Lovely space with cool off-hour events. Went to poetry reading and would love to participate in their poetry Monday meetings! Mingei is one of my favorite stops in Balboa Park. It's not a huge museum, which honestly makes it easy to enjoy in a short time without feeling museum fatigue. Exhibits are thoughtfully put together and focus on the artistry and craftsmanship of everyday objects, which feels both accessible and surprisingly inspiring. We spent time with the exhibits and then wandered through the gift shop, which is easily one of the best museum shops around, full of cool books, ceramics, jewelry, and gifts you won't find everywhere else. The space itself is bright, modern, and welcoming, making it a great place to slow down and appreciate beautiful things. There's a cool restaurant downstairs too. read more

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The Mingei Internation Museum is so cute! Although we didn't pay the admission for the upstairs exhibit, we thoroughly enjoyed all the colorful Armadillos on display on the first floor. We then spent some time browsing through unique items at the gift shop. There is large cafe on the opposite side. There are additional interesting displays (behind glass), right outside the entrance. We may check out the upstairs at our next visit. read more

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Came here during the Balboa December Nights and I'm glad I did. I was able to take my time looking around and even enjoy the rooftop area. I really liked the library area and learned that is a place of study if someone was interested. read more

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I visited this museum after-hours for a private work event (read: for free); we were generously given access to everything. Upstairs, the current exhibition is Indigo; there is basically a history of the cultivation, trading and uses featured. I marveled at the Japanese garments and wooden pieces. Downstairs there are a few displays; I especially loved the beaded and cross-stitched 3-D animals crafted in Mexico. There's plenty of restrooms, a wide staircase, and an elevator. Art and items are spaced nicely apart though this museum is very, very tiny. The hardest thing was finding parking; besides lots being located inconveniently in pockets around the line of museums along the main street, there were so many events going on that one had Valet only. The Haunted Trail is also open, making parking more challenging. Overall, I would return in the future to see what's new (depending on the cost of admission) and I would definitely like to check out more of the museums in the area. The Air and Space and the Automotive ones caught my eye. Pros: - organized and thoughtful - handicap accessible - plenty of restrooms - enthusiastic employees around to answer questions Cons: - parking can be difficult - boring for some (probably kids) - very small read more

Mingei International Museum - Japanese mattress cover and sleeping garments from the 1800s; beautiful library behind glass. - Art Museums Near Me - San Diego, California

I enjoy coming to this museum. I decided to drive down from Orange County. I was able to easily purchase a ticket. They had several exhibits. I was excited to see the Fashioning an Icon exhibit. read more

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I went to a friends 60th birthday party at the Mingei International Museum so this review is for the event/party space. It's downstairs from the main museum and it opens up to a back lower patio. Plenty of space and it has a very large kitchen right outside the main room. I'm not sure who catered or if it was done by the actual museum itself, but it was a creative faire of food from different countries. All was delicious. The bar area seemed to have been brought in by the family of the birthday boy and did not appear to be provided by the venue. But the acoustics and space were optimal for live music. I had a wonderful time and such a great and original place to have a birthday. read more

This was my favorite museums in the world for 30 years, now it is a tribute to commercialism. The entire downstairs is devoted to making a profit with their new cafe and expanded gift shop. Please tell me it's actually a Banksy-esque commentary on valuing culture through the lens of a cost/benefit analysis. The only gallery is only upstairs now, and it's tiny! It feels like the gallery area 1/4 to 1/5 of its former area. When I couldn't find several of my favorite permanent pieces I asked a docent if they were on loan to another museum, the docent smiled 'Oh we still have them! They're just in storage.' As if that would relieve my concern. Maybe San Diego can turn the storage facility into the actual Mengei *Museum* so that *the people* can appreciate the art that has been donated and purchased for *the people*. read more

