Mingei International Museum
Art museum · San Diego ·
Folk art, craft, and design from around the world.
Folk art, craft, and design from around the world.
"After a three-year, $55 million renovation that concluded in fall 2021, the museum focusing on “the art of the people” has reopened and is a must-see within Balboa Park, with its main floor always free to visit and a full-service restaurant and cafe onsite." - Archana Ram
"Part of a multi-million dollar renovation in Balboa Park, the Mingei International Museum now houses Artifact on its ground floor and also offers a more casual Craft Cafe; the museum’s diverse collection is reflected in Artifact’s eclectic, global menu." - Candice Woo
"Artifact is not your average museum restaurant serving dry turkey sandwiches and bland fruit cups. It opened in 2021 in the lobby of Mingei International Museum in Balboa Park, and is a prime place to stop for lunch and try foods from historic cultures. You’ll find dishes from Siam and the Fertile Crescent, which encompasses areas of the Middle East including present-day Lebanon, Israel, and Turkey. Expect items like shrimp gyoza in delicate yuzu dashi broth and lots of plant-forward options—the veggie samosa topped with a bright mango chutney and the crispy tofu with mushrooms and black vinegar dish are both excellent. If you want to try a little bit of everything, get the snack tray: it’s a shareable starter that comes with curried vegetables with labneh, lemony chicken satay skewers, and muhammara. You’ll sit among other park-goers at bistro tables or at the wood-topped bar where you can admire the swirly gold beer taps that double as an art piece, like the light installation overhead. photo credit: Deanna Sandoval" - Ligaya Malones
"Devoted to folk art from around the world, the Mingei International Museum is home to some of San Diego ’s most intriguing works. Depending on when you visit, you might see an exhibition on Indonesian shadow puppets made from water buffalo hide, or pre-Columbian art from the museum’s permanent collection. After you’re done looking around, head to the Collector’s Gallery, which outdoes typical museum gift shops with its assemblage of ethical items from local and international artisans. Shop for jewelry, ponchos, and woven baskets, then get your caffeine fix at Café Mingei, which serves coffee from one of San Diego’s best roasters, the WestBean."
"Devoted to folk art from around the world, the Mingei International Museum is home to some of San Diego ’s most intriguing works. Depending on when you visit, you might see an exhibition on Indonesian shadow puppets made from water buffalo hide, or pre-Columbian art from the museum’s permanent collection. After you’re done looking around, head to the Collector’s Gallery, which outdoes typical museum gift shops with its assemblage of ethical items from local and international artisans. Shop for jewelry, ponchos, and woven baskets, then get your caffeine fix at Café Mingei, which serves coffee from one of San Diego’s best roasters, the WestBean."