Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Handcrafted Ceramics & Architectural Tile Studio in Detroit
Founded in 1903, Pewabic Pottery stands as one of the oldest continuously operating potteries in the United States. Our National Historic Landmark studio in Detroit, Michigan, preserves a legacy of handcrafted ceramics, architectural tile installations, and educational programs that have enriched communities for generations. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, we remain committed to our mission of enriching the human spirit through clay. Our team of skilled artisans and educators continues to innovate while honoring traditional techniques, creating timeless pieces that blend artistry with functionality. From custom tile projects for public institutions to hands-on workshops for local schools, we serve as a cultural hub that bridges Detroits storied past with its vibrant future.Our dedication to quality craftsmanship and community engagement has made us a trusted name in ceramic arts education and architectural design. Through exhibitions, public events, and collaborative projects, we strive to make clay art accessible to all while maintaining rigorous standards of excellence. With over 120 years of experience, we combine historical expertise with contemporary creativity to deliver solutions that meet modern needs without compromising artistic integrity. Our transparent operations and commitment to ethical practices ensure clients receive both beautiful products and meaningful experiences. This enduring reputation for reliability and innovation has solidified our position as a respected leader in the ceramic arts industry.
Services
Ceramic Workshops
Architectural Tile Installation
Educational Programs
Museum Tours
Custom Tile Design
Details
- Year established: 1903
Highlights and features
- We offer over 120 years of ceramic arts expertise in Detroit
- Our National Historic Landmark status demonstrates enduring quality
- We provide hands-on educational programs for all ages
- Our architectural tile installations combine artistry with durability
- We maintain transparent nonprofit operations with community focus
What people say
Beautiful tile installations
Engaging workshops
Rich history
Creative atmosphere
Skilled artisans
Services
Ceramic Workshops
Our hands-on workshops teach tile glazing and ceramic techniques to all skill levels. Participants create personalized pieces using traditional methods in a historic studio environment. These educational experiences combine artistic expression with technical instruction for memorable creative sessions.
Architectural Tile Installation
Custom tile installations transform spaces with durable, artistic surfaces for fireplaces, kitchens, and public murals. Our designers collaborate on projects ranging from residential renovations to large-scale institutional commissions. Each installation combines historic craftsmanship with modern design requirements for unique architectural solutions.
Educational Programs
School programs and community workshops provide ceramic arts instruction for diverse age groups. Curriculum-aligned sessions bring hands-on learning to classrooms through mobile workshops and studio visits. These programs emphasize creative development while preserving traditional pottery techniques for future generations.
Museum Tours
Guided and self-guided tours explore our National Historic Landmark studio and ceramic collections. Visitors learn about Detroit's Arts & Crafts movement through exhibitions and working studio demonstrations. The museum showcases over a century of tile production and artistic evolution in an accessible educational setting.
Custom Tile Design
Specialized design services create unique commemorative tiles and donor walls for institutions. Clients collaborate with artisans to develop personalized pieces that reflect their heritage and vision. This service preserves traditional tile-making while adapting to contemporary architectural and memorial needs.
People
Mary Chase Perry Stratton
Co-Founder
Co-founded Pewabic Pottery in 1903 as pioneering ceramic artist and educator. Developed signature iridescent glazes that defined Detroit's Arts & Crafts movement. Her visionary leadership established the pottery's enduring artistic standards and educational mission.
Questions
What are Pewabic Pottery's store hours?
Open Tuesday-Saturday 10am-5pm, Sunday 11am-4pm. Closed Mondays.
Can I take pottery classes?
Yes! We offer tile glazing workshops for all skill levels.
Do you create custom tile installations?
Yes, our designers collaborate on architectural tile projects of all sizes.
Is the museum accessible?
Main areas are accessible; museum and education studio require stairs.
How can I support Pewabic Pottery?
Donate, become a member, or participate in fundraising events.
Can I tour the pottery studios?
Yes, register for docent-led tours or visit during free self-guided hours.
Reviews (7)
Cheryl Mangiapane
Oct 26, 2021
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Beautiful art answer larger selection in the shop than on line. Definitely, worth the visit and product.
Rebecca Delodder
Jul 23, 2021
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Wonderful place to shop for a special gift for yourself or someone else. The pottery , tiles etc just beautiful and are really works of art. Great place!!
Diana Fisher
Feb 17, 2021
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Really like Pewabic Pottery. Merchandise is always interesting and good quality. The staff is also very pleasant and helpful every time I've been in.
Don Blake
Sep 27, 2019
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It was my first time coming to the gallery and museum. It was during their Spring exhibition and sale. The beauty and simplicity of the ceramic pieces is just outstanding.
Kelli H.
Aug 18, 2019
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If you're visiting Detroit, make sure you add Pewabic pottery to your itinerary. Not only are they a historically significant Detroit company - having made tiles for some of Detroit's most recognizable landmarks - but they are in a historically significant area near Belle Isle (which is worth a visit in its own right).
You'll definitely want to leave with a tile or two in tow. The deep glazes are developed in house and they have a variety of tile scenes to pick from. So many other artists develop their glazes to be reminiscent of Pewabic, and it's no surprise why - they
You'll definitely want to leave with a tile or two in tow. The deep glazes are developed in house and they have a variety of tile scenes to pick from. So many other artists develop their glazes to be reminiscent of Pewabic, and it's no surprise why - they
Russ H.
Jul 15, 2019
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Amazing ceramics. Their tiles are especially amazing. Not just a place to buy ceramics, but also offer classes for every level, from beginners to advanced, and ground zero for the Detroit potters/ceramics community. A historical landmark, it is a great place to visit on a weekend for fun, education, and to get some unique woks you will not see anywhere else.
Heidi B.
Apr 01, 2019
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The staff was extremely friendly! We talked and laughed for awhile. The lottery was beautiful but very expensive. I get it - I'm a musician - but I couldn't find anything in my price range. Easy to find. I would recommend.
