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Long Island City’s Noguchi Museum is the only museum in America that was founded by an artist specifically for the purpose of displaying his or her work.

Since its opening in 1985, a collection of Noguchi’s works have been presented in 10 indoor galleries and an outdoor sculpture garden. In the 1990s, however, it became evident that the building, dating from the 1920s, had settled unevenly and was suffering from water infiltration.

“We decided we needed to develop a master plan to bring the building up to code,” Administrative Director Amy Hau said.
The first phase of renovation, which began in 2002 and continued through 2004, cost $13.5 million and ensured the building’s structural reliability and
handicap-accessibility. In addition, the shop and café were renovated and heating and cooling systems were installed so the museum could stay open year-round and offer a program of temporary exhibitions.

Last Tuesday, the museum inaugurated the second phase of its renovation and conservation project, which is expected to cost $8.2 million. Designed by Sage and Coombe Architects, the renovation will address ADA compliance, building code, compliance and safety issues.

The project, scheduled for completion in the fall, includes adding a new HVAC system, renovating the cellar and the entry pavilion, creating a seating area, replacing the garden wall and improving the acoustics and technological capabilities.

Funding commitments have come in from Mayor Michael Bloomberg and Borough President Helen Marshall as well as the Queens delegation of the City Council, led by Leroy Comrie (D-St. Albans), Peter Vallone, Jr.(D-Astoria) and Eric Gioia (D-Sunnyside). The City Council has provided over $2.3 million in funds.

“The Noguchi Museum is a cultural landmark in Long Island City,” Gioia said. “Isamu Noguchi created the museum to display his art, and the museum should be preserved as he imagined it. I am happy my colleagues in the Council and I could help the project to stabilize the building.”
The renovation will not affect museum hours, but the sculpture garden may be partially or completely closed at certain points. Hau said the museum offices won’t close and educational programs for families, teens and schools will continue uninterrupted.

Noguchi’s first studio is located just across the street from the museum and Hau said it may be the next beneficiary of renovation.

“Bringing the building back to its functioning glory – that’s a project much further down the road.”
For more information about the Museum, call (718) 204-7088 or visit www.noguchi.org.