About Mingei International Museum

When it comes to museum’s in San Diego, the Mingei International Museum is well-worth a visit to experience unique, hand-made art by craftsmen and designers from around the globe. Located in Balboa Park, it’s a great place to experience some of the city’s best art and culture scene.

The first floor is completely free to the public, and holds a restaurant, gift shop, and a featured art exhibit. Most recently it was a series of armadillo themed crafts from around the world. Have you seen an armadillo made out of gems, or a pine cone? We finally have (bucket list item checked).

The second floor is the main exhibit area, and costs $15 to get to enter. Be sure to look UP when you head to the second floor, as you’ll be greeted with an incredible glass sculpture chandelier that looks like an angelic super squid. Each exhibit on this floor is meant to showcase “art of daily use.” In other words, art made by craftsman from all different cultures and time periods. Recently, they featured drawings from Native Americans that were made on top of old accounting ledgers from their time in assimilation and concentration camps. It was a powerful piece. They also featured a sculpture exhibit with impressive art from local middle school students, and ornate handmade sweaters with spiritual and religious themes. Everything very impressive.

Also, on the second floor you can step out on either of the patios and catch a beautiful view of Balboa park and the surrounding museums and attractions.

Best Parts

• Appreciating art
• Something unique
• Afternoon activity

Behind The Counter

Established in 1978, the Mingei Museum is the vision of artist Martha Longenecker. “Mingei” is a Japanese term for “art of the people” and is the basis for a movement which we celebrate folk art and crafts made by the masses.

Martha is a celebrated ceramics artist and professor at San Diego State University. When she studied in Japan, she learned of mingei, and she brought it back here to San Diego which gave birth to the amazing folk art museum we have today.