Munich

The Porcelain Manufactory at Nymphenburg (the German Palace that was home to the Bavarian royal family) has been making the world's finest porcelain since 1747, each piece sculpted and painted by hand. In a remarkable blending of new ideas with a historic practice, they workshop with contemporary artists—the list includes Kiki Smith and Karen Kilimnik, plus a long list of industrial and fashion designers—to push the limits of the craft with modern designs. While their contemporary program produces gorgeous sculpture, Nymphenburg is still the world's best source for fine porcelain plates and teacups. Their pieces are available in boutiques worldwide, but their two flagships are at the Nymphenburg Palace and in Munich opposite the Hofgarten.