The Noguchi Museum
9-01 33rd Rd., 718-204-7088
This jewel of a museum is dedicated to the work of Japanese-American artist Isamu Noguchi, who had a studio in Long Island City in the early '60s. Noguchi designed the institution himself three years before he died, and in it you'll find the very contradictions that he so masterfully explored in his work: contrasts between natural and industrial, light and shadow, fragility and permanence. The museum has a series of galleries housed in two renovated commercial spaces and, outside, a pebbled garden that showcases Noguchi's sculptures (which he positioned himself). The outdoor area is organic and tranquil. The interior galleries are sparse, with the lower-level space dedicated to a permanent exhibition of Noguchi's pieces, mostly sculpture. The museum's sun-dappled café and shop offer comfortable spots to relax and enjoy some of Noguchi's famous furniture designs, like the Freeform Sofa and Rocking Stool.