Rob Sidner, Museum Director

The Museum

Mingei International Museum reveals the beauty of use in folk art, craft and design from all eras and cultures of the world.

The word mingei, meaning 'art of the people,' was coined by the revered Japanese scholar Dr. Sōetsu Yanagi by combining the Japanese words for all people (min) and art (gei). Yanagi's teachings awakened people to the essential need to make and use objects that are unfragmented expressions of head, heart and hands.

Established in 1978, Mingei International Museum collects, conserves and exhibits these arts of daily use - by anonymous craftsmen of ancient times, from traditional cultures of past and present and by historical and contemporary designers.

Mingei International's museums in Balboa Park, San Diego and in Downtown Escondido, California open a window on the great world, revealing similarities and distinctions of individuals and cultures in art of the people, and inspiring people to express their own innate creativity.

Financial support is provided by the City of San Diego Commission for Arts and Culture. Mingei International Museum is funded in part by the County of San Diego Community Enhancement Program and Community Projects Fund. The Museum cooperates with governments, other museums, designer craftsmen and collectors throughout the world in developing its collection and its exhibitions.

ABOUT THE MUSEUM