Next time you day trip to Ann Arbor, visit the only museum in the world devoted exclusively to dinnerware—a quirky mix of anything related to dining from antiques to fine art with a bit of kitsch thrown in. Established in 2012 by art historian and dinnerware guru, Dr. Margaret Carney, The Dinnerware Museum holds more than a thousand international pieces in a permanent collection. Nostalgic pieces from Grandma’s table; celebrity place settings of Liberace and Henry Ford and familiar pieces that made designers famous. The museum also offers refreshing works by contemporary artists with one-of-a-kind art dinnerware in ceramic, metal, glass, plastic, paper, wood and fiber. In addition, the museum’s holdings include related pieces, such as archival advertisements, photographs and company records. The exhibit currently on display, Three Courses runs through Monday, May 12.
Craving more? Check out another dinnerware exhibition on the other end of Main, at the Clay Gallery, 335 South Main Street. Table of Contents, a regional ceramic tableware competition juried by Dr. Carney, director of the Dinnerware Museum, featuring fun and unique place settings from 13 artists running until Saturday, February 15.
The Dinnerware Museum is open weekends 12-4pm and by appointment. 500 N. Main St., Ann Arbor, 697-382-1415.
dinnerwaremuseum.org