If you visit on the third Tuesday of the month, entry is free. After passing the restaurant, head to the second floor, where you'll find an entire level dedicated to the history of indigo--the plant used to create the color. The exhibit showcases various textiles, including outfits, lamps, and more. Parking can be challenging, especially on Tuesdays when residents receive free museum admission to multiple museums in the park. The walk-through takes about 20 to 30 minutes, though you may need more time to explore fully. read more

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Mingei is a Japanese word for folk art. The mingei movement began in 1920s Japan as a way for nameless craftsmen to show their artistry and workmanship in everyday items. The concept of the museum is to dedicate further understanding of folk art, craft, and design from all eras and cultures of the world. The entrance to the museum looks like an expensive gallery or high end brand store with their glass doors and walls. The ticket counter is at the opposite end of the entrance (if coming in from El Prado; there is another entrance from the Alcazar parking lot, which is closer to the ticket counter). Admission is currently $15/adult 18+, $10/seniors, educators, students, and military with ID, and free for youths 17 and under. The museum is on the 2nd floor, and seems to only have one exhibit at a time. The current one is "Blue Gold, The Art and Science of Indigo" (running through March 16, 2025). I think indigo is a beautiful color, and was excited to see different designs and patterns, as well as "shibori" (a traditional Japanese tie-dying technique). It was interesting to see how different countries create patterns on fabric using the indigo dye and what they made from it. My teen kiddo was completely bored though (appreciates art, but not textiles), so I can see this exhibit (or this museum in general) not being interesting to younger kids. read more

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This cultural gem will transport you into a world of exquisite craftsmanship and artistic expression. I love how their collection from around the world showcases the beauty of ordinary everyday objects that the artists have transformed into something extraordinary. Walk inside and experience the museum's commitment to celebrating artistry through crafted creations and new takes on things we all consider regular stuff. The presentations are thoughtful and thought-provoking. Even the museum's layout and floorplan are well thought out and enhance the experience as you move seamlessly from one exhibit to the next. There is lots of natural light to highlight the objects on display. They also keep things fresh with special exhibitions alongside their permanent collection. It's located inside Balboa Park and if you haven't been and you have this museum on your "places to visit" list, know that you'll most likely be parking in one of the large lots that surround the park and then either making a walk (count on at least 5 minutes) or catching a ride on the park's tram that makes regular stops along a curvy circular route at 15-minute intervals. Equip footwear accordingly. read more

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What a surprise! Was walking around Balboa Park and happened to walk into this cool museum when they're having their Free Tuesday! The exhibits are fun and interesting, there's a library, a cafe and a gift shop. I recommend checking out the patio from the second floor. The view is pretty! read more

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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. read more

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If you enjoy arts especially from Asia, this is the right place to learn about it, I don't remember how many time I visited the museum and fascinated about every artifacts, but it was my first time attending a reception here, so I get to explore the basement level, with a big show room of private arts, they had food drinks and guest speakers, it was a fun night. Again anything around Balboa park will require you a lot of walking since parking was faraway. Maybe try to wear high heels or have your significant other to drop you off in front of the entrance of any places you planning to go read more

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The Mingei dazzles. The curating staff is on fire, mounting exhibitions that are impressive the way they educate, entertain, and comprehensively cover their subjects within the confines of a relatively small space. The current exhibition subject, the Virgin of Guadalupe, focuses on the presentation of the Virgin on huipils (tunics) and rebozos (shawls). But there is so much more to know, not only how this stuff is painstakingly made, but how new generations adopt and transform images of the Virgin into tattoos, onto fingernails, and even haircuts. Always time well spent. Go see for yourself, and don't forget to visit the fabulous gift shop, and grab lunch at the Artifact cafe/restaurant on the first floor entrance. read more

Fostering the universal language of art from all over the world. Upon entering the first floor is free to view and explore with a gift shop and small restaurant included. If you are unable to visit in person the Mingei's permanent collection is available to view online. How cool is that? While you're viewing the second level, (with paid admission) a tall reference library greets you. It's filled with collections of paper craft, ceramic, jewelry, quilting, beads, costumes and more. Books are not available to check out, but you're welcome to stay and read to your hearts desire. Membership is recommended if you plan to visit this library often. Otherwise known as; Frances Hamilton White Art reference library. Numerous levels of membership are offered depending on your needs. My daughter and I spent a few hours strolling through the entire museum. It was really fun and exciting to inspect so many different forms of art. If you have a chance to come in person I highly recommend it! Check out their calendar for upcoming events and exhibitions. read more

