Noguchi's New York

Isamu Noguchi's transformative relationship with New York City, exploring how the city shaped his art and how he reimagined its public spaces.

Why go

The exhibition traces Noguchi's decades-long engagement with New York's material and political landscape, including his visionary but largely unrealized playground designs that challenged Parks Commissioner Robert Moses—a crucial but often overlooked chapter in his practice. Hand-painted animated films by Eastend Western bring these thwarted vision

What to expect

Over 50 works spanning sculptures, project models, photographs, and archival materials, alongside newly commissioned animated films visualizing Noguchi's unrealized playground equipment and landscape designs. The show celebrates the Noguchi Museum itself as one of his most significant gifts to the city.

Things to know

• Noguchi first moved to New York in 1922 and returned throughout his life despite extensive international travel.
• The exhibition includes animated films by Jack Cunningham and Nicolas Ménard of Eastend Western depicting Noguchi's playground visions.
• Organized on the 40th anniversary of The Isamu Noguchi Foundation and Garden Museum.
• Noguchi's playground proposals faced repeated obstacles from NYC Parks Commissioner Robert Moses.
• The show encompasses sculptures in bronze, slate, travertine, and steel, plus design models and Martha Graham set designs.
• Curated by Kate Wiener; supported by NYC Department of Cultural Affairs and New York State Council on the Arts.

Plan your visit

The museum is open today until 6 pm. Walking tours of Noguchi's New York sites are offered on June 18, July 16, and August 13, 2026. Download the exhibition map and chronology (PDF) from the museum website for a guided exploration of his homes, studios, and projects throughout the city.