Our Mission
Mingei International Museum is dedicated to furthering the understanding of art of the people (mingei) from all eras and cultures of the world. This art shares a direct simplicity and reflects joy in making, by hand, useful objects of timeless beauty that are satisfying to the human spirit. The Museum collects, conserves, and exhibits these arts of daily life – by unknown craftspeople of ancient times, from traditional cultures of past and present and by historical and contemporary designers.
Our Vision
Mingei International Museum is a place of enlightenment where objects speak for themselves – in line, form, and color – the universal language of art. The Museum provides the opportunity for an ever-increasing number of people of diverse ages and backgrounds to experience these enduring expressions of human creativity that know no boundary of time, place or culture. The Museum opens a window on the great world, revealing similarities and distinctions of individuals and cultures and inspiring people to express their own innate creativity.
Our Values
The core values of the Museum are the basis of our institutional culture by which we set the Museum’s direction and carry out its operations. These values guide the decisions and actions of the trustees, director, and staff in relationship to one another and the public.
Excellence
We strive continually to learn, improve and incorporate the best practices of the museum field into our work.
Creativity
We present the highest expressions of creativity from all cultures, to inspire our audiences to realize their own innate creativity. We celebrate the contributions of unknown individuals; find the extraordinary in the ordinary; and value humble objects and the imperfection of the handmade.
Collaboration
We foster engagement and dialogue with the Museum’s internal and external communities, developing partnerships with individuals, other museums and community organizations.
Accessibility
We provide a welcoming, hospitable, and stimulating atmosphere for staff, volunteers, and visitors.
Transparency
We believe in sharing critical data and information about the Museum with our staff, volunteers, and audiences and in working to maintain an open dialogue with our public.
Integrity
We expect dependability, accuracy, responsibility, flexibility, and respect of one another in the delivery of the Museum’s mission to all its stakeholders.