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. Much of the Park and its structures survive today.

Mingei International Museum occupies the historic ‘Mining Building’ on the main Plaza de Panama, the city’s most important public space. Mingei re-opened its doors in 2021 after a comprehensive transformation; a series of restoration initiatives and an addition to the building (one of the first changes in the history of the park).

The 1915 exhibition building looked inward with few openings and just 1 entrance to the 20,000sf ground level. Working with the Landmarks Department and its Board 2015-2021, LUCE discovered spots on the facades where 7 new openings could be carved as entryways and then, part of the site where an addition could be added with a gesture towards community. A defunct loading docking space is now a new multi-purpose theater, an outdoor amphitheater and rooftop museum courtyard. 

These interventions set the tone for integrating Mingei into the fabric of the park, and of the City. The Historic building now has 8 new entrances cut into existing solid arches along the Plaza arcade, letting natural light and 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.

Affectionately named, the museum’s ground floor has become the ‘Living Room of the Park’; a place to wander, learn, share, sit on the amphitheater steps, watch a demonstration, shop, eat and simply find respite; all at no entry fee. Inviting architectural details and materials make ALL feel comfortable and welcome into Mingei’s new home. On this same ground level, the Public Gallery is meant to display offerings from the collection for all to enjoy. Free admission allows every visitor to the park a glimpse into the world of Mingei. 

In the process of site measuring, LUCE discovered a never seen space sitting at the base of the Historic belltower (evident only on the façade). This discovered space became an opportunity to re-energize the tower, building a grand stairway to the Gallery level.

Permanent collection works have found homes throughout the renovation and the curatorial staff selected a Dale Chihuly work to hang in the tower stairwell. The architects sculpted the tower walls with chamfered venetian plaster walls (a nod to the venetian glass), to embrace this artwork. The tower twists towards the skylight above. A local, young drywall subcontractor learned the ancient plaster technique with the architect and rendered the entire space on his own, pointing to the pride gained from participating in the act of practicing Craft.

Mingei is a museum celebrating craft and design. LUCE made careful choices to suggest programming and design elements that would further the mission of speaking to the sensorial character of craft. LUCE also established a commissioned art program, where artists and architect worked together to situate permanent artworks that bring aesthetic, conceptual and functional value to the project. Works executed by an all-female roster; Claudy Jongstra, Petra Blaisse, Christina Kim, Mira Nakashima, Billie Tsien and Sharon Stampfer now occupy their own permanent place in the Mingei collection. Art, craft and architecture meet here, at each of these works, and tell a special story about making.

Mingei Museum makes meaningful contributions to the park and the city at every chance possible. A garden courtyard atop the new theater building is intimate in nature and yet offers visitors to the park a chance to find respite and shade. The architects designed a sculptural picket fence to answer a security concern from the city, and yet the fence itself has become a work of craft; now a part of the museum’s collection; a collaboration with a talented group of metalsmiths.

Mingei has amassed the country’s largest collection of books on craft and folk art. In deciding where to locate this once privately controlled library, the architects suggested linking its wealth of information with the galleries on display. The result is one of the most popular spaces in the museum. Families come to read together about art, history and about the makers who have honed their craft over centuries. Scholars come to study from afar, each sitting at a remarkable George Nakashima table as they peruse the collection. Throughout the museum, and particularly herein the library, LUCE chose Vitsoe (1960 Dieter Rams) to house the collection. This choice speaks to the power of good design that endures decades in its perfection of engineering and aesthetic. Today, LUCE and Vitsoe offer talks to the public about good design, classic ideals and the value of objects that are kept; not tossed away between generations.

Mingei is a cultural gift to San Diego, made possible by a grass roots campaign to elevate a humble museum and its dedicated Board to a world stage for culture and the celebration of craft. At every turn the museum endeavors to share openly art of the people; art for all.