Mingei International Museum, Folk art and design museum in Balboa Park, San Diego, US.
The Mingei International Museum is housed in a historic building called House of Charm and displays handcrafted objects from more than 140 countries. The collections feature pottery, glass, textiles, wood carvings, and jewelry that reveal how people create functional items with artistic skill and care.
The museum was founded in 1974 by Professor Martha Longenecker after she studied pottery techniques in Japan with masters of the Mingei tradition. This establishment reflected a growing movement to recognize and preserve handcrafted skills and everyday art forms worldwide.
The collections showcase how handcrafted objects serve important roles in daily life and community traditions across the globe. Visitors can observe how these items reflect the values and practices of the cultures that created and used them.
The museum welcomes visitors on multiple days of the week with extended hours on select evenings, making it flexible to visit. The building includes a restaurant and cafe where you can rest and get refreshments while exploring the exhibits.
Many objects in the collections come from more than 2,000 years ago, demonstrating how ancient crafting techniques remain alive and practiced today. Digital guides are available to help visitors explore the stories behind individual pieces in greater depth.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
