The Porcelain and Decorative Arts Museum is the newest world-class facility at the State Botanical Garden of Georgia. Through the generosity of longtime patron Deen Day Sanders, the museum and its collection represent nearly half a century of her avid interest in fine porcelain.
The porcelain pieces on display highlight works inspired by nature, particularly flowers, butterflies and birds by Dorothy Doughty and Diane Lewis. Other collections on display feature coffee, tea and chocolate and the beautiful porcelains created to serve hot beverages. A stunning wall feature displays a collection of Flora Danica porcelains.
The two-story 8,750 square foot facility includes beautiful gallery spaces and a large classroom that opens onto the display gardens to expand the learning experience. The classroom also provides a fully equipped meeting space for digital presentations and special events.
Visitors to the museum will see items that complement the porcelain displays and support learning about natural history and porcelain, including a complete collection of the Flora Danica tomes, works by Pierre-Joseph Redouté and prints by the 18th-century naturalist John Abbott. Lifelike copper sculptures of wildflowers by the artist Trailer McQuilkin represent meticulous attention and observation of the natural world.
Museum programming includes tours, field trips, classes and events. The garden’s mission for the museum is to nurture a lasting connection to nature through decorative arts.
Entry to the Porcelain and Decorative Arts Museum is free, and no reservations are required.
The Deen Day Sanders Porcelain and Decorative Arts Museum Lecture Series was launched at the State Botanical Garden of Georgia on Friday, April 14, 2023.
“Women, Power and Intellectual Pursuits: Catherine the Great’s Collection of Porcelain” was the inaugural lecture in this series and featured Asen Kirin, a UGA Professor of Art History and the Parker Curator of Russian Art at the Georgia Museum of Art. Click below to watch the lecture.
