Mingei International Museum Art Library in Balboa Park reopens on September 3, 2021 | Mingei International Museum

The Library’s holdings include a specialized collection of over 12,000 reference materials, 200 videos, and many art journal subscriptions related to the Museum’s collection and philosophy. Specific collection strengths include folk arts of Mexico, Japan, and India, Chinese ceramic arts, North American quilts, worldwide costumes, jewelry, beads, adornment, textile arts, origami, and papercraft.

With comfortable reading niches, a sweeping conference table, and a bespoke media room, the Library is the perfect place for Museum visitors to browse, deepen their knowledge or conduct research.

Art Library Hours

Sunday & Monday: Closed
Tuesday & Wednesday: 10:30am -4pm
Thursday: 10:30am-4pm
Friday: 10:30am-5 pm
Saturday: 12-4pm

Frances Hamilton White Art Reference Library

Harmful Language Statement

Welcome to the Frances Hamilton White Art Library & Archives. The Library & Archives include thousands of print and digital materials with a focus on folk art, craft, and design. These materials have been collected from 1978 to the present. Books and archives are maintained in our collection for the purpose of authentic cultural representation as well as helpful context such as dates, materials of use, location, and more.

Maintaining historical evidence is the priority of our library. With this in mind, the Library & Archives is aware that some of its materials contain language and images that reflect the climate of the historical period in which they were created and are potentially harmful or offensive. This can include language and depictions that are racist, sexist, ableist, homophobic, and otherwise offensive or discriminatory. To be transparent with its visitors, the Library & Archives wants it to be clear that the harmful content and rhetoric of these materials does not reflect Mingei International Museum’s mission.

Purchase a ticket today!

Explore folk art, craft, and design from across cultures and time.