Mingei International Museum

Art museum · San Diego

Mingei International Museum

Art museum · San Diego

Balboa Park, Plaza de Panama, 1439 El Prado, San Diego, CA 92101

Highlights

Nestled in a historic building, this charming museum delights with global folk art, intricate textiles, and stunning views from its rooftop terrace.

Balboa Park, Plaza de Panama, 1439 El Prado, San Diego, CA 92101 Get directions

mingei.org

@mingeimuseum

@afar

"Devoted to folk art from around the world, the Mingei International Museum is home to some of San Diego ’s most intriguing works. Depending on when you visit, you might see an exhibition on Indonesian shadow puppets made from water buffalo hide, or pre-Columbian art from the museum’s permanent collection. After you’re done looking around, head to the Collector’s Gallery, which outdoes typical museum gift shops with its assemblage of ethical items from local and international artisans. Shop for jewelry, ponchos, and woven baskets, then get your caffeine fix at Café Mingei, which serves coffee from one of San Diego’s best roasters, the WestBean."

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Peggy Robinson

Google

We enjoyed learning about all of the textiles and how indigo came to be used in clothing, including Levi's blue jeans. There is a lovely museum store, as well. We were especially excited to see the Chihuly piece hanging in the stairwell. The picture I took does not do this piece of art the justice it deserves.

Sterling Bobbitt

Google

This is a fascinating museum. We have visited twice, and both times been amazed at exhibits. Paper art from Japan was pretty astounding, but in particular paper "lace" with amazing detail. The museum's restaurant was equally fabulous, with meals from many cultures. The board room features a long wood table and chairs that reflect the artistry of woodworking. This place is a visual treat and should not be missed if strolling Balboa Park. Wheelchair access was quite straightforward as well.

Ashley

Google

I have been a member of this museum for over 10 years and enjoy visiting weekly and it pains me to write this review about my favorite museum in San Diego. However, the Mingei has recently cancelled an exhibit of Palestinian art and textiles , effectively censoring their voices during a pivotal moment in time. These voices deserve to be uplifted, not silenced. I was looking forward to such an important cultural event. As an international museum you have no right to censor international art at the bequest of your well endowed monied donors. Your community demands better of you and in fact DESERVES better. Censorship has absolutely no place in art, the same as it has no place in books or education. I no longer feel safe in a museum who censors art and caters to powerful donors. Art is for the people of our community to enjoy and learn from. Shame on you for making sure we can't do that I will be cancelling my membership with Mingei and immediately ceasing all support of Balboa Park and its operations and I will be alerting my San Diego community to the great disservice you have done as you embarrassingly stand on the wrong side of history.

Marc Laurent

Google

Beautiful indigo around the world expo. From Asia to Africa. Worth reading the panels on how indigo is made/used as well as the video.

Catherine Hunt

Google

It’s been a long time since I visited this museum. There were interesting art and cultural display. It is a small museum and the current displays were not as impressive as I recall other exhibits in the past years. It has a rooftop terrace that provides nice view of the park.

Neal

Google

This museum has intricate statues, cultural items, tapestries, and other art. There's also a library and a balcony. The ground floor is free and features items from different parts of the world. There's a cafe, gift shop, and restaurant too. Also, this museum has a free coat check and unisex restrooms. You can purchase a Balboa Park explorer pass to visit this and other museums at a discount.

Sharon B

Google

We visited this museum on one of their Free Tuesdays. It's a nice museum and the current exhibit was on weavings from around the world. It's a small museum like the rest of the museums in Balboa Park. There were a few docents scattered around the museum that afternoon and they were so nice. They offered insights into the different pieces and made our visit even richer. They even have a beautiful Dale Chihuly piece suspended over the stairs to the upper level. There are two nice terraces upstairs with beautiful views of Balboa Park.

Mark Foltz

Google

I really enjoyed this museum. There are some outstanding works exhibited on the bottom floor which is free. Upstairs were two exhibits on traditional textiles and baskets, and contemporary jewelry. I would have liked to learn more about some of the traditional weaving techniques and materials.