Noguchi Museum Celebrates 40 Years with New Exhibition on Sculptor's NYC Ties

The Long Island City museum explores Isamu Noguchi's lifelong relationship with New York City.

Feb. 5, 2026 at 5:55am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Noguchi Museum in Long Island City, Queens is celebrating its 40th anniversary with a new exhibition called "Noguchi's New York" that focuses on the renowned Japanese-American sculptor Isamu Noguchi's deep ties to New York City. The exhibition includes sculptures, models, and animated videos showcasing Noguchi's public art installations around Manhattan as well as proposals for projects like playgrounds and zoo exhibits that never came to fruition. The museum was established by Noguchi himself as a way to provide more space for his studio and ultimately became a gift to the city.

Why it matters

Noguchi is considered one of the most influential sculptors of the 20th century, and his public art pieces are ubiquitous in New York City yet often go unnoticed by passersby. This exhibition aims to shine a light on Noguchi's deep and lifelong connection to the city he called home, highlighting how his innovative designs and ideas shaped the urban landscape.

The details

The exhibition at the Noguchi Museum features over 50 works, including Noguchi's early portrait busts, a stage set he designed for a Martha Graham dance production, and proposals for playgrounds and zoo exhibits that were never realized. Visitors can see animated videos showing how children may have interacted with Noguchi's proposed playground equipment. The museum itself began as a way for Noguchi to provide more space for his studio before becoming a public institution and "gift to the city" that he envisioned.

  • Noguchi first moved to New York City in 1922 at the age of 17.
  • Noguchi passed away in 1988.
  • The Noguchi Museum is celebrating its 40th anniversary in 2026.

The players

Isamu Noguchi

A renowned Japanese-American sculptor who had a lifelong connection to New York City, which he considered his home base despite traveling extensively.

Amy Hau

The director of the Noguchi Museum, who was Noguchi's longtime assistant and took over as director two years ago.

Noguchi Museum

A museum established by Isamu Noguchi in Long Island City, Queens to house his work and legacy, which is celebrating its 40th anniversary in 2026.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“People can be walking though it all the time and not realize it was Isamu Noguchi, so it's wonderful just to remind people of the ideas that he had and the wonderful art that surrounds us.”

— Amy Hau, Director, Noguchi Museum (ny1.com)

“I'm really a New Yorker. There's no way out but to say that I'm just a New Yorker.”

— Isamu Noguchi (ny1.com)

What’s next

The Noguchi's New York exhibition will run at the Noguchi Museum through September 13, 2026.

The takeaway

This exhibition highlights how Isamu Noguchi's innovative public art and design work is deeply woven into the fabric of New York City, even if many residents don't realize the sculptor's imprint on their daily lives. It serves as a reminder of Noguchi's lasting legacy and the city's rich artistic heritage.