Its such a cute Instagram-able museum! My personal favorite is the bubble illusion and mountain illusion. My family and I all checked in on Google so we were able to get $5 off our admission ticket. $20 is a bit much, but its worth checking out once. I was able to walk through the whole exhibit within 30 minutes.Street parking is free after 8pm (m-th). Plenty of structures nearby.

Ive been visiting San Diego museums all week and I have to say that this one was one of my favorites. They have a beautiful collection of hand crafted pieces that are full of fine details. What I appreciated most is how I enjoyed pretty much everything they had on display. A lot of museums Ive been to were dull or only had a few cool things to look at. The curators here have great taste and I was fascinated by the variety of art this museum had offer. Downstairs had Japanese signs that are supposed to be a visual representation of the service offered (a tobacco shop sign was a giant pipe). The room next to that had some Indonesian shadow puppets on display and the amount of detail on each piece was mind-blowing. Upstairs had some nice saddles and jewelry pieces. The most stunning piece was this giant wall covered in super detailed tiles made of metal. This museum is enjoyably quiet and full of beautiful art. Definitely worth a visit.

What a wonderful way to celebrate Downtown Los Angeles art community. This is a monthly event (downtownartwalk.com) that pops off every second Thursday of the month. From noon to evening, the galleries of Downtown Los Angeles opens for the public - free of charge. I warn you to read street signs carefully and to make sure you can park there to avoid costly tickets.

Its beautiful that we can see all the things you have

For the week of art gallery with my family, so on every 3rd Sunday of the month it is $5.00 for all family. This is a great place for family, date, I love it. Tuesday some of many museum are free also.

One of the best museums. Such unique collections

My favorite museum in San Diego. The museums collection includes hand crafted items from around the world. Most of museum space is used for rotating exhibits and so youll never know what youre going to see. See American crafts such as quilts, furniture, and pottery. Dont miss the amazing Chihuly in the main stairway.

Very interesting place. Also I either increased or decreased the value of one art piece XD

Sensational, thoughtful exhibits. Excellent gift shop. Will be closing soon for gallery exansion.

Really different. Great curating and descriptions give excellent background information. Beautiful pieces when we were there. Great museum shop with so many beautiful items. Im coming back to buy unique gifts.

Too bad! Currently closed for renovation till 2020!

Cool place to bring the family. Saturday was really fun and we got to see a Rembrandt. This painting is not the Rembrandt. This painting is a scene where Jesus was healing the blind.

Interesting place to find great pieces of art. Love the ambiance and friendly people here.

The Admission: $10 for adult.Dynamic exhibitions of art of the world and art of the people.Now the exhibit is about traditional dolls and toys of Japan and African bead and adornment. Very interesting!There is a coffee shop next door and a few tables in front of the shop. Perfect place to take a break after visiting the museum.

Founded in 1978 by San Diego State University Professor of Art Martha Longenecker, Mingei International Museum collects, conserves, and exhibits arts of daily use by anonymous craftsmen of ancient times, from traditional cultures of past and present, and by historical and contemporary designers. Longenecker studied the art of pottery-making in Japan, becoming acquainted with and learning from the founders of the Mingei Association of Japan, which inspired her to bring the vision of mingei to America. Mingei means “art of the people,” and was coined by Japanese philosopher Soetsu Yanagi when he discovered the beauty of the Korean Yi dynasty pottery, which was largely taken for granted due to its abundance. Yanagi started collecting lots of Korean and Japanese pots and crafts, writing about them and displaying them in the first mingei museums, so that people could see truth and beauty in these anonymous objects. The Mingei International Museum has shared over 183 exhibitions in its years, covering a diverse range of cultures, themes, and media.

Pretty good. Closed right now though so dont count on going there.

A beautiful Museum space with marvelous exhibits. However, be warned -- The museum is closing in September for an entire year. Oh dear! We now feel sorry that we had not visited sooner and seen some of the earlier special exhibitions. Presumably when it reopens it will be be better than ever.

Great museum. Not your typical art, but well worth the visit. Unfortunately it will be closed through the summer of 2019 for renovations. I cannot wait till it reopens.

Weird and unique would be a good way of describing this place. Whole I do appreciate some contemporary art, some of this just makes me question what contemporary art means. While it does evouque some emotions, Im not sure theyre good emotions. If you are into bizarre or benign items, this may be the place for you.

My two sisters and I thoroughly enjoyed the wood/fabric exhibit and the organic architecture at the same time. They encouraged me to take my brother when he came to town, which I did. He, too, liked it a lot. They are all from cities with great museums (New York, Philadelphia, Chicago/Santa Fe) but look forward to returning to the Mingei.

Very nice spaces and always thought provoking shows with international themes. Upstairs is more in county things of interest. As I write this they are displaying Navajo blankets and a amazing selection of printed books.