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The renovated space of the Mingei is an art form in itself. Melting into the dining and outdoor spaces are beautiful commissioned pieces. For instance, stand at the bar. Look down. The bar itself is artfully fashioned walnut. Look up. The ceiling evokes a player piano-another commissioned work. We had the pleasure of a docent led tour (Elinor) of the Washi (Japanese paper) exhibit- a blistering array of form, precision, color and variation in the use of Washi as an applied art form. The grand finale of our visit to the Mingei Museum was a lovely, very internationally flavored, lunch. We five each ordered an entirely different selection. Mine was a samosa, which was truly delicious. I would have been happy with any of the plates presented to us. In spite of this being an amazing photo op, it never occurred to me to take pictures! I was mesmerized. Special thanks for our lovely docent, and kudos to the Artifact Restaurant Chef. read more

The first floor is free and has beautiful art. They also have a great gender neutral bathroom with individual stalls that have their own sinks. read more

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Such a variety of food, each dish being from a different country, cooked and garnished to perfection.

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. read more

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This is a review for the first floor of the museum, which is free entry and I'll update this review when I see the other floors. It's a neat place to walk through and looks very contemporary and modern! The first floor is a shared space with some folk art pieces on display such as textiles, cute, small small knick knacks and statues, etc from cultures all around the world, a gift shop with art pieces from local artists, and a pop-up cafe. There was also a display outside with Christmas cultural celebration displays from other countries such as the Philippines. Neat place to walk through on a day through Balboa Park! read more

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Disappointed again. As a Japan specialist, I look carefully at the labels on Japanese items. At the Mingei, these labels almost always contain one or more errors. I've written to curators several times to suggest corrections, but my suggestions have been ignored, my messages unanswered. Compare the SD Art Museum, which responded gratefully and corrected their labels immediately. I've also offered to donate my own Japanese folk-art collection, which includes work by at least one artist they have in their collection (Serizawa). Again, no response. It's like writing to a black hole. The museum owns a number of marvelous pieces, but I won't be going again soon, because of their lack of professionalism. The new restaurant in the lobby area is attractive--open, airy, and inviting. The menu is inviting, too, but the food has turned out to be rather ordinary and overpriced. read more

I thoroughly enjoyed the minimal modern feel of this museum and the colorful pinata exhibit that was on display. read more

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This is a small arts and crafts museum in Balboa Park. I was a bit disappointed by the remodel. I thought they were remodeling the exhibition gallery, but they instead added a cafe. The cafe and wine bar looked snobbish. They added a rooftop patio, with a nice view of the tower, though. I guess I expected more since they spent 55 million on the remodel. Anyway I'm glad they are open again. The third Tuesday of the month is free for San Diego residents, just show your address on your ID. read more

We went on a field trip here with a whole group of 5th and 6th graders (I want to start out with that). We had a bunch of chaperones with us, but they are 5th graders. We entered the building in groups with a guide. The kids were so excited, but they weren't obnoxious. They were asking appropriate questions; they were engaged; and they were happy. But our guide (and security) made it HARD to enjoy the art. First, they were asked a question about how piñatas were made... they kept saying "confetti" and our guide was like "NO. It's NOT confetti." Literally so mean. Then older people were around us she's like "we need to stay away and move for them. They are older and like to ENJOY the art." Like we weren't also enjoying and learning about the art. That really irritated me. The kids would try to sit on a bench while our guide explained things and would tell them to "stand as they are young. They don't need to sit." If she didn't like their creative answers, she would let them know it was absolutely wrong. For example, they were talking about a quilt and one of the kids was asked "what's your favorite?" And they said the square one and she said "that one's boring." Well why did you ask then?! Security followed us around the whole time (and I understand watching the kids but we were told to have them not run, use inside voices, stay with the group, etc.) so just staring at them was uninviting. I want to go back with just my family, as my son loves being creative and he loves art, but I'm not too happy with the experience we had here. The ONLY reason I'm giving this place a 2 star review is because I loved the set up, the art, and the area. read more

