The Maridon Museum opened to the public on May 8th, 2004. It is the only museum in the Western Pennsylvania region with a specific focus on Chinese and Japanese art and culture. The museum, both the objects and the buildings that house them, are the gifts of Mary Hulton Phillips. Mrs. Phillips is a lifelong resident of Butler, PA, and the museum is her legacy to this small town. Patricia Lowry, writing in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, pronounced the Maridon a "gleaming little gem of a museum."
The Maridon's permanent collection includes over 800 art objects. The Asian art collection includes jade and ivory sculptures, tapestries, landscape paintings, scrolls, and artifacts. The collection contains objects that date back to the Neolithic Period (2nd and 3rd millennium B.C.), as well as a set of six 6 ft. by 8 ft. ink-on-paper scrolls by the contemporary Chinese artist, Wan Qingli, which was painted in 2002.
Three hundred pieces of Meissen porcelain are also included in the museum's collection. Many works date back to the early 18th century, and one exceptional piece comes from the personal collection of the Augustus the Strong, Elector of Saxony from 1694-1733, and the "founding father" of Meissen porcelain.
The opening exhibition of objects is entitled A Collector's Journey and presents selections from Mrs. Phillips' holdings that reflect the scope and evolution of her interests as a collector. The exhibition will be on view in the four galleries of the main building.
Maridon Museum is not affiliated with AmericanTowns Media
Whether you’re a die-hard barbecue fanatic, or just looking to discover a new cuisine, the barbecue joints of Pennsylvania are second to none. From Texan to St. Louis-style, to Korean, the… Read More
Brunch is an incredible moment between breakfast and lunch when entire menus are in play, and very often one can expect a cocktail of some sort. Lucky for us, Pennsylvania plays host to some of the… Read More
There's nothing more Italian than a good plate of pasta, but you don't have to travel to Italy to get it. In fact, Pennsylvania is home to some of the most authentic Italian restaurants in the… Read More
One of the only things that can elevate a day on the open water is a cold beer or a refreshing cocktail. Leave boating safety worries behind and let someone else take the wheel with the best booze… Read More
You love a good bargain and are always on the hunt for the latest deal. And Pennsylvania's consignment stores offer great deals and then some. From 70 percent off retail prices to helping charity,… Read More