Key Facts
• Japanese-style garden ‘Garden of Peace’ restored at UNESCO headquarters in Paris.
• Designed by Japanese-American sculptor Isamu Noguchi (1904–1988), completed in 1958.
• Covers 1,700 square meters, featuring cherry trees, bamboo, stones, streams, and bridges.
• Built with Japanese government funding, symbolizing harmony between nature and humanity.
• Restoration led by Japanese landscaping experts to address long-term deterioration.
• Collaborators included UNESCO Japan Delegation, French and North American Japanese Garden Associations.
• Restoration involved pruning trees and reviving Noguchi’s artistic vision.
• Inami Aya, director of Fuji Landscaping, emphasized the importance of maintenance for Japanese gardens.
Summary
The Japanese-style ‘Garden of Peace’ at UNESCO’s Paris headquarters, designed by renowned Japanese-American sculptor Isamu Noguchi, has undergone significant restoration. Originally completed in 1958 with funding from the Japanese government, the 1,700-square-meter garden features elements like cherry trees, bamboo, and streams, symbolizing harmony between nature and humanity. Over time, the garden’s condition deteriorated due to challenges in maintenance. A team of Japanese landscaping experts, supported by UNESCO Japan Delegation and Japanese Garden Associations in France and North America, restored the garden to its original brilliance. The restoration included tree pruning and efforts to preserve Noguchi’s artistic vision. Inami Aya of Fuji Landscaping highlighted the need for consistent maintenance to sustain the garden’s beauty.
