A little Astoria gem. I am honestly a little ashamed I've lived in Astoria 10 years and only JUST went to this museum this year. It is such a beautifully designed space, you are immediately transported when you enter and a feeling of calm washes over you. The sculptures are thoughtfully displayed in a variety of indoor and outdoor settings, and there are handy informational cards for each room so you don't have to squint at panels on a wall. The museum is just the right size- plenty to see but not overwhelming. You can take your time with each piece and not feel rushed. Highly recommend for anyone, sculpture lovers especially.
One of NYC’s best kept secrets. Amazing indoor/outdoor sculpture experience by mid century master, Isamu Noguchi. Great gift shop, too!
I LOVE THIS MUSEUM!!! Highly recommend a visit. The first Friday of the month is free. I came knowing nothing about the sculptor, but I was mesmerized by his work and the tranquil, calm atmosphere. It's really a lovely way to spend an afternoon. I spent several hours there and wish I could have spent more. There is an outdoor garden and a very pretty little cafe. It's extremely beautiful. Love it!
A complete gem. Should be on every tourist's list and on every New Yorker's to-do-list. Also interesting for children.
A quiet gem of a museum devoted entirely and cultically to the life and work of one man. You probably know Noguchi's sculpture, but the garden, the furniture, and the lights the real reasons to visit.
It's one star short of perfect because the class we attended was poorly conceived: a class for toddlers about textures, where you're prohibited from touching the sculptures.
What a relaxing way to spend an afternoon! I'm no art expert, but for me, Noguchi's work is dramatic and intriguing, especially considering the materials used.
I only wish each piece were more obviously labeled with their names and backstories. Otherwise, unless you're given a tour by one of their enthusiastic guides or already know about him, you can get a little lost.
Really cool spot, tucked away in Astoria. Very interesting artist and I think this museum does him and his work justice.
Amazing how this man got involved with the hardest materials in the world, granite (so many types), basalt, marbles (so many and so different) even terracotta, wood, bronze and steel and still managed to forma the most desirable shapes with most seductive curves and textures but, you are not allowed to touch them or somebody will jump and scold you. Why did the artist do all those special textures and surfaces if not to feel with your tactile sense the beauty of the object?
Still an amazingly beautiful and inspiring exhibition of an outstanding artist.
Such a peaceful place. The garden is so nice. You can really relax and enjoy the art work here. Never a rush.
One of NYC's best-kept museum secrets. Beautiful small museum with a tearoom, docent-led tours and works by the great artist displayed both indoors and out.
I absolutely love this museum; I would give it 6 stars if it were an option! Noguchi's sculpture work is famous the world over, and some of his best pieces are right here at the space he purchased and designed himself. There are not many opportunities to experience an artist's work in exactly the setting that he/she wanted you to experience it in. Noguchi's experiences as a half-Japanese American during the time of Japanese internment are also incredibly prescient for today's politics. I can not recommend this museum enough; skip the crowds at the famous museums, and make the trek to this hidden gem!
This museums is one of the most beautiful in the city, and although the collection does not often change - it's dreamlike and meditative atmosphere would make me visit again regardless. It's outdoor areas, modern interpretations of a traditional Japanese garden, were fun to explore despite a heavy rain. I enjoyed it so much that I might argue the museum is meant to visited in the rainy seasons (fall and spring).
I recommend sitting through the (lengthy) documentary at the back of the museum, near the exit. Noguchi was an artist whose life is as much a part of his legacy as his work. His responses to adversity are inspirational, and his work takes on a new dimension after you've seen it.
This is a great place to visit if you are interested in sculpture. Noguchi experimented with Japanese art forms in his work, and some of the exhibits had a serene and calming effect. There's also a biographical video about Noguchi that reveals his influences and his background. The museum is located in Long island City where there's plenty more to see in addition to the museum, so you could make a day out of it. Also, the Museum is free and open to the public on Friday afternoons.