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First floor of this museum is free. The exhibits were interesting. There's a piñata exhibit on the second floor right now. The bathrooms are gender neutral and despite the stalls being in the same room, it felt very private with fully closed doors (no gaps!) and sinks in each stall. Also very clean! Highly recommend checking out this museum! read more

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The Mingai International Museum focuses on folk art, crafts, and design. This is not something that resonates with me, but I can appreciate the collection of textiles, furniture, pottery, costumes, musical instruments, and sculpture from around the world. The displays are well designed and beautiful. One has to admire the curation effort. The Museum forms the apex of a triangle in Balboa Park with the Prado and the San Diego Museum of Art at the other two points. read more

Mingei International Museum - "Crafting Guitars from Skateboards" - Art Museums Near Me - San Diego, California

Kids loved the hands on craft center on the first floor. Awesome exhibits upstairs and free every third Tuesdays to residents. read more

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Staff were snobby and weren't friendly. I felt uncomfortable being here and really couldn't enjoy the art. The museum is beautiful. Would not come back to here and waste my money when staff just glare at you the whole time. Didn't get a greeting or a goodbye like most places generally would. 1 star. Edit: Not friendly to poc!! My family and I are hispanic and I felt targeted for my color. There was a white man also in the museum and he got completely different service than my family. read more

Mingei International Museum - Art Museums Near Me - San Diego, California

Extremely rude staff, made me extremely uncomfortable while being loud and vocal about a service animal. I recommend the staff have some training on what they are allowed and not allowed to ask when it comes to service animals and their purpose. read more

Can I say this museum is my favorite museum so far in San Diego? I didn't plan to visit here today but it was at museum month when I just walked by, I decided to have a look. I got a half price ticket because of the museum month. The exhibition is amazing! I really love how the curators curated all the folk craft arts from all over the world. I can see the arts are very different in their own cultural ways based on their history and location, but also kinda connected in someway based on the whole human beings' cultural development. I love to see how folk arts influence and reflect our society. read more

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The Mingei is a beautiful and well curated museum. I always enjoy their exhibitions and their permanent collections.

Till I got around to write my review, I've noticed that the museum is closed till later in 2019 for renovations! Nonetheless, Mingei is my favorite museum within Balboa Park complex. It specializes in folk art, design of various civilizations from all over the world. They also had unique exhibits, very well researched of various countries from around the globe and time periods. Always decent collections, rare, hard to see. The building is beautiful, not too big, not too small, a very nice space to explore. In front of the Mingei Museum's beautiful building there are a couple of Niki de Saint Phalle colorful sculptures, impossible to miss (some of her work is easy to spot inside as well). This is where I first discover the unique style of the French artist that spend the last part of her life in San Diego area and fell in love with it. Too bad the museum is closed for now. In the meantime, they do have a store opened (Liberty Station) and a cafe there as well. I'll keep my eyes opened for Mingei's re-opening. I'd love to check out the renovations, find an excuse to go to San Diego again and update my review. read more

