecture, focusing on the connection between architecture and art within museum settings. The lecture took place at the Royal Academy of Arts on December 1, 2023. Following the lecture, she was joined in conversation by Dr Gabriele Finaldi, Director of the National Gallery, and answered questions from Vicky Richardson, Head of Architecture at the Royal Academy, and from the audience.

This panel, led by Columbia University Professor of Art History Barry Bergdoll, engages in discussions with Annabelle Selldorf and Bruce Boucher, Director of Sir John Soane’s Museum, about the connection between architecture and the presentation of art. Focusing on the innovative design of the Soane Museum and its influence on modern art display, the conversation also highlights Selldorf Architects’ renovation of The Frick Collection and its temporary space, the Marcel Breuer building in New York.

Annabelle Selldorf delivered the annual keynote lecture for the American Institute of Architects UK (AIA) and the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA). In her lecture, following an introductory presentation of a selection of recent and current projects by Selldorf Architects, Annabelle shared the firm’s design approach for the National Gallery’s NG200 project which will provide a more welcoming and inclusive experience for the Sainsbury Wing and the public realm.

Annabelle Selldorf spoke with Deborah Berke, Dean of the Yale School of Architecture, at the Yale Center for British Art for the school’s “To Build For Art” series. Honoring the work of Louis I. Kahn, this series aims to explore the multifaceted role of museum design in the context of contemporary concerns with speakers considering the aesthetic, practical, historical, and ethical implications of how architecture influences the way we experience art.

Architalx, whose mission is to broaden the public’s awareness and understanding of architecture and design, invited Annabelle Selldorf to speak at the Aura in Portland, Maine. Annabelle spoke about how Selldorf Architects has benefitted, grown, and strengthened its architectural expertise through the discussion of some of the firm’s most representative projects, including Neue Gallery, Sunset Park Material Recovery Facility, David Zwirner’s 20th Street Gallery, and the Frick Madison amongst others.

The Axline Lecture is presented annually by the San Diego Museum of Art and the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego (MCASD) honoring the endowments that Jackie and Rea Axline bestowed on both institutions in 1999. Annabelle Selldorf delivered the 21st Axline Lecture on April 29, 2021. During her presentation, Annabelle discussed some of the firm’s public and private projects that manifest a clear and modern sensibility to enduring impact including MCASD’s renovation and expansion.

For the Design + Practice Exchange, a symposium of conversations and presentations centering on voices of women in architecture, Annabelle Selldorf opened the two-day conference on November 19 with a keynote address on how she navigated the pandemic and post-pandemic period. She shared how the pandemic changed the way she and her team work, and how the firm’s current projects, including the Shaker Museum and Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego, continued to progress throughout the many months.

In connection with the Raymond Hood and the American Skyscraper exhibition, Brown University hosted several conversations with contemporary architects.  On September 11, Annabelle participated in the first of these with Dietrich Neumann, professor of History of Art and Architecture and director of Urban Studies, and Jonathan Duval, a PhD student in the History of Art and Architecture at Brown.  The discussion covered a range of topics, including Annabelle’s early career development and current projects at the firm.

The Frick Collection and Frieze co-hosted a digital conversation on the occasion of the opening of Frick Madison. Annabelle joined the conversation with Dr. Xavier F. Salomon, Deputy Director and Peter Jay Sharp Chief Curator at the Frick Collection, moderated by Victoria Siddall, Board Director at Frieze, and introduced by Nathan Clements-Gillespie, Artistic Director for Frieze Masters.

The AIA New York hosted a panel discussion about The Frick Collection’s temporary new home at Frick Madison, within the Breuer Building on 78th and Madison.

Anna Boatwright, Head of Business Strategy & Development, and Carolyn W. Straub, Associate Director for Capital Projects, of The Frick Collection were joined by Annabelle Selldorf, Principal at Selldorf Architects, and Stephen Saitas, Principal at Stephen Saitas Designs, to discuss the strategy and design to juxtapose the collection of Old Masters, such as Bellini, Rembrandt, and Vermeer, within the confines of a Brutalist 20th-century landmark building.