The Noguchi Museum and Socrates Sculpture Park for Families

Calling all art lovers! On our family vacation in New York City, we took time to explore The Noguchi Museum and Socrates Sculpture Park in Queens. If you like modern art, these family-friendly gems are worth a visit.

Here's what to expect at the Noguchi Museum and Socrates Sculpture Park in Queens, with tips for your visit.

The Noguchi Museum

I have noticed that my appreciation for art grows with my appreciation of nature. We love visiting national parks and other beautiful places. They stir my mind and soul and ignite the imaginations of my children. There is always something new and fascinating about nature.

Isamu Noguchi's sculptures had that same potential because nature was inseparable from his art. Here are a few examples from the museum:

• Use of natural materials
• Sculpture with a basin of water near a window so that the reflection of nature became part of the art
• Sculpture garden where nature and art could grow together

Related: 10 Fun Things to Do in Queens

The Noguchi Museum was founded by the renowned Japanese-American sculptor Isamu Noguchi near his studio in Long Island City, Queens. Noguchi moved to Queens from Manhattan in the early 1960's to be nearer to the artisans, craftsman and materials that were integral to his work.

You'll be able to see the entire museum in about an hour – perhaps less with busy children. My children had little interest in pausing to contemplate art and nature. However, weeks later my 10-year-old daughter checked out a book from the library about famous artists. She noticed a chapter on Isamu Noguchi and exclaimed, “I know him!”

To make the most of your visit with children, I recommend planning your visit around one of The Noguchi Museum's family programs. Learn more at noguchi.or/programs/education/families. 

Related: Tips for Visiting the Museum of the Moving Image

Socrates Sculpture Park

Socrates Sculpture Park is dedicated to very large art. It is located practically across the street from The Noguchi Museum and it costs nothing to visit.

Socrates Sculpture Park is especially good for children because there is space to run around and use outdoor voices. Touching and climbing inside the sculptures was acceptable for the exhibition we visited.

When we were there, silver mylar ribbons were stretched between posts across a large open space, with the East River and Governor's Island in the background. We climbed inside a sculpture dedicated to a woman who had become a local legend because of her community service. It was made from ribbons and many other found objects. My kids identified another piece as Noah's Ark.

Community events such as a Saturday farmer's market and Sunday Tai Chi are held at Socrates Sculpture Park.

Related: What to Expect at the Louis Armstrong House Museum in Queens

Ways to Save

The Noguchi Museum is not nearly as expensive as some New York City museums, and Socrates Sculpture Park is always free. However, there are still ways to save on admission.

The Noguchi Museum is free to all on the first Friday of every month.

These groups always get in free.

• Members
• Children under 12
• NYC public school students
• Visitors with disabilities
• Active duty military and their families
  (member of Blue Star Museums)
• SNAP benefits recipients with EBT card or WIC card
  (member of Museums for All)

Related: Review of Holiday Inn Manhattan View in Queens

Conclusion

We like modern art (even if we don't always understand it) and we like Queens. The Noguchi Museum and Socrates Sculpture park are small, relatively inexpensive and easy to visit in 1-2 hours. 

We thought that the Noguchi Museum and Socrates Sculpture Park were fun and educational, and I'm glad we had the chance to visit.

I hope that our experience helps your family plan a great trip to New York City. Happy travels!

Related: Review of Wyndham Garden Long Island City

Good to Know

Where: The Noguchi Museum is located at 9-01 33rd Road (at Vernon Boulevard), Long Island City. Find detailed directions for public transportation or driving here.

Socrates Sculpture Park is located at 32-01 Vernon Boulevard in Long Island City, at the intersection of Broadway. Noguchi and Socrates are a short walk from each other in Queens.

When: Socrates Sculpture Park is open every day from 10:00 am – sunset. The Noguchi Museum is open:

• Wednesday, Thursday, Friday: 10:00am-5:00pm
• Saturday & Sunday: 11:00am-6:00pm
• Monday & Tuesday: CLOSED

How Much: Socrates Sculpture park is always FREE to the public. The Noguchi Museum is FREE on the first Friday of every month. Here are the admission rates at other times:

• General admission: $10
• Senior Citizens: $5
• Students with a valid ID: $5

How Long: 1-2 hours for both, unless you attend a family program or special event

Amenities: Both places have bathrooms, but I suspect that those at The Noguchi Museum are better. Strollers, food and drink are not allowed inside The Noguchi Museum. A few backpack carriers are available for loan at the front desk.

The Noguchi Museum has a cafe and gift shop where you can purchase lamps and furnishings designed by Isamu Noguchi.

Websites:

• The Noguchi Museum: www.noguchi.org
• Socrates Sculpture Park: www.socratessculpturepark.org

Disclosure: We received complimentary admission to The Noguchi Museum so that we could review it for other families. All opinions are my own.

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Allison

Hi there! I am the founder of Tips for Family Trips. I am a married mom of two children, ages 11 and 14, living near Salt Lake City, Utah. We took our first child on a two-week road trip when she was four weeks old and we have been traveling as a family ever since. We love to get out of the house to see and do fun things, both far away and in our own neighborhood.