One of Noguchi's pieces displays his genius:  though composed of substantial and earthly marble, metal and wood, it gives a result that is delicate, light and almost otherworldly.  

The museum, created out of an industrial building, integrates an outdoor sculpture garden.  Noguchi is renowned for his outdoor spaces using marble, water, and plantings and for his blended Japanese American sensibility.

Some of Noguchi's highly polished marble sculptures that are at once subtle and bold, traditional and modern.  The group was totally engaged with the work and the building so stunningly designed to house them.

Yours truly snaps our group enjoying the restaurant decor at "Veslo" which means "oar" in Croation. The shelves are lined with authentic antiques.  Our lunch, from appetizer to dessert, was out of the ordinary and deliciously authentic. 

Our restaurant had a charming outdoor eating spot nestled among classic postwar New York City apartment buildings, reminiscent of the hidden courtyard at the Noguchi Museum.  Another example of how Astoria can be surprising and charming.

Our congenial and well-informed guide started our experience and a wall of Hollywood icons.

The group enjoys commentary and guessing the who and in which movie the various costumes were worn.

In 1988 Red Grooms supervised a group of artists, inspired by the 1963 blockbuster Cleopatra, to create an installation that provided the experience of an elaborate classic movie palace.  This is the candy counter.  Great fun.

The group has their picture taken.  On the way out, we collected group pictures which we can cut and put together into a "flip book."

Late day shadows create enchanting patterns in the small courtyard of the Museum of the Moving Image's outdoor cafe seating area.  Like our other two stops, clever use of indoor and outdoor spaces enhanced our Astoria experience. Our bus picked us up in front for a scenic ride back to Staten Island.