Destroyed Noguchi Ceiling

Isamu Noguchi, Ceiling & Waterfall, 1956-57, 666 Fifth Avenue, destroyed. Image: noguchi.org

In 1957 a sculptural ceiling and wall by Isamu Noguchi was installed in the lobby of 666 Fifth Avenue. The composition of undulating aluminum fins survived the purchase of the building by Jared Kushner, and the gutting and renovation of the Fifth Ave.-facing retail spaces. The wall was more dynamic than the ceiling, which was pretty subtle, but it all worked very nicely together.

But now the Noguchi Museum is reporting that the work has been removed and destroyed. The only bright spot is that the components were donated to the Museum. If anyone has a block-long elevator lobby that needs a space age drop ceiling, hit them up, I guess.

Altered and Destroyed – The Noguchi Museum [noguchi.org]