Today we are excited to share Part 3 of our series “Ceramic Cities” with you, where we embark on a captivating ceramic journey through some of the world’s most iconic urban hubs. If you’re a ceramic artist with a penchant for exploration, we understand your eagerness to add some ceramic havens to your travel plans, and we’re here to be your guide!

Today, our focus turns to the multicultural and dynamic hub of New York City. Nestled on the east coast of the United States, New York City beckons with a wealth of museums, public artworks, and intense hustle and bustle. So grab an extra strong coffee in your favorite handmade mug, and join us as we navigate the ceramic wonders of the Big Apple!

1. The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Fifth Avenue
Admission: $30 USD for adults; $22 USD for seniors; $17 USD for students

As the largest art museum in the Americas, The Met is an obvious choice for art lovers of any kind, but with its collection of over 30,000 ceramic objects, we think it’s an extra special destination for the ceramicist. With pieces from a vast array of cultures and time periods, there is definitely something for everyone here, and you’ll want to dedicate the better part of a day to discover it all. The Met also has a great history of hosting ceramic-focused exhibitions, such as last year’s Hear Me Now: The Black Potters of Old Edgefield, South Carolina, so it’s well worth having a look at their calendar of events before planning your trip.

2. Greenwich House Pottery

West Village

Greenwich House Pottery is a community studio with an incredible history. It opened its doors to ceramic students way back in 1904 and has taught or hosted some absolute icons over the years, including such renowned names as Peter Voulkos, Rirkrit Tiravanija, Betty Woodman, Ghada Amer, Kathy Butterly, and Simone Leigh. Today the Pottery continues to offer classes, in addition to hosting residencies, artist talks, and curating ceramic exhibitions in its dedicated gallery space. The gallery is a definite must-see, and if your schedule allows, why not take in a workshop or artist talk as well?

3. Parkchester Terracotta Sculptures

The Bronx

If you fancy going for a ceramics-filled stroll, head on over to the Bronx neighborhood of Parkchester for some unique architectural artworks. The sculptures of this planned borough are true hidden gems, created by well known artists such as Raymond Granville Barger, Joseph Kiselewski, Carl Schmitz, and Theodore Barbarossa. With over 1000 sculptures in the complex, you’ll find a wide variety of forms and motifs, with artworks found above entrances and high up on building corners. A wander through Parkchester is a virtual terracotta treasure hunt, and you are sure to find many pieces to delight and inspire you!

4. Museum of Arts & Design (MAD)

Columbus Circle
Admission: Adults $10 USD; Seniors $8 USD; Students $7 USD

First opening its doors in 1956 as the Museum of Contemporary Crafts, MAD’s mission of recognizing the craftsmanship of contemporary American artists ensures that you will be impressed and excited by their ceramics-filled collection. Their program is dedicated to creativity and craftsmanship, and explores the limitless potential of materials and techniques, whether they be traditional or digital in nature. The Museum boasts an international permanent collection that includes art, craft, and design from 1950 to the present day, and hosts a full roster of exciting exhibitions, such as the current Craft Front & Center, which features an installation of more than 60 works from the golden age of the American Craft movement to the present day. If you want to get your fill of American craft and ceramics, this is the place to go!

5. The Frick Collection

1 East 70th Street
Admission: Adults $22 USD; Seniors & Visitors with disabilities $17 USD; Students $12 USD

If historic ceramics are more up your alley, then the Frick Collection is for you. The collection originated with Henry Clay Frick, who donated his home, paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts to the public. The collection encompasses masterworks from the Renaissance through the nineteenth century, and includes a vast selection of ceramic works such as Qing Dynasty vases, Meissen sculptures, and Sèvres porcelain. While the collection’s permanent location is currently under restoration, it’s due to reopen later this year. Until then, you can explore these master works of ceramics at their temporary location on Madison Avenue.

6. The Noguchi Museum

Long Island City
Admission: $16 USD; Seniors and Students $6 USD

Whether you are already a fan of Isamu Noguchi’s work, or you’re discovering it for the first time, this museum dedicated to the renowned artist is well worth a visit. Noguchi was known for his artistic experimentation, not limiting himself to one medium, but creating sculptures, gardens, furniture, ceramics, architecture, landscapes, and more. He employed an aesthetic that was both traditional and modern, and this fascinating contrast is easily visible in the museum’s collection. If you are keen to get an in-depth look into an artist’s practice, be sure to check out this museum!

New York City is a lively hub for ceramic enthusiasts and artists, and boasts a diverse array of clay-centric experiences waiting to be uncovered. We’ve given you just a glimpse of some of the pottery destinations that await your next journey to this famous city, and much like our tours of London and Toronto, there are many other venues and events we haven’t delved into, including galleries, studios, and markets scattered across the city.

If you have a favorite ceramic spot in New York that we missed, feel free to share it with us in the comments below! And keep an eye out for Part 4 of our series, where we delve into the ever-evolving world of ceramics in La Belle Paris!