Meissen Gallery

The Meissen Gallery, the fourth gallery at The Maridon Museum in Butler, PA, houses museum founder Mary Hulton Phillips’ extensive collection of German Meissen porcelain. With 300 pieces, it is one of the most distinctive parts of The Maridon’s collection.

The First Porcelain of the Western World

Meissen was the first porcelain produced in the Western world. Production began in 1710 under Augustus the Strong, Elector of Saxony and the “founding father” of Meissen porcelain, and continues to this day. Meissen is prized for its luminous colors and delicate molding, and in the eighteenth century it became known for detailed, brilliantly colored figures in the baroque and rococo styles.

Highlights of the Collection

Many works in The Maridon’s collection date to the early eighteenth century. Highlights include:

  • A piece from the personal collection of Augustus the Strong
  • A piece that predates the founding of the Meissen factory itself
  • Two examples of the famous Swan Service, a dinner service created in 1736 that included more than 2,000 pieces
  • About one hundred figural pieces, including characters from Italian comedy, allegorical scenes, art nouveau pieces, and large comical vignettes of eighteenth-century society
  • Thirteen pieces from the Monkey Band, a famous mid-eighteenth-century satirical work

Complete Sets and Vignettes

Meissen has used the same molds for decades and even centuries, which draws collectors who seek every piece of a particular set or vignette. Mrs. Phillips’ collection includes almost all the objects in groupings such as The Monkey Band, The Paris Criers, The Arts, The Senses, and The Satyrs.

For Collectors and Casual Visitors Alike

Meissen collectors will appreciate the depth of this collection, but you do not need to be a porcelain expert to enjoy it. The pieces portray notable and ordinary people, animals, caricatures, humorous incidents, and dramatic scenes, full of wit, whimsy, and sentiment.

Tours of the Meissen Gallery

Free docent tours are available. Reservations are required for group tours and are suggested for docent tours and the video presentation. Call 724.282.0123 to reserve.

Continue your visit: Explore Asian art in the Front Gallery and the Side and Rear Galleries. See hours and admission to plan your visit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to common questions about the Meissen Gallery at The Maridon Museum in Butler, PA.

What is in the Meissen Gallery at The Maridon Museum?
The Meissen Gallery holds Mary Hulton Phillips’ collection of 300 pieces of German Meissen porcelain, including about one hundred figural pieces, two examples of the Swan Service, thirteen pieces of the Monkey Band, and a piece from the collection of Augustus the Strong.
What is Meissen porcelain?
Meissen was the first porcelain produced in the Western world. It is known for luminous colors, delicate molding, and detailed figural pieces in the baroque and rococo styles.
When was Meissen porcelain first made?
Meissen porcelain production began in 1710 in Germany under Augustus the Strong, Elector of Saxony, and continues today.
How much Meissen porcelain does The Maridon have?
The Maridon’s collection includes 300 pieces of Meissen porcelain, many dating to the early eighteenth century.
What is the Meissen Monkey Band?
The Monkey Band is a famous mid-eighteenth-century satirical set of Meissen figures. The Maridon displays thirteen pieces from it.
What is the Meissen Swan Service?
The Swan Service is a famous Meissen dinner service created in 1736 that included more than 2,000 pieces. Two examples are on display at The Maridon.
Does The Maridon own Meissen from Augustus the Strong?
Yes. The Maridon’s collection includes a piece from the personal collection of Augustus the Strong, Elector of Saxony from 1694 to 1733 and the founding father of Meissen porcelain.
Why do collectors seek complete Meissen sets?
Meissen has used the same molds for decades and even centuries, so collectors can seek every piece of a set or vignette. Mrs. Phillips’ collection includes almost all the objects in groupings such as The Monkey Band, The Paris Criers, The Arts, The Senses, and The Satyrs.
Do I need to know about porcelain to enjoy the Meissen Gallery?
No. Any visitor can enjoy the artistry and humor of these pieces, which portray people, animals, caricatures, and dramatic scenes.
Are tours of the Meissen Gallery available?
Yes. Free docent tours are available. Reservations are required for group tours and suggested for docent tours and the video presentation. Call 724.282.0123 to schedule.
When is The Maridon Museum open?
The Maridon is open Wednesday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is $4 for adults, $3 for seniors and students, and free for children under 8. See hours and admission.


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