Mingei International Museum North County Satellite

When the Mingei International Museum opened its North Country Satellite in Escondido in 2003, it was heralded as an important contribution to the city's thriving downtown arts scene. "Mingei" is the Japanese term for "people's art," and the satellite's collections focused on folk art, crafts, and designs of daily use items from a variety of eras and cultures of the world.

In 2010, however, a decision was taken to suspend the operations of the Mingei International Museum North County Satellite. The City of San Diego Commission for Arts and Culture, which has been responsible for funding since 1978, determined that the branch was no longer financially viable. As of June 26, all of the museum galleries located at 155 West Grand Avenue in Escondido were closed to the public on 2010.

The artifacts that were on display have since been returned or are in the process of being removed to the Mingei International Museum's main building on the Plaza de Panama in Balboa Park. The address is 1439 El Prado, San Diego, California 92101. Operating hours are from 10am to 4pm on Tuesday through Sunday; closed on Mondays and national holidays. Admission is $7 for adults, $5 for seniors, and $4 for youth aged 6~17 years. Children under 6 and museum members are admitted free of charge.