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

Noguchi Garden is a tranquil oasis tucked into the heart of Irvine’s business district. Surrounded by office towers and the steady rhythm of city life, it is easy to walk past without realizing that a quiet, contemplative world exists just beyond the buildings.

The garden was commissioned by philanthropist Henry Segerstrom, who transformed his family’s lima bean farming fortune into the development of South Coast Plaza, located on adjacent land. In the late 1970s, as Segerstrom expanded the property into a modern office park, he invited his close friend and renowned artist Isamu Noguchi to create a distinctive garden hidden within the complex.

Noguchi’s vision resulted in seven sculptural installations spread across 1.6 acres, each reflecting a different aspect of California’s natural and cultural landscape. Six works represent core elements of the state: Forest Walk, Land Use, Desert Land, Water Source, Water Use, and Energy Fountain. A seventh, more playful and unexpected piece, The Spirit of the Lima Bean, pays homage to the agricultural fields that once occupied the site.

Today, this quiet garden offers a rare balance of energy and reflection. Straight lines contrast with gentle curves, hard surfaces meet soft plantings, and water plays against stone and earth. It is a thoughtful blend of opposites-wet and dry, smooth and rough, simple and complex-making Noguchi Garden a true hidden gem and a restorative pause within the urban landscape.

Best Places for Group Photos
Perfect for group portraits, prom photos, wedding parties, and special occasions.

Anniversay
May 1982

Hours
8 am 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)

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