In August, with the full support of the Board of Trustees of The Isamu Noguchi Foundation and Garden Museum, I made the decision to update our dress code policy and reemphasize that we do not allow any political statements in the workplace. This decision was carefully considered and is intended to prevent any unintentional alienation of our diverse visitorship, while allowing us to remain focused on our core mission of advancing the understanding and appreciation of Isamu Noguchi’s art and legacy. 

We understand that personal expression and public discourse can and often do intersect in complex ways, and we fully support our staff’s personal expression outside of the Museum. As a museum, however, we strive to be a space where employees from all backgrounds and beliefs can focus on their work and where visitors of every viewpoint can comfortably and openly experience Isamu Noguchi’s work. This policy—which aligns with best practices as adopted by other museums, cultural institutions, and universities across the U.S.—applies specifically to employees during work hours and does not extend to our visitors or collaborators, who remain free to express themselves while at the Museum.  

As the first museum in the United States to be founded by a living artist and dedicated to their work, our mission remains the same as when we opened our doors nearly 40 years ago: to preserve Isamu Noguchi’s collection, honor his legacy, and explore the lasting impact of his art. I worked for Isamu in the last two years of his life, and for nearly three decades after that, I was an integral part of transforming this incredible place from an artist’s studio to the internationally renowned Museum it is today. The Museum was not established as an advocacy or social justice organization, and because Noguchi passed away in 1988, we cannot speak on his behalf or claim to represent his views on today’s complex global issues.

We acknowledge that these are difficult times and that not everyone will agree with our approach. We believe, though, that it is essential to remain steadfastly focused on our mission and not on any external agendas. By staying true to our core values of inclusivity and openness, we are better positioned to make a meaningful impact and maintain an environment welcoming to all.

If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to director@noguchi.org. I hope to see you at the Museum soon.

Amy Hau
Director