When I visited the museum they had a great display of Navajo hand made rugs one rug was almost 200 years old, the museum was nice but one area was closed off due to a new display being prepared for viewing, if you go do yourself a favor and make a weekend of it visit the Museum of Man and the Natural History museum, dont forget to visit old town San Diego make sure you wear comfortable shoes as you will be on your feet and do a lot of walking oh by the way try to get there early if you can spring at these places is great

Nice staff and great exhibits! Been in several times always enjoyed whatever they are showing

Absolutely amazing. The exhibit that shows art/craft representing each state is stunning. Also is the exhibit that showcases walking sticks. Did not get time to see the other areas but will revisit. This one is a gem.

A stand out in a park of great museums. Thr permanent collection is great, and the special exhibits always provide thoughtful and engaging insight into the artist or culture featured.

Mingei refers to a Japanese style of artisan crafts which are considered both art and objects meant to be used on a daily basis. They exhibit mingei made by craftsman at various time periods from around the globe. This museum is a gem!

Have only been here once but found it to be extremely well laid out and great displays. Fabrics were incredible. Highly recommend this museum. Expect to spend at least 2 hours.

Always has thought provoking exhibits. We visit every time were in San Diego. Their gift store is moving to a location within an art community organized by the city in an old military compound. Its packed with art, and artists Liberty Station.

One of the best museums in San Diego. Dynamic in its programs and with a great collection of Asian, Latin and American crafts as well as beads, doll houses and tribal arts of the world. With Modern and Contemporary Fine Art exhibits also, this is a rich experience an art lover would enjoy. When your done exploring the museum, you will find the gift shop amazing.

This is a lovely museum surrounded by a group of other shops and venues. The whole place is just fun to walk around and this museum always has different kinds of exhibits. Get on the mailing list and you will be drawn down to many shows over the year. Bring a camera and a picnic lunch for your viisit.

Small but high quality and free. Some very nice pieces.

Love this museum. Visited and volunteered. Loved the Sunday family programs.

Still under reconstruction byr coffee shop is open

Sadly CLOSED due to renovation until Fall 2020

On this place the entrance is free. Theres interesting things to see.

Loved the Israel exhibit! Docens were very nice and informative.

I hadnt been to Mingei in some time and it was a pleasure to visit again. Lots to see. I really need more than a day to take everything in!

I love their mission of displaying art forms that have a utilitarian function too.

This place has very little to display, some patterned fabrics and miniature display of art figurine.They should not be charging money for it.

Unfortunately its closed on Mondays but the surrounding gardens were wonderful to look at.

Fabulous exhibitions on at the moment, including art and design from Israel, and some really amazing outsider art.

Super interesting . I love the place

I have no interest in modern art. This place has great ceramic, wood, metal, fabric,paper, etc. creations. While in a modern theme there are traditional crafts of very talented artists.

I became a member of Mingei 2 years ago and it is one of the best investments I have made to support the San Diego art community! Join with a friend and it is a geat deal!The Summer Surf Series is every Thursday night from 5:00 pm to 7:30 pm now through August 21, 2014. The Surf Board exibit showing now is amazing! There are additional shows going on upstairs which makes it great for all! I also love the gift shop! It is a perfect place to pick up a special gift for a friend or yourself.Come visit Mingei International Museum and you will be blessed!Sue Glover

The gift shop actually had really unique and nice gifts. The museum itself is nice and the exterior is simply gorgeous

They have something new every yr. Its enjoyable

I loved the family day they had. Will be back!

Fun museum

A great museum for exhibiting folk art, crafts and design. There are lots of museum personnel staffing each section to speak to you about the items on display.

Rotating exhibits. While I was thereit was Japanese crafts. Excellent.

Cool, but wasnt interested in seeing tons of surfboards. Everything else was awesome.

Good if youre into modern art.

Very good curate collection.

Beautiful museum.

I like art and especially the human female body is beautifully designed for us

Be sure to get a docent tour by Andrea Shapiro, she is very knowledgeable and engaging!

Highly recommend to visit! Great place!

Loved it that security guys were knowledgeable and engaging.

Nice exhibit

Lovely place to walk, choose the places you want to see

My kids love the Family Sunday projects.

Dont remember

I love this museum before!

Many wonderful things to see.

My favorite museum! Lots of wonderful exhibits!

Closed for renovations as of 2/19

A must !

Indigenous artifacts and rotating displays of various sorts

Wow)))

Love this place

Great!

Amazing collections

Love this place!

Closed for reno

Closing soon... Get in there ASAP!

Cool

Amazing collections

Outstanding show

Great exhibits!

One of the great Museums located inside of Balboa Park

Nice small museum

Beautiful collection!

Good curation

My favorite museum in Balboa Park!