Mingei International Museum

Established in 1978, the Mingei International Museum is dedicated to promoting an understanding and appreciation for mingei. Mingei is a Japanese word meaning “the art of the people”—interpreted here as a celebration of folk art from around the world. The museum started as a few small exhibitions and by 1996 the 41,000 square-foot facility at the Plaza de Panama facility in Balboa Park was open. Today, the museum holds nearly 20,000 pieces of folk art and crafts from 141 countries including China, Japan, Russia, Mexico, India and many more. The museum features six exhibition galleries, an educational center, library, store and a theater to explore.

Among the major collection items you’ll find Japanese, Chinese, African and Indian pottery, textiles, furniture, wood carvings, dolls, toys and more. The Indonesian collection features ritual dance masks, puppets and ancestor shrines from Borneo. The museum holds an expansive collection of American folk art as well with representation from across the country including contemporary crafts, mid 20th century pottery and Navajo weavings.

One of the museum exhibitions is called ¡VIVA MÉXICO! This celebration of Mexican heroes and artisans offers a look at the creativity and imagination within folk art throughout Mexico’s history. The three main themes for this exhibition include a search for identity, daily life and religions and festivity works—collectively reflecting the cultural diversity of Mexico throughout history.  The ¡VIVA MÉXICO! exhibition will be on display through January, 2011.

Public programs for all ages including lecture, symposiums, workshops and family weekends are offered to engage the community and increase awareness of the diverse cultural represented at the museum. The family weekends include hands-on learning activities such as puppet and mask making, kite construction and more. Visit the museum from noon- 4 p.m., on the last Sunday of each month for the Discover Mingei Treasure Hunt—families can explore the exhibits to find items on the treasure hunt list and win prizes ($3 per person, or $5 per family).

For locals, save some money and visit the museum on Tuesdays for free—in appreciation of the local community, valid only for residents of San Diego County. Be sure to visit the museum store and browse through art and craft items from around the world including books, textiles, pottery, vases, bowls, jewelry and more.

- by Jennifer Pruett, San Diego Reporter for HelloMetro  (Click to leave a message)

Jennifer Pruett

A self proclaimed “queen of everything," Jennifer is a writer, planner and passionate lover of making exciting events extra special. As a creative mother of two she loves art, music, family, friends, exotic cuisine and exploring new areas of self improvement. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in liberal studies from the University of Oklahoma and has been writing restaurant and attraction reviews in the Phoenix Metro area since January, 2009.