Mingei International Museum

In 1915, San Diego hosted the Panama Pacific World’s Fair. A series of Spanish Revival buildings were erected to house exhibitions, set in a stunning urban park (Olmstead planned) that today remains one of the country’s largest. Here, The Mining Building (later named The Arts and Crafts Building and House of Charm) sits on Plaza de Panama; a space that is now the most important public space in the city. 

Mingei International Museum occupies the building and re-opened its doors after a comprehensive transformation; a series of restoration initiatives and an addition to the building (one of the first in the history of the park).

The 1915 exhibition building looked inward with few openings and just 1 entrance to the 20,000sf plaza level. Working with Landmarks staff, LUCE discovered places where entries could be added and space could be augmented with a gesture towards OPENING Mingei towards its community. A defunct loading docking space became a new theater building, outdoor gathering space and rooftop courtyard. This intervention sets the tone for integrating Mingei into the fabric of the Park, and the City. All spaces are open to the public at no charge; inviting a diverse audience to join in.

The Historic building now has 7 new entrances cut into existing solid arches along the Plaza arcade, allowing natural light and coastal breezes into the plaza level spaces. Large glass openings invite visitors inward and project the purpose of Mingei outward; to share the Arts of the People. 4 new entrances at Alcazar Garden (to the west) welcome those who come to enjoy the stunning gardens. Affectionately named, the Plaza Level of the museum has become the ‘Living Room of the Park’; a place to wander, learn, share coffee, sit on the amphitheater steps, watch a crafts demonstration, shop, eat and simply respite; all at no cost and all through inviting architectural details that make ALL feel comfortable and welcome.