This is the best free art in Midtown, and a genuine closing of the loop: the commission Noguchi lost, staged in the building that lost it. The Model for the Lever Brothers Building sits inside a vitrine Bunshaft himself designed, surrounded by the sculptures that inherited its ideas. Add seventy-five years of Akari glowing on the Park Avenue corner and it is worth crossing town for.
What to expect
A two-part presentation: the outdoor courtyard and plaza sculptures, accessible around the clock, and the indoor lobby gallery with the model, drawings, bronzes and Akari. It is a working office lobby rather than a museum, so expect a compact, quiet display you can see thoroughly in half an hour rather than a full gallery circuit.
Good to know
- Lever House is at 390 Park Avenue between 53rd and 54th - take the E/M to Lexington-53rd or the 6 to 51st Street
- The lobby portion is closed on Sundays and keeps short Saturday hours, so a weekday visit sees far more of the show
- The courtyard and plaza sculptures are outdoors and accessible at any hour, including when the lobby is shut
- This is an office building lobby - security may ask what you are there for, and photography rules are theirs to set
- It runs for nearly a year, so there is no need to rush it into a packed weekend
- The Noguchi Museum in Long Island City is the natural companion visit if the show sends you looking for more
Planning Sep 18–20, 2026 in NYC?
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Common questions
Is it free?
Yes. Both the outdoor plaza sculptures and the Lever House lobby gallery are free and open to the public with no admission or ticket.
Can I see it on a Sunday?
Only the outdoor courtyard and plaza, which are open 24/7. The lobby gallery is closed Sundays; it opens Monday to Friday 7 AM to 8 PM and Saturday 8 AM to 1 PM.
How long is it on view?
From September 14, 2026 through August 31, 2027.
