Architect Paul Rudolph (1918-1997) is unfortunately not well known anymore. He is one of America's greatest modernist architects. He designed a home for himself in Manhattan City. Every first Friday of the month there is an opportunity to view the house. And how! A ticket can be purchased in advance for $20. You step inside, are immediately given a drink and you immediately forget that you are actually a 'museum visitor'. You walk through the house and enjoy the beautiful architecture, decor and art. For example, a real Picasso sculpture hangs above the well-stocked drinks board, attached with a tie-wrap to the stair balustrade. Or an early work by Richard Serra on the wall in a very narrow hall. It's like you're suddenly friends with New York's art elite.

What No Gucci? No, this museum is not about the Italian fashion brand Gucci but about the artist Isamu Noguchi (1904-1988). A Japanese-American sculptor who made sculptures – mainly with organic shapes – but also designed a number of design icons. His world-famous coffee table with a sculptural wooden base and a water lily leaf-like glass top has been on my design wish list for years. When I found out that there was a museum full of his work in the middle of Queens, across from his old studio, I had to go. And wow. You leave busy New York and flutter through its Japanese-inspired garden, see its many sculptures and can get lost in halls full of its washi paper lamps (Akari Light Sculptures).