Isamu Noguchi Garden Museum: A Sculptor's Sanctuary

Nestled in Mure, a town near Takamatsu famed for its stone masonry, the Isamu Noguchi Garden Museum offers a unique glimpse into the world of the celebrated Japanese-American sculptor Isamu Noguchi (1904-1988). The museum is located in Noguchi's former studio and residence, where he spent months at a time working on his art. After his death, the workshop was transformed into a museum, fulfilling Noguchi's wish to have his Japanese studio serve as an extension of his New York museum. The museum complex includes Noguchi's relocated Edo Period (1603-1868) workshop, left with his tools as if he were about to begin working. The yard displays almost 150 stone sculptures, many unfinished, offering insight into Noguchi's creative process. A Meiji Period (1868-1912) warehouse exhibits a dozen finished sculptures, including "Energy Void," a 3.6-meter tall sculpture of black granite. Visitors also tour Noguchi's home, a redesigned Edo Period merchant residence reflecting traditional Japanese aesthetics. The tour culminates in the gardens on the hill behind his home, designed for his 80th birthday. Visiting the museum requires a pre-booked guided tour, which lasts about an hour. Tours are available on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. The museum is closed on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays. The experience provides an intimate look at Noguchi's work and the environment that fostered his creativity.