He then pursued graduate studies at New York University, where he earned a Master of Arts in 1976 and a Doctor of Philosophy in 1985.
[4] Wardropper began his curatorial career at the Art Institute of Chicago, where he served as Assistant Curator of European Sculpture from 1982 to 1985.
"[8] Under his leadership, the Frick Collection expanded its international activities, securing loans and lending works to exhibitions around the world, and hosting numerous international symposiums themed around topics related to works in the collection.
[9][10] The renovation and expansion of the Frick Collection's main building entailed creating new spaces for exhibitions, as well as dedicated spaces for educational and conservation initiatives, and was designed by the architecture firm Selldorf Architects.
[13] Max Hollein, director of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, has commented on Wardropper's work at the Frick, stating that: “He opened up a dialogue with contemporary thinkers and cultural figures.