The Noguchi Museum

The Noguchi Museum Travel Guide

The Noguchi Museum in Long Island City, New York, is a gem for art lovers and anyone fascinated by the works of Japanese-American artist Isamu Noguchi. Designed by Noguchi himself, the museum offers a unique collection of his sculptures, gardens, and designs. With a peaceful outdoor sculpture garden and 27,000 square feet of gallery space spread over two floors, it’s a perfect spot to dive into Noguchi’s artistic world.

History

The Noguchi Museum opened its doors to the public in 1985. Isamu Noguchi, born in 1904 and passing away in 1988, was a celebrated artist, sculptor, and landscape designer. He had a workshop in Japan and spent a lot of time there later in his career. The museum aims to promote the appreciation of his art and legacy.

How to Get There

Getting to the Noguchi Museum is pretty straightforward with public transportation. The closest subway stations are Queensboro Plaza and 39th Street – Broadway. If you’re taking the NYC Ferry, the museum is open from Wednesday to Sunday, 11 am to 6 pm. For the latest transit updates, check mta.info.

Attractions

1. Gallery Space: The museum boasts 27,000 square feet of gallery space over two floors, featuring a vast collection of Noguchi’s sculptures and designs.
2. Outdoor Sculpture Garden: A tranquil and beautifully landscaped garden that complements the indoor exhibits.
3. Museum Shop and Cafe: Here, you can find Noguchi’s lighting and furniture designs, along with books and gifts.
4. Public Programs: The museum offers programs with contemporary artists and public activities for families and teens.
5. Guided Tours: Private guided tours in English, Spanish, or Japanese are available for groups of up to 15 people. Free guided tours are also offered for visitors with disabilities and their care partners, as well as local non-profit organizations.

Ticket Information

• General Admission: $16 per person
• Seniors (65+): $6 per person
• Students with a valid ID: $6 per person
• Free Admission: Members, children under 12, NYC public school students, visitors with disabilities and their care partners, SNAP benefits recipients with EBT card or WIC card, active duty military and their families, Cool Culture families, Culture Pass holders, Columbia University students, Bloomberg employees, Hermès employees, Mitsubishi (Americas) employees, Museums Council of New York City, American Alliance of Museums, Mod/Co, NARM, ICOM, Sotheby’s Preferred, other museum staff, press.

Tips for Visiting

1. Plan Your Visit: It’s a good idea to make reservations in advance, though it’s not mandatory. The last entry is at 5:30 pm, and the Shop closes at 5:45 pm.
2. Free First Friday: Admission is free on the first Friday of every month, with extended hours until 8 pm from May through September.
3. Accessibility: The museum is wheelchair accessible, with a wheelchair and portable seating available.
4. Guided Tours: Public tours are available daily at 2 pm. Public tours in Spanish are on the first Friday of the month at 1 pm, and in Japanese on select Saturdays at 3 pm.
5. Safety Precautions: Smoking, including electronic cigarettes, is not allowed anywhere on the grounds. Visitors should be mindful of others’ enjoyment of the museum.
6. COVID-19 Precautions: The museum can’t guarantee you won’t be exposed to COVID-19 during your visit. If you’re feeling unwell, have tested positive for COVID-19 in the last 10 days, or have been in close contact with someone confirmed or suspected of having COVID-19, it’s best to postpone your visit.

By following these tips and exploring the various attractions, visitors can have a memorable experience at The Noguchi Museum.