Hours and Tour Information

The Museum of Early Southern Decorative Arts (MESDA) at Old Salem Museums & Gardens is open six days a week for guided tours of the collection. General tours take place on the hour from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Sundays. Reservations are advisable and may be made through the Old Salem Visitor Center or by calling 336-721-7350.

The Frank L. Horton Center, in which MESDA is located, offers visitor facilities including restrooms and a museum store. Prior to their tour, visitors are required to secure cameras, packages, handbags, and backpacks in the lockers provided.  All exhibition rooms are accessible to handicapped visitors and a wheelchair is available.

The G. Wilson Douglas, Jr. Gallery at the entrance to the MESDA Collection offers changing exhibits of featured objects from the MESDA Collection. This gallery is open to all visitors throughout the day at no charge.

Hours of operation:

Tuesday - Saturday: 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Sunday: 1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
(Final guided tour begins each day at 4:00 p.m.)

PLEASE NOTE: MESDA, including the G. Wilson Douglas Jr. Exhibition Gallery, will be closed Monday, January 11, 2010 through Sunday, January 17, 2010 for annual cleaning and maintenance.

MESDA is closed every Monday, Easter Sunday, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day.

How to purchase tickets:

Tickets are available at the Old Salem Visitor Center, where we invite you to watch our brief introduction to the Moravian town of Salem and visit our shops and food service area. Tickets can also be purchased at The Frank L. Horton Museum Center.  In addition to cash, Old Salem Museums & Gardens accepts Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover credit cards.

Ticket options:
 
The All-in-One Ticket

The Old Salem All-in-One Ticket includes:
• A guided tour of MESDA
• The Old Salem Toy Museum
• A self-guided tour of the historic town of Salem
• The Gardens of Salem

Adults • $17.00 / Children ages 6-16 • $10.00.
Two Day: Adults • $21.00 / Children ages 6-16 • $12.00.

The Two-Stop Ticket

For our visitors with limited time, the Two-Stop Ticket allows entrance to any two museum buildings within Old Salem. 

Adults • $12.00 / Children ages 6-16 • $7.00

Horton Center Ticket:

Includes MESDA and the Old Salem Toy Museum for $10.00 / Children ages 6-16 • $7.00

Group Visits:

To plan your group visit to MESDA, call 336-721-7337.

Directions:

MESDA is located in the The Frank L. Horton Museum Center at 924 S. Main Street in Old Salem.

To the Old Salem Visitor Center:

The Old Salem Visitor Center, located at 900 Old Salem Road, is easily accessible by the covered bridge from MESDA. From I-40 or U.S. 52 follow signs to Old Salem. From BUSINESS 40, take Exit 5D / Main Street / Liberty Street and follow signs to Old Salem.

To MESDA:

Enter Old Salem on either Academy Street or on Walnut Street (opposite the Visitor Center). Turn right on Main Street. The Frank L. Horton Museum Center at 924 South Main Street is the last building on the right before the circle. Parking is available on the street and in the Visitor Center parking lot across the foot bridge.

336-779-6140 Frank L. Horton Museum Center
336-721-7360 MESDA offices (weekdays)
336-721-7300 Old Salem offices