Woven Baskets at the Mingei International Museum
In accordance with its mission to highlight mingei from around the world, the exhibits at Mingei International Museum include artwork from a diverse range of cultures and time periods. Each exhibit offers a look into a different way of life for people around the globe, both past and present.
While the museum has a large collection of assorted works of art, the exhibits on display rotate every few months. The museum’s official website has the most up-to-date information on which exhibits are currently being shown.
Each time you visit, there’s something new to see, so be sure to check back often!
Woven Chairs at the Mingei International Museum
Needles and Grass
Needles and Grass includes a selection of woven artworks, such as baskets and mats. The centerpiece of the collection is a series of works created with needles from Torrey pines, a species of tree native to San Diego that can be seen at Torrey Pines State Park.
Necklaces at the Mingei International Museum
A World of Beads
An exhibit focusing on the different ways beadwork has been applied in various global cultures, the works on display in A World of Beads range from single beads to full pieces.
Woven Craft at the Mingei International Museum
Over/Under
The Over/Under exhibit contains 75 different woven craft works like rugs, clothing, bags, and jewelry. Some of the art was created by San Diego locals, while other pieces have been sourced from the Philippines, Japan, and even Ancient Egypt.
Community Spotlight: Persian Place
The Community Spotlight exhibit is a collaboration with the nonprofit Persian Place. It features the work of seven different female artists, all themed around depicting the Persian epic poem Shahnameh.
Blue Gold
Blue Gold is named for the high value of indigo, particularly during the 1700s. The exhibit looks at how this rare dye was harvested and created, while also educating about the chemistry, botany, and other sciences that were involved in creating the pigment.
La Frontera at the Mingei International Museum
La Frontera
More than just a gallery of artwork, the La Frontera exhibit tells the story of the U.S.-Mexico border through a display of 85 different pieces of jewelry, many of which were crafted by artists who have lived within the border region.
Pysanky
Take a peek into Ukrainian history and culture at the Pysanky exhibit. Named after Ukrainian decorative egg art, this exhibit aims to shed light on the region’s cultural traditions through sharing one of its most unique art forms.
Shirin Towfiq: Threaded Journeys
Threaded Journeys is an exhibit presented by Shirin Towfiq, a second-generation Iranian refugee whose work is inspired by aspects of her Persian heritage. It conveys the region’s history of folk and craft art with a modern interpretation.
Cups to Connections
Highlighting the tradition of hospitality and the longstanding human practice of sharing a drink, the Cups to Connections exhibit showcases various cups, jugs, glassware, pottery, and other drinkware from different cultures.