The Tranquil Beauty of Noguchi's California Scenario Sculpture Garden
After a year of minimizing my contact with the outside world, it was time to think of new ways to experience beauty while maintaining proper pandemic safety measures. Although I’m fully vaccinated, I have no desire to be around crowds or chaotic scenes, equally in part due to Covid health protocols and my new~ish lifestyle of maintaining peace and quiet. With that being said, tranquil gardens have come to play a greater role in my life these past 550+ days, an appreciation I suspect will continue to grow as it appears life won’t return to what we once knew.
Noguchi’s California Scenario is a special place to be appreciated by those who feel connected to nature with an affinity for modern design. I fell in love with this unique garden the first time I saw it. Located in Costa Mesa, California Scenario also referred to as Noguchi’s Garden by locals is nestled between two corporate buildings and a parking complex, making it what many call a hidden gem. You might get lost on the first visit, as there is no indication that a sculptural garden is on the horizon in an area that feels cold and slightly desolate. This amplifies its beauty even more as it feels like you stumbled upon a well-designed oasis in the midst of Southern California chaos.
Situated on 1.6 acres, the garden in its design symbolizes various geographical characteristics in California, incorporating indigenous plants and materials. Six principal elements comprise California Scenario: “Forest Walk,” “Land Use,” “Desert Land,” “Water Source,” “Water Use,” and “Energy Fountain.” However, the centerpiece of the garden is “The Spirit of the Lima Bean,” a sculpture of dramatic portions, composed of 15 rust-colored granite rocks cut precisely to fit together. This sculpture was created in recognition of Henry T. Segerstrom’s friendship with the artist, Isamu Noguchi, and the Segerstrom family’s contribution to the agricultural heritage of Southern California. [source]
My partner and I visited California Scenario mid-week and saw 5 people at the most touring the gardens. The atmosphere is calm so I’d advise you to come with that kind of energy. Photography is allowed and since it’s uniquely tranquil, you have all the time in the world to get the shot you want. Be cool and considerate of others. Bask in the beauty of Noguchi’s sculptures.
Why Visit:
California Scenario is recognized as one of the country’s preeminent sculpture gardens and the most important publicly accessible outdoor sculpture oasis in Southern California. [source] It is a safe place to clear your mind, reset your intentions, and take a deep breath. It’s also a great date idea for design lovers. Minimalists, this is your heaven on Earth.
The Backstory:
The sculpture garden was commissioned by Henry T. Segerstrom, the creator of the luxury retail destination South Coast Plaza. Inhabiting 1.6 acres, Noguchi’s vision of the highly diverse terrain of California, his birthplace, is achieved through seven large-scale sculptural elements as well as a careful selection of local flora whose steady growth has resulted in a presence equal to the corresponding manmade elements. [source]
The Neighborhood:
The garden is hidden among corporate highrises in a mostly industrial area in Costa Mesa. Just 4 minutes away you’ll find South Coast Plaza, considered by many as one of the best malls in America; there’s a Celine and Bottega Veneta inside, to give you an idea.
Nearby Dining Options:
Little Arabia is a 20-minute drive from Noguchi Garden and has an array of delicious Middle Eastern and Mediterranean restaurants to choose from. A personal favorite is Aleppo’s Kitchen which serves Syrian cuisine and offers a hookah menu on the patio. The renowned Taco María is a mere 10 mins from the garden and makes for an excellent choice in Alta California cuisine (a mezcla of Mexican and American cultures).
Accessibility:
Wheelchair accessible. The parking structure has a wheelchair-accessible elevator as well.
Price & Parking:
Free and open to the public. Parking is $1 per 15 minutes with plenty of space.
Hours of Operation:
8 am-midnight daily
Location:
California Scenario
611 Anton Blvd
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
