Frick Collection names Dr. Aaron Wile as John Updike Curator

The Frick Collection has appointed Dr. Aaron Wile as its new John Updike Curator, the museum announced Monday. Wile will begin his senior curatorial role on April 6, succeeding Dr. Aimee Ng, who became the Frick’s Peter Jay Sharp Chief Curator last fall.

Wile returns to the Frick, where he served as the Anne L. Poulet Curatorial Fellow from 2014 to 2016. During that fellowship, he organized the exhibition Watteau’s Soldiers: Scenes of Military Life in Eighteenth-Century France, earning the 2017 Award for Outstanding Article, Essay, or Extended Catalogue Entry from the Association of Art Museum Curators. The position is named in memory of the American novelist, poet, and critic John Updike.

Since 2019, Wile has been associate curator of French paintings at the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C., where he co-curated installations such as Back and Forth: Rozeal., Titian, Cezanne (2025). He has helped design the department’s first comprehensive collection plan, led acquisitions with a focus on works by women artists, fostered donor and collector relationships, and contributed to digital scholarship initiatives.

“We are excited for Aaron to contribute his expertise and experience in support of the Curatorial Department as its next chapter unfolds,” said Axel Rüger, the Frick’s Anna-Maria and Stephen Kellen Director. “He joins us at a remarkable time, as this April we celebrate one year since the museum’s historic reopening following the renovation and enhancement of our buildings.”

Aimee Ng added, “Aaron brings a fresh perspective to the Frick’s collection, especially to its foundational holdings of French paintings. Since he served as a fellow over a decade ago, his curatorial and academic experiences have enhanced his considerable talents, and he returns to the museum with exceptional scholarly rigor, expert communication and interpretive skills, and seasoned and versatile professionalism. We could not be more thrilled to welcome Aaron back to the Frick as John Updike Curator.”

••••• Message Center••••

Looking for news and events beyond NYC? Finding Connecticut and Finding The Hudson Valley have the latest happenings just north of the city!

Let’s create with Victory Designs

Need help with your creative needs? Our team has 20+ years of experience with Adobe, Shopify, and WordPress, and we offer affordable graphic design and web services. Let Victory Designs assist you with bringing your ideas to life.

Share your New York City experiences on instagram #findingnewyorkcity

Save on CBD!

My name is Jillian, and I am the editor here at Finding New York City. When I came across New England Hemp Farm a few years ago, I had recently had my ankle fused. New England Hemp Farm’s Sports Relief Rub and 500 MG Full Spectrum CBD Oil have helped with everyday and weather pain.

Finding quality products that can improve your day-to-day life can be tough, but with New England Hemp Farm, getting a good night’s sleep or relieving your pain and anxiety has never been easier. Plus, using our code NYC35, you’ll save 35% on your first purchase. Let us help you find relief and savings with New England Hemp Farm.

Products we use here at Finding New York City include Sports Relief Rub • 500 MG Full Spectrum CBD Oil • Pet Drops• Pet Treats