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Actual museum : The Mingei Museum is a very unique museum, I have never been anywhere like it. Being an art museum it is always super exciting to see things that have been created, but this one being focused on international pieces of work is just amazing to me. One of the people I've as speaking with afterwards, mentioned that this museum being a "folk art" museum, she truly felt like this showcased art from her home and her heritage, and I can't imagine how others may feel as well when they get the chance to go. Sometimes being far from home, you miss the simplistic pieces of folk art, but this is a place for people to go here in California. I am not an art critic so I won't go into crazy details, but I will say that I have a lot of international friends and I do intend on bringing them if they ever visit me here. Coffee side of things : Their coffee shop is quite small, with access from both the museum and the outside, it has no inside seating but it does how outside seating available, as well as having plenty of seating in the museum's first level when it is open. The actual shop itself has plenty of food options, and their pastries are exquisite. They use a few different vendors for their cookies and their pastries. I've tried a few different ones now and I have got to say they are AMAZING. I tend not to go crazy on getting pastries when I go places but I've been here a few times now and I cannot pass up their strawberry scone, it is probably one of my favorite treats right now. Other amazing ones they have are their lemon lavender cookie, oatmeal cherry chocolate chip cookie, and I'm trying their gluten free double chocolate one today. As for their coffee itself. They use dark horse roasters, which is a great roaster, their espresso is not acidic at all, it does lean on the more burnt side so be aware of that when trying it. They have great brands for their alternative milks, and while I personally don't use them on my drinks, I do recommend them. The baristas are fairly new so I have held off about a month before writing this review, to give them time, but we are at that point where I feel they have had enough time to practice, and quite frankly they are going to need more time. They are considered a craft coffee shop and I wouldn't recommend them as that. They have amazing flavors and great ideas, but haven't quite pinned down the actual craft of making the coffee. I will say their pouring of shots has heavily improved over the last month, but the steaming of milk has been off each and every time I've been, some over poured, too milky, inconsistent temperatures, just overall poorly done milks. I have been able deal with many issues from coffee shops, because I truly believe there is room to grow, both in practice and supplies. But the worst time I've been to this shop I was handed a cup of just a batch brew, and the barista (I actually think it is the coffee shop manager, but not sure) looked into the cup and noticed their was grounds in it and still tried to hand it to me. I am sorry but this is supposed to be a craft coffee shop and I know for a fact not even Starbucks will hand you something they know for a fact has grounds in it. If it was an accident, I wouldn't be as upset, but he looked at it saw it handed it to me and then turned around quickly as though he thought I wouldn't complain if he turned around. Definitely not a very good look. As for the baristas themselves, they are new, but they don't seem very passionate. I haven't ever been welcomed when I come in. They have always tried to answer my questions but usually they don't seem to want to or even know the answers. It would be nice if they cared just a little bit more about their role as a barista. read more

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The Mingei may be my favorite museum at Balboa Park. There are always great surprises here. Currently, the small exhibition of Indonesian shadow puppets is fascinating for the incredible details painted into each flat puppet. I came here to see the rugs and blankets from the Navajo Diné culture. The textiles on display are superb and it was interesting to learn the extent of the influence of white owners of trading posts in the designs that catered to tourists. read more

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First off, I'm not that into folk art, so the Mingei is not really likely to be my cup of tea. That aside, I was very impressed with the soft opening, when the Mingei revealed the extensive remodel that had kept it closed for quite some time. Although I was disappointed that they shrunk their exhibit space by removing most of the first floor exhibits, the opening exhibition was quite interesting, and even better were the two newly open to the public decks that overlooking the park's plaza, art museums, Prado, and Botanical Building. I hope they utilize that space, as it provides a wonderful new view of the immediate area. The Mingei also has one of the more interesting gift shops in the park and a really impressive glassed-in library. Also, I was quite impressed that they got everyone during a busy opening weekend, and I mean everyone, to wear their masks properly. I don't think I've ever seen that level of compliance in a public space. All in all they did a nice job with the museum remodel, and like I said, the only disappointing thing is that they shrunk the exhibit space footprint, which wasn't that large to begin with. If you enjoy folk arts, I would recommend a visit, although non-folk art buffs are likely to enjoy other museums in the park a bit more. read more

Stopped by this place while visiting Balboa Park for the first time . Although the contents were interesting, this place was extremely small and the ticket only grants you access to 1 level. You can easily finish the whole place in about 20 minutes, so I would not say it was worth the $15 admission price. read more

