2024 Celebrating Noguchi Garden’s: A Hidden Oasis Among High Rise Buildings Using Natures Elements: Rock, Water, Tree.. FreeNEW

A Closer Look into the Sculpture Garden that is a hidden gem in Irvine California.  Noguchi Gardens is a tranquil oasis set amongst the hustle and bustle of the city life. It is easy to walk right by it without realizing that behind the scores of buildings sits a tiny world of it’s own. The site was commissioned by philanthropist Henry Segerstrom, who had parlayed his family’s lima bean fortune into a South Coast Plaza mall on one side of his family’s property.

In the late 1970’s Segerstrom decided to expand even more of their land into a small office park.  He asked his good friend and well-respected artist, Isamu Noguchi, to provide a unique garden with installations hidden inside the towering office buildings.  The end results were seven sculptures scattered across 1.6 acres grounds, each representing a different region in California.

There are 6 pieces representing various elements in California: “Forest Walk,” “Land Use,” “Desert Land,” “Water Source,” “Water Use” and “Energy Fountain”. Then there is a surprise piece called “The Spirit of the Lima Bean”, which is an homages to the Lima Bean fields that once sat here.

This secret gem is a lovely place to balance energy and reflection. It is a wonderful juxtaposition of straight and curved, hard and soft, wet and dry, smooth and rough, lines and shapes. There is a master blend of simple and complex.

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Anniversay
May 1982

Hours
8am to 10 midnight

Entry Costs
No costs except parking

Where to Park?
Parking structure next to garden - Ave of the Arts

A secret sculpture garden just a couple blocks from South Coast Plaza.

Aerial View Map

Background Isamu Noguchi 
Isamu Noguchi was a renowned Japanese-American artist and sculptor known for his innovative and diverse body of work that blended art, design, and architecture. One of his notable creations is the Noguchi Garden, located in Costa Mesa, California.

The Noguchi Garden, formally known as the "Isamu Noguchi Garden Museum," was established in 1987 as a place to showcase Noguchi's unique artistic vision. It is situated on the campus of the South Coast Plaza shopping center. The garden itself is a tranquil oasis designed by Noguchi himself, reflecting his belief in the harmonious interaction between sculpture and the surrounding environment.

The garden features a stunning collection of Noguchi's sculptures, including stone works, bronze pieces, and other abstract forms, thoughtfully placed amidst meticulously landscaped greenery, water features, and gravel paths. This carefully curated setting allows visitors to experience the interplay between art and nature in a serene and contemplative atmosphere.

The significance of the Noguchi Garden lies in its ability to convey the essence of Noguchi's artistic philosophy. It serves as a testament to his lifelong commitment to the idea of "sculpture as a place" where art is not isolated but integrated with the surrounding space and environment. Visitors to the Noguchi Garden can appreciate the fusion of art and nature, finding inspiration and a sense of tranquility in the harmony of shapes and materials.

People should visit the Noguchi Garden in Costa Mesa to experience the profound beauty and philosophical depth of Isamu Noguchi's work. It offers a unique opportunity to engage with sculpture and the natural world in a contemplative and serene setting. Whether you're an art enthusiast or simply seeking a place of tranquility and inspiration, the Noguchi Garden provides a captivating experience that celebrates the intersection of art, design, and the environment, making it a must-visit destination for anyone in the area.


Information Sources
1) Source: https://hiddenca.com/noguchi-garden/
2) Valerie Takahama: https://www.orangecoast.com/features/celebrating-noguchi-gardens-40th-anniversary/ (Image source)

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2024 - Anniversary: Celebrating Noguchi Garden’s: A Hidden Oasis Among High Rise Buildings Using Natures Elements: Rock, Water, Tree.. Free