Thoughtfully designed items from local and international artists and craftspeople.
Shop Mingei
Masks are encouraged but not required.
Hours
The Museum will be closed on New Year's Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.
| Saturday - Wednesday | 10am - 5pm |
| Thursday - Friday | 10am - 8pm |
Admission
The Commons Level is free for all, always. The Gallery Level requires admission for those 18 years and older.
Mingei is a Blue Star Museum, providing free museum admission to active-duty military personnel and their families from Armed Forces Day to Labor Day.
| Adults (18 years and older) | $14 |
| Seniors, Students with ID and Military | $10 |
| Children | Free |
| Museums for All (EBT) | Free |
Commons Level
CRAFT CAFÉ is a destination for coffee, tea and treats.
CRAFT CAFÉA restaurant expressing Mingei's mission by merging worldly spices with local ingredients.
ARTIFACT at MingeiFAQs
Health & Safety
Visitor Guidelines
At all events, visitors are asked to follow a few simple guidelines to ensure a positive experience for all. Guidelines are based on safety, common sense and courtesy. Please be sure to review our guidelines before visiting the Museum.
Directions & Parking
We are located in Balboa Park at 1439 El Prado, San Diego, CA 92101. See Balboa Park Map for available parking, tram and museum locations with the park.
Valet Parking
Valet parking is available Thursday - Sunday. The valet stand is located between the Japanese Friendship Garden and the House of Hospitality. It’s open to anyone who visits the park
Thursday & Friday: $20 for up to 3 hours, $5/hour thereafter
Saturday & Sunday: $25 for up to 4 hours, $5/hour thereafter
Hours of Operation:
- Thursday and Friday: 4:30 - 11pm
- Saturday: 10:30 am - 11pm
- Sunday: 11 am - 9pm
Accessibility
The west entrance to the Museum (in Alcazar Garden) is HP accessible. There are accessible parking spaces in the Alcazar Garden parking lot located on the west side of the Museum.
Museum Map
View and download a map of the Museum here.
Free Tuesdays
Every Balboa Park museum offers free general admission on a rotating basis each month to residents of the City and County of San Diego. As part of this program, Mingei offers free admission to everyone every third Tuesday of the month. No ID verification is required.
Museums for All
As part of the nationwide program, Museums for All, Mingei offers free admission for those who present an EBT, SNAP or WIC card.
Gallery Level
Explore over 12,000 books, 200 videos and art journals in Mingei's Art Library.
Frances Hamilton White Art Library
An ode to innovative craftsman, George Nakashima.
Founders Gallery
Interested in booking a Tour?
Mingei's education team will bring objects into the classroom that students can touch and feel for the ultimate show-and-tell.
School Tours
The Museum offers visits specifically geared to adults exploring our permanent collection through organizations, groups or clubs.
Adult Tours