Amy Hau

Now director of the Noguchi Museum, Hunter College graduate Amy Hau began her career in 1986, as the assistant to the museum’s founder, Japanese American sculptor Isamu Noguchi.

After Noguchi’s death in 1988, Hau helped lead the museum, in Long Island City, Queens, for almost 30 years, working in various roles until 2015. Rising to the position of director of administration and external affairs, Hau oversaw $23 million capital projects for the restoration and renovation of the Museum building and garden.

Then, after eight years as a Managing Principal at the New York–based firm WXY Architecture and Urban Design, Hau returned to the museum in January 2024 as its director, charged with further developing the museum's campus and celebrating the institution’s 40th anniversary in 2025.

Hau studied painting and printmaking with a minor in art history at Hunter College. Upon the announcement of her new role at the museum, she told The New York Times that she remembers the disappointment of her “typical immigrant family,” who encouraged her to pursue a career in accounting, law, or medicine, when she started working for Noguchi. “It was very challenging to convince my parents it was a good job,” she said.

As a young child, Hau moved with her family from Hong Kong to Astoria, Queens. She has lived in the borough for most of her life and has served on Community Board 1, Queens, since 2014 and as First Vice Chair since 2022. She is also a board member at Socrates Sculpture Park, and was a founding member of the Long Island City Cultural Alliance. Additionally, she serves on the board of the Asian American Arts Alliance and as a member of ARTtable. Hau earned an MBA from Baruch College.