Welcome to the Museum of Ceramics
East Liverpool , Ohio
The largest public display of Lotus Ware.
The Legacy of the Potters: A Chronicle in Clay
This gallery presents the largest public exhibition of Lotus Ware, accompanied by examples of Yellowware and Rockingham pottery—wares produced by the earliest craftsmen who laid the foundation of America’s pottery industry. Together, these pieces trace the evolution of a fledgling trade that would one day flourish into a hallmark of American artistry and enterprise.
At the heart of the display stands a remarkable relic of early craftsmanship: a 170-year-old “Great Wheel,” one of only six known to survive in the United States. Surrounding it, exhibits of tools, utilitarian wares, and decorative ceramics bear witness to the ingenuity and labor of generations of potters.
The exhibition culminates in the display of more than two hundred pieces of Lotus Ware, the celebrated fine bone china produced by Knowles, Taylor & Knowles in the 1890s. Revered for its delicate translucence and artistic refinement, Lotus Ware represents the pinnacle of American ceramic achievement—a true pièce de résistance of the potter’s art.
Complementing the historical artifacts are paintings by Roland Schweinsburg, which vividly depict the working lives of 19th-century potters.
The accompanying gift shop, The Clay Shop, offers jewelry fashioned from shards of original local pottery, allowing visitors to take home a tangible piece of this enduring heritage.
Pottery Capital of the United
States
East Liverpool was a town totally devoted to the production of pottery.
The lower level of the museum depicts production with life-size dioramas of a jigger shop, kiln, decorating shop, and salesroom.
Displays of ware by individual potteries make up the remainder of the exhibit area.
Over 40 Years of Service!
Since 1980, MoC has offered a wide-ranging collection of dinnerware, art pottery, and ceramic utilitarian ware from the “Pottery Capital of the Nation.” Housed within the city’s former United States Post Office, this Beaux Arts style building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Museum is operated by the Ohio History Connection and the Museum of Ceramics Foundation.
Crockery City Teapots
MoC is proud to announce our first totally online exhibit! Crockery City Teapots features over 250 teapots made in the East Liverpool pottery district. Pour yourself a cup and click the title above. Enjoy!
Events at the MoC
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Events at the MoC 〰️
TRIVIA NIGHT Trivia Night is the second Tuesday of every month at 7:00 pm. Teams of 1 - 4 players compete for half the night’s take. Admission $10
ART CLASSES Art classes are held every Wednesday from 10:00 am - 12:00 pm. No need to sign up, just head over to the MoC and bring some paints with you. Call the MoC for any questions or click on the link to learn more.
CLAY CLASSES Our Fall Ceramic Classes are now FULL. Click on the Clay Classes link and feel free to give us a call at the MoC to check for the next class series: (330) 386-6001
Hours of Operation
Open Months: April, May, June, July, August, September, November, December.
Open Hours:
Tuesday 9 AM–3:30 PM
Wednesday 9 AM–3:30 PM
Thursday 9 AM–3:30 PM
Friday 9 AM–3:30 PM
Saturday 9 AM–3:30 PM
Closed:
Sunday & Monday
January, February, March