Mingei International Museum

Mingei International Museum presents folk art, craft, and design in the House of Charm on Balboa Park's Plaza de Panama.

Enter from Plaza de Panama or the Alcazar Garden side of the House of Charm. The museum is on El Prado near the San Diego Museum of Art.

The ground-level commons, shop, and restaurant can be visited without a ticket, but upstairs exhibitions require admission for adults. Youth 17 and under are free; the museum is closed Monday and stays open later Friday. A wheelchair-accessible entrance and elevator serve the exhibition level. The nearby Alcazar premium lot is paid during the 2026 parking program.

For museums and visitor information, start at the House of Hospitality near Plaza de Panama. For easier parking and the free tram, start at Inspiration Point at Park Boulevard and Presidents Way. Route directly to the zoo, playground, trail, garden, or sports facility when that is your priority.

Paid parking remains active through December 31, 2026. Road meters are $2.50 per hour, and lots range from $5-$16 depending on residency, location, and duration. Lower Inspiration Point gives nonresidents three free hours; verified San Diego residents receive free or discounted lot parking.

Yes. The free accessible tram normally runs daily from 8 a.m.-8 p.m. every 10-15 minutes from Inspiration Point, serving Plaza de Panama, the Organ Pavilion, and Pan American Plaza. It may pause for holidays or special events.

General outdoor park, gardens with free admission, playgrounds, trails, and public landscapes are free. Museums, zoo, attractions, events, food, and parking may charge; Balboa Park paid parking remains active through December 31, 2026.

Accessible parking is available throughout Balboa Park, and the City-operated tram uses accessible ramps.