Porcelain and Decorative Arts Museum

The Porcelain and Decorative Arts Museum is a world class facility at the State Botanical Garden of Georgia, located at 2450 South Milledge Avenue in Athens, GA. The museum houses an extensive collection of fine porcelain and decorative arts spanning the 16th through 21st centuries, including works from prestigious manufacturers like Meissen, Royal Copenhagen, and Herend. The collection features pieces by renowned artists including Pierre Joseph Redoute, Dorothy Doughty, and Trailer McQuilkin, along with Chinese export porcelain from the 18th century and contemporary bone china. Tea, coffee, and chocolate pots form a notable sub collection that illustrates the intertwining of nature and decorative objects throughout history. The entire collection was made possible through patron Deen Day Sanders, representing nearly 50 years of her passion for fine porcelain and gardens. Admission is free. Hours are Tuesday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Sunday from 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., closed Mondays. Tours are available by request. With 17 reviews at 4.8 stars, visitors are consistently impressed by the quality and scope of the collection. For Athens, GA residents and visitors who appreciate decorative arts, the museum offers a genuinely world class collection in a beautiful botanical garden setting, all at no cost. Combining a museum visit with a walk through the gardens makes for one of the best free outings in Athens.