Video
Mingei International Museum is dedicated to furthering the understanding of art of the people (mingei) from all eras and cultures of the world.
Press RoomThe Museum will reopen to the public on September 3, 2021, exactly three years after closing for a transformative construction project. Entry into the Museum Labor Day weekend, Friday, September 3 through Monday, September 6, will be free for all as a gift to San Diego. The Museum will be open 10am-5pm, seven days a week, with expanded evening hours until 8pm on Thursdays and Fridays.
“It’s an important moment to aspire to a big gesture of change. This project with Mingei is a perfect confluence—it’s about the Park, the craft of fine art, and good design. And it’s one of the most authentic and humble institutions in the city that I believe in. It couldn’t be a better fit.”
Jennifer Luce Founder and Principal, LUCE et studio How to DonateMingei International Museum has embarked on a major transformation of its facility on the Plaza de Panama in Balboa Park, one that redefines its relationship to the Park, the San Diego region and the world. The plan expresses a dynamically renewed commitment to the Museum’s vision and the community it serves.
Through a series of visitor surveys, stakeholder interviews and tours of other museums, Mingei reaffirmed its mission to open up the Museum space for maximum engagement and collaboration and expand access to collections, exhibitions and educational programming.
Art belongs to everyone. With a gallery, store, restaurant and center for learning, the free plaza level features multiple public entries on east and west, opening the Museum to expansive meeting, making and learning opportunities:
The second level is devoted to exhibitions and research, with its main galleries and art and media library. Mingei is also giving back to the City of San Diego through the addition of open space and restoration of its historic home, The House of Charm.
“I’m impressed with Mingei International Museum’s vision and courage in embarking on a transformational project that embraces the community and increases access for everyone to the Museum’s collections. By going big, Mingei reflects the audacity of Balboa Park’s founders in providing enticing public spaces open to all.”
Todd Gloria, San Diego MayorMingei educational programming facilitates engagement with our diverse museum collection, celebrating the value of seeing the world in new ways. We’re committed to partnering with institutions and working artists to forge a deep understanding of folk art, craft and design processes. The new Education Center facilitates hands-on learning—from its dedicated classroom and meeting space for docents and volunteers to ample room for school groups to gather.
Mingei is transforming a non-functional loading dock into a gorgeous, new 1700-square-foot Theater space for inspiring lectures, concerts, films, dinners and special events. It features 13-foot ceilings, chairs of classic Danish design and state-of-the art lighting and audio-visual systems. A sleek 40-foot glass door opens to the outdoor amphitheater and Palm Canyon beyond.
We’re building a new way to immerse in and explore the art of Mingei on the second level, devoted to art and research. The exhibition spaces and art reference and media library showcase our collections. An elegant boardroom features the Museum’s sweeping Nakashima table for meetings and events and to inspire far-reaching discussions.
By creating new public outdoor areas, a transparent relationship to the iconic Plaza de Panama and connection to Alcazar Garden emerges. While the courtyard directly above the Theater provides an intimate public space, a mural from the Museum’s permanent collection, Variations on a Gold Theme by Ellamarie and Jackson Woolley, offers a stunning backdrop for private events, film projection and temporary exhibitions. Moreover, for many decades have the building’s upper terraces been open to the public. They are being reclaimed with breathtaking views of the Plaza and California Tower, Palm Canyon and the new courtyard.
A new staircase spills out of the House of Charm tower, creating an informal amphitheater for gathering and an inviting entrance to the second level and its iconic tower. The new grand staircase houses the signature sculptured created by Dale Chihuly, Mingei International Museum Chandelier, with the conical tower enhancing the glasswork. A skylight floods the interior with light.
Behind the scenes, Museum Staff works together in a collaborative, efficient office environment on the lower level of the building. The newly designed workspace brings improvements to art storage and easy access to art handling.
As we build the future, we’re also rebuilding the past, restoring historic integrity to the House of Charm and reducing environmental impact:
“We’re pleased to share the House of Charm with the Mingei for many more decades as the Globe continues to pursue its mission to serve the public good.”
Timothy J. Shields, Managing Director The Old Globe Donate TodayMingei International Museum Director Rob Sidner and Architect Jennifer Luce discuss commissioned artworks for the renovated Museum in a series of webcasts.