The grand reopening will reveal a new and dynamic Museum with enhancements and improvements to the 1915 House of Charm , 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 . The total finished square footage will be over 50,000 . In partnership with Mingei , the nationally recognized firm LUCE et studio envisioned the Museum ’ s physical transformation focusing on artist collaborations , accessibility , functionality and wellcrafted and inspiring design . Behind the scenes , the redesign will support best practices in art handling , registration and scholarly research . A new light-filled education center will provide a hub for students , educators and learners of all ages to engage in hands-on art activities .
When the Museum reopens it will highlight its rich collection of historical and contemporary folk art , craft and design as never before , and the gallery spaces will not be the only place visitors experience “ art of the people .” Signature elements of craft and design will be seen throughout the building , including curtains , flooring , lighting , bar tops and more . To further explore the connection between the art of Mingei and its transformative
architecture , LUCE et studio and Museum leadership initiated a series of commissions from acclaimed women artists , which are both distinct stand-alone creations and functional elements . The Museum will also begin to reinstall permanent collection icons such as A Palace for Wednesday , Dale Chihuly ’ s Mingei International Museum Chandelier and the beloved Nikigator .
A public work of art and play , the Nikigator will once again welcome visitors as they enter the Museum from the Plaza de Panama . This beloved mosaic reptile was created by French- American artist Niki de Saint Phalle , who spent her final years in La Jolla , making large-scale sculptures covered with mirrors , glass and polished stones . To return to her nest in Balboa Park , the Nikigator needs to be transported from her current location at Liberty Station via flatbed truck , and then lifted by crane onto a new , soft pad . A $ 500 donation to the Museum ’ s “ Find Your Place ” campaign can support this effort and get her ready to welcome visitors for play again ! Donors will be recognized on signage inside the arcade in front of the Museum , adjacent to the Plaza de Panama , for at least 12 months .
To learn more about how you can support Mingei ’ s transformation visit www . mingei . org .
COMMONS LEVEL The Commons level will be free and open to the public . It will be accessible from the east and west , creating a new Civic Living Room for the Park and the City . It includes a public gallery , store , restaurant , coffee bar , education space and garden courtyard . Courtesy of Mingei International Museum , artist rendering by LUCE et studio .
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