Isamu Noguchi Sculptures Transform Rijksmuseum Gardens and Galleries in Amsterdam
The Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam is set to host a significant exhibition featuring the works of American-Japanese artist Isamu Noguchi. This summer 2025 presentation will showcase approximately twenty-five sculptures and ceramics, alongside over thirty of his distinctive light sculptures, spanning various locations within and around the museum. Noguchi, recognized as a leading modernist sculptor of the 20th century, pushed boundaries in diverse artistic forms.
Exploring Noguchi's Diverse Oeuvre
The exhibition offers visitors a comprehensive look at Noguchi's artistry, with different facets of his work displayed in distinct settings.
Outdoor Installations in the Gardens
The Rijksmuseum Gardens will feature a collection of Noguchi's abstract sculptures, primarily crafted from stone and bronze. This outdoor component allows for an immersive experience amidst the natural surroundings.
Indoor Displays: Light and Ceramics
Inside the museum, the Atrium will be illuminated by 30 of Noguchi's acclaimed Akari light sculptures, known for their delicate Japanese washi paper forms. The Asian Pavilion will present a selection of his innovative and often playful ceramic pieces, including the notable Face Dish (Me) from 1952.
A Unique Chess Table
Adding to the indoor display, Noguchi’s rare chess table will be viewable in the museum’s 18th-century Beuning Room. This particular piece was originally created for The Imagery of Chess exhibition held in New York in 1944–1945, organized by surrealist artists Marcel Duchamp and Max Ernst.
Visitor Information: Dates and Access
The outdoor portion of Isamu Noguchi in the Rijksmuseum Gardens is accessible to the public free of charge. The exhibition is scheduled to run from May 28 to October 26, 2025. This presentation is a collaborative effort between the Rijksmuseum and The Isamu Noguchi Foundation and Garden Museum in New York.
The Legacy of Isamu Noguchi
Born in Los Angeles in 1904 to Japanese and American parents, Isamu Noguchi's life as a "global citizen" profoundly influenced his diverse artistic output. After apprenticing with Constantin Brancusi in Paris in 1927, he traveled extensively, shaping his approach to sculpture. Noguchi's groundbreaking view that "A sculpture is a relationship of forms in space" guided his perception that anything occupying space held sculptural potential. His works range from gardens and furniture to lamps, playgrounds, and stage sets, reflecting his innovative spirit. Notable pieces include New York's Red Cube and the UNESCO garden design in Paris. His Akari light sculptures and coffee table designs are recognized as modern classics. This exhibition also coincides with the 40th anniversary of The Isamu Noguchi Foundation and Garden Museum in New York, which continues to champion his enduring artistic legacy.
Rijksmuseum's Annual Outdoor Art Tradition
This presentation marks the twelfth installment in the Rijksmuseum's yearly series of free outdoor exhibitions. Previous editions have showcased prominent sculptors such as Henry Moore, Alexander Calder, and Louise Bourgeois, making Noguchi's display a continuation of a cherished tradition for art enthusiasts in Amsterdam.
To explore more cultural experiences in Amsterdam, including current exhibitions and other museums, Musemap (musemap.art) offers a comprehensive guide. You can browse other museums in Amsterdam or see what exhibitions are currently on.
