Is There Construction at Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens Right Now?

Updated

Yes. Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens has posted a notice that its lobby bathrooms are being renovated starting Sunday afternoon, May 17. During the work, additional restrooms are available in the hallway near Cornell Cafe. The museum asks for visitors' patience while the project is underway.

What the Notice Says

The site's "Pardon Our Dust" message is short and specific:

  • What's affected: The lobby bathrooms.
  • When it starts: Sunday afternoon, May 17.
  • Where to go instead: Additional restrooms in the hallway near Cornell Cafe.

No end date is given in the notice, so the renovation should be treated as ongoing until the museum says otherwise.

What This Means for Your Visit

The gardens, galleries, and Cornell Cafe are not described as closed — only the lobby restrooms are. Practical takeaways:

  • Plan a restroom stop early. If you're arriving with children or anyone who needs predictable access, head to the Cornell Cafe hallway area rather than the lobby.
  • Expect some noise or foot traffic near the lobby. Renovation work often means equipment, barriers, or redirected walking paths in that immediate area.
  • Check before you go if the lobby is central to your visit. The notice is posted on the homepage, and the museum's Plan Your Visit page is the place to confirm current conditions.

Hours and Admission (for planning around the work)

Item Detail
Museum & Gardens Tues–Sun, 10am–5pm; closed Mondays and major holidays
Cornell Cafe Tues–Sun, 11am–3pm
Adults (18+) $18
Seniors (65+) and Military (with ID) $16
College Students (with ID) $14
Children (6–17) $12
Ages 5 & under Free
Morikami Members Free

Since the cafe is both a dining spot and the alternate restroom location, its 11am–3pm window is worth noting — if you arrive right at 10am, the cafe area may not be open yet.

How to Confirm Current Conditions

Construction timelines shift. Before a visit, check:

  1. The museum homepage — the "Pardon Our Dust" notice appears there and would be updated or removed when work finishes.
  2. The Plan Your Visit page — for hours, admission, and any visitor advisories.
  3. The events calendar — if you're coming for a specific exhibition or program, confirm it isn't affected by the lobby work.

If the lobby renovation is the deciding factor for your trip — for example, you're bringing a group that needs easy restroom access — call ahead or check the site the morning of your visit rather than relying on the notice's original wording.