Located in the heart of Balboa Park, Mingei International Museum celebrates human creativity through folk art, craft, and design. From balconies overlooking Balboa Park to an intimate Courtyard, the Museum offers a wide variety of environments for a unique experience.
Mingei's award-winning building, designed by architect Jennifer Luce of LUCE et studio, offers three levels of breathtaking architectural surprises and commissioned artworks. Make your important gatherings or special moments shine in incredible event spaces within this historic building.
Our Spaces
Margaret A. Cargill (MAC) Commons
Entry Level | This spacious, open area with ample natural light flowing into the space from multiple, large glass doors gives guests glimpses of the Plaza de Panama and Alcazar Garden outside. The Museum’s Entry Level is home to a significant art installation of permanent collection objects, a restaurant, a bar, and an outdoor courtyard which can be utilized for your event.
Capacity | Commons and Courtyard: 315 reception / 220 seated dinner; Commons: 170 reception / 140 seated dinner
Neely Courtyard
Entry Level | Featuring Manitoba stone flooring and a mid-century mural, Variations on a Gold Theme by Ellamarie and Jackson Woolley, the Courtyard makes a picture-perfect backdrop for any event. The area can accommodate presentations, ceremonies, projected films, receptions, and seated meals.
Capacity | 148 reception / 80 seated dinner
La Atalaya Theater
Lower Level | This multi-purpose space features a retractable 40-foot glass wall opening to an ampitheater for additional space. Accenting the room is a billowing felt and organza custom curtain, created by prominent designer Petra Blaisse. This adaptable space is equipped with moveable seating and AV capabilities to accomodate presentations, performances, meetings, receptions, and seated dinners.
Capacity | 165 reception / 115 performance seating / 100 buffet-style seated dinner
Smoyer-Dickinson Terrace and Prebys Terrace
Exhibitions Level | The Terraces reveal breathtaking views of the Plaza de Panama. Perfect for smaller, open-air gatherings, cocktail parties, or dinners overlooking historic Balboa Park.
Capacity | Smoyer-Dickinson Terrace: 55 reception / 40 seated dinner; Prebys Terrace: 25 reception / 16 seated dinner
Founders Gallery
Exhibitions Level | An homage to the beloved woodworker, George Nakashima, the Founders Gallery is home to the Museum’s iconic Nakashima table and a pair of diaphanous window screens designed by Los Angeles artist Christina Kim. The screens, table, and stunning 25-foot door inspired by a Japanese shoji screen make the space an intimate and inspiring setting for meetings.
Capacity | 38 / Seating around Nakashima Table for 24
Frances Hamilton White Art Library
Exhibitions Level | The Library features iconic floor-to-ceiling Vitsoe shelving, and it’s home to the Museum’s second Nakashima table. This space also features optional access to the North Terrace, making it an excellent choice for meetings before gathering outside for views and refreshments.
Capacity | 13 / Seating around Nakashima Table for 6 – 8
Host an Unforgettable Event at Mingei
Our spaces are uniquely designed to uplift the art of the people, including every milestone and moment that we share together. When you craft an event at Mingei, you set the scene for a gathering full of inspiration, beauty, and impact.
Mingei is the perfect venue for the following events and so much more!
- Wedding Ceremonies and Receptions
- Birthday Parties
- Business Conferences
- Corporate Retreats
- Craft / Makers Markets
- Film Screenings
- Lectures
- Quinceañeras
ARTIFACT at Mingei
Beverages and Catering
ARTIFACT is also home to Urban Kitchen Catering, the Museum's preferred caterer and exclusive on-site bar service. Clients must contract with Urban Kitchen Catering at Mingei for bar service if alcohol will be served at their event.
Additional approved caterers available upon request.
Share Your Vision With Us
Fill out the form below to share your event details with us.
For further information about renting a space at Mingei contact our events team at events@mingei.org or call 619-331-3565.