Illuminating Noguchi @ the High: A Community Lantern Party and Parade
April 23, 2026 | 6–9 p.m.
Location: High Museum of Art
Not a member? Join today!
Isamu Noguchi’s beloved Akari paper lanterns reflect his vision of bringing sculpture into everyday life. For one night, we’ll expand that spirit from the museum into the city.
Celebrate Isamu Noguchi’s work from museum to city with a lantern parade from the High Museum of Art to the Noguchi Playscape in Piedmont Park. Inspired by Noguchi’s iconic Akari paper lanterns and featuring the Krewe of the Grateful Gluttons and the Seed & Feed Marching Abominables, this family-friendly evening connects the exhibition at the High with one of Atlanta’s great public art treasures. This year also marks the 50th anniversary of the Noguchi Playscape.
Start by taking inspiration from the artist himself. In a guided tour of the Noguchi exhibition, explore his process and craft your own paper lantern with expert guidance from Atlanta’s resident lantern parade artist, Chantelle Rytter. The evening culminates in a joyful parade from the High Museum of Art to the Noguchi Playscape in Piedmont Park, the artist’s famous playground (commissioned by the High in 1976 alongside Atlanta’s bicentennial celebrations) that is located just down the street from the museum.
What to Expect
Lantern-making
Docent-led tours of Isamu Noguchi: “I am not a designer”
Food & drinks available for purchase
Parade line-up on the Sifly Piazza
Lantern parade step-off toward Piedmont Park, led by Seed and Feed Marching Abominable band**
About our Partners
Chantelle Rytter is a parade artist best known for founding the Atlanta BeltLine Lantern Parade with the Krewe of the Grateful Gluttons, of which she is the proud Captain. Chantelle and Krewe have created a family of annual parades based in community participation over the last fifteen years in many Atlanta neighborhoods, as well as cities and communities across the southeast. Chantelle grew up in Baltimore and studied integrative arts at Penn State University. She lived in New Orleans for ten years and fell under the spell of parade culture and the notion that individual creative play can be a civic gift.
Seed & Feed – Atlanta’s Wildest Community Band!
Thrilling audiences since 1974, Seed & Feed performs both at home and on the road in festivals, on stages, and in support of community events and fundraisers of all kinds.
**The parade is optional, but trust us, it will be hard to resist joining the fun. The exhibition and lobby will be open until 9 p.m.
** We hope you join us for the whole evening, but if for some reason you’re not able to join us at the museum, you’re welcome to join the parade with your own lantern. The more, the merrier!
Related Events
Spend and evening at the High celebrating the opening of Isamu Noguchi: “I am not a designer.” Explore nearly two hundred objects in the artist’s first design retrospective in nearly twenty-five years.
Join us at a VIP YP lounge at the Opening Weekend Party for Isamu Noguchi: “I am not a designer.” Experience the new exhibition, an artmaking activity, cocktails, and more! From 6 to 10 p.m., come to the High for after-hours access and fun in the VIP Lounge, just for YP members.