If you look at our Let’s Play Hooky, Cleveland Style travel itinerary, I had only allocated one hour at this museum. We have travelled enough that when I plan all the places to see, I have a good sense of how long we will be at a location. It is a great joy to be totally wrong in my estimation of time because it delivered far more than I could have expected.
The Museum of American Porcelain Art is a one-of-a-kind destination. It focuses solely on high-quality porcelain creations made by artisans in the United States of America. Planning to visit this destination took a bit of juggling because their hours are so limited at this time of the year. Seeing this location took us over two hours.
The museum curator advised us to watch a short film on how porcelain works are created and the incredible number of steps and stages needed to make this artwork. The film was very dated. It reminded me of an old documentary from my school days in the 1970s. But it did inform us of the skill and patience it takes to make something with porcelain. The film focused on the creation of one centrepiece that happens to also be in the museum. To see how it was made, the steps involved, and the hours, days, and yes, weeks of patience needed and then to marvel at the work itself did enhance the experience.
I liked the film. It is easy to take for granted that it took talent to make something beautiful and how long it took to create. When the curator showed us the item featured in the film, I immediately wished to return and watch it again.
My favourite item in the museum was the flowers. Some of the flowers looked so real; it was hard to believe that they were made of porcelain. It is easy to become distracted in the museum, especially as a couple. I was marvelling at one work, and Charlene was trying to get me to see another. Because of this, there is a rule for visiting that no coats are to be worn. There is minimal separation between the viewer and the artwork. This is nice because we can see it from various angles. In the time that this museum has been open, there has only been one mishap where a porcelain artwork was damaged.
I was impressed with the massive display of flowers in one of the rooms. I specifically asked if I could take it home. I was told, “Good luck getting it home in one piece.” I wondered how it got to this museum in one piece since it is so large and detailed.
There are several rooms in the former mansion. Each room does have a theme to it. The entry fee is small and well worth the minimal expense. This is an art form that is on the way out. Our grandparents collected these, but now they are passing, the next generation sees little value in them. It’s sad because these are masterfully done.
We would also learn the history of the building in which MAPA is housed. A different film touched on the original owners and even how it became a local library before becoming the Museum of American Porcelain.
- This is a high-value location. A must-see when in the area.
- There is free parking on site.
- Hours can be limited.
- Admission is small.
- Check out my Featured Map to see the location of this museum.
- The museum is small, so it is possible to be in and out in a matter of minutes. The value comes in admiring the detail.
