Dedicated to ‘art of the people’ (mingei) from all eras and cultures of the world, Mingei International Museum shares arts of daily life through dynamic, changing exhibitions of historical and contemporary folk art, craft, and design. Mingei’s extensive collections and stunning exhibitions showcase the finest examples of creative expression from unknown craftsmen to renowned contemporary designers. Mingei celebrates the belief that everyday objects and materials that serve a useful purpose can also be objects of great beauty. The museum nurtures the belief that art can happen anywhere, in any culture, in any place, created by any person. Art of the World. Art of the People.

Plan Your Visit

The Commons Level (main floor) of the Museum, is accessible from the Plaza de Panama and Alcazar Garden and is open and free to the public at all times. With a significant art installation of permanent collection objects, Shop Mingei, ARTIFACT at Mingei a full-service restaurant, a walk-up coffee bar CRAFT CAFE, and an outdoor courtyard, this living room for the Park provides ample gathering space and a warm welcome to Park visitors. 

The Gallery Level (upstairs) has newly configured, flexible gallery spaces with a sculpted plaster ceiling making reference to origami and reflecting light in a striking way. This level will also host Mingei’s Art Reference Library, the Founders’ Gallery, home to the Museum’s iconic Nakashima table, and two upper-level terraces overlooking Balboa Park that have not been open to the public for many decades.