YES. I love everything about this museum. Stunning collections & artsy aloof staff with indistinguishable accents... Mingei is what art museum dreams are made of. But what makes this place a real pearl is its flawless installation and lighting - my god, it's a PERFECT soft & minimalistic sanctuary! Art presented so fabulously is a true treat. Just outside the Mingei walls is a much busier Balboa Park, but all that hustle is left at the door. Stepping into the museum's warm embrace feels trancelike. Balance is a standout. Subdued mid-century woodwork & punchy primary colors of Saint Phalle create such an interesting space. A slow saunter and at least a solid hour are both necessary to fully melt into the experience. My visit aligned with the Asafo Flags and Made In America collections. Both are beautiful & interesting. I'm looking forward to the return of the Japanese permanent collection in April - I'll be back again and again and again... read more

Mingei International Museum - The best, from Texas - Art Museums Near Me - San Diego, California

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The Admission: $10 for adult. Dynamic exhibitions of art of the world and art of the people. Now the exhibit is about traditional dolls and toys of Japan and African bead and adornment. Very interesting! There is a coffee shop next door and a few tables in front of the shop. Perfect place to take a break after visiting the museum. read more

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We came here on the third Tuesday of the month because several of the museums were free including this one. It was pretty awesome to see some of the old Archie comic books, and other books from our past. On display in another section of this museums were beautiful hand woven rugs from our ancestors. It was enjoyable to hear about the history and message the rugs represented everything from military influences to spirits ascending to the heavens. The details on the rugs were amazing to visualize the skill it took to create such a piece. In another section of the museums was Mexican Folk Art each piece crafted to perfection and very beautiful. Overall the museum was clean and spacious, staffed with knowledgeable employees who were friendly and helpful. read more

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I really wanted to love the New Mingei and have been a member for years (even through the long remodel). The old was warm and welcoming and I attended lots of events and loved the exhibits. I've come to the post-remodel Mingei a handful of times and am less and less impressed. At first I thought it was very nice. Now it feels cold and harsh. I do enjoy the exhibits upstairs, but I each time I've come, some of the upstairs is under construction (and I've come at different times to see if it will ever all be done). I didn't bother to check out the exhibits this last time. I do like the new balcony- it's lovely. The restaurant (Artifact) is delicious but seating is weird. It looks and feels like a museum cafeteria but it's trying to be fancier. The food is fantastic. The last time we were there for happy hour, they try very hard to persuade you to only sit on the uncomfortable bar stools (no backs). Several people wanted to sit at the tables for happy hour since it looks like all one open place (incredibly poor design if they have to constantly herd people away from a small room of empty tables to the bar stools). We were there on a Saturday and I got the feeling that they're not really open til 5pm. At 10 til, the gift shop started closing (okay- obviously locking the museum doors at 5 to give them time to close the gift shop isn't an option) and the lower level bathroom closed for cleaning (according to the staff- so they didn't have to pay the cleaning person overtime- which is a very weird contract that she has to be done cleaning by 5 with people still in the museum), and the overall vibe was that we weren't welcome even though we'd bought food and drinks and something in the gift shop. They made us feel like it was midnight and we overstayed our welcome. It was 4:50. I went upstairs to use the bathroom and a few people were waiting when the doors opened to tell me they were closing in 10 min. Yes. I know. I have to use these bathrooms since the lower one closed early. We ended up being in the museum longer (which made me laugh) because we couldn't use the bathroom closest to us. I'm definitely not renewing my membership in Nov. The exhibits are nice, but I can live without them or I can come for free Tuesdays. I can access Artifact without being a member (seriously- the food is delicious if you come at the right time), and members don't get discounts at the restaurant anyway. I obviously won't come near closing again. The attitude and complaints from the staff about needing to close the museum early so they can sweep the restaurant/ pay for cleaning were off-putting and weird. Cleaning is necessary and impt. But shouldn't that level of deep cleaning happen after the museum has closed? At 5pm? We were trying to leave and they did everything they could to make it harder- lol. read more