Mingei International Museum will reopen to the public on September 3, 2021, exactly three years after closing for a transformative construction project. This will kick off a month of celebratory activities and programs that include the second annual San Diego Design Week, Family Sunday--a free, hands-on art program, performances, artist talks and the launch of a new bistro and walk-up cafe. Entry into the Museum Labor Day weekend, Friday, September 3 through Monday, September 6, will be free for all as a gift to San Diego.

The grand reopening will reveal a new and dynamic Museum with enhancements and improvements to its historic Balboa Park building including the addition of 10,000 square feet of space for exhibitions and programming, a theater, education center and amenities including a bistro, store and coffee bar. In partnership with Mingei, the nationally recognized firm LUCE et studio envisioned the Museum’s physical transformation focusing on artist collaborations, accessibility, functionality and well-crafted and inspiring design.

“It’s an important moment to aspire to a big gesture of change. This project with Mingei is a perfect confluence—it’s about the Park, the craft of fine art, and good design. And it’s one of the most authentic and humble institutions in the city that I believe in. It couldn’t be a better fit.”