If you have never been to Pewabic and you are from Detroit/Metro, you need to check yourself. This non-profit is a historic/craft studio and gift shop with over 100 years of history. I personally love the history of the female artist who followed her passion for the craft. Rather than describing it, check out their website. The place is worth visiting for buying a piece of history from the gift shop, alone. But, depending on your interests, you can: - Take a variety of ceramics classes in the Education studios - Speak with a designer about a project for your home or office - Take a tour of the kilns and work space (call ahead!) - If you are lucky, you can get in during the Raku firing party in the fall and watch how master ceramicists quickly fire glazed pieces in dramatic fashion. - And of course, peruse the giftshop for historic replicas, modern designs and ceramic artists that have their work on consignment. If have the money, you spend as much as your little heart desires on hand crafted treasures. I love their 'Detroit' magnets for $11. read more

Thank goodness I am now at the age where I am downsizing or I would have spent the mortgage, car and food budget on beautiful bowls and vases. In every art museum pottery of similar design and quality is kept behind glass for visitors to admire. The only differences those in an art museum own over what is for sale at Pewabic are age and price. This is quality and design like only Detroit seems to produce. It may be cars, or music or pickle soup or the Heidelberg Project but this city elicits creativity. The spectacle of the Guardian Building owes some of its world class design to its use of Pewabic tiles. Tiles are still produced and can be custom made for homes or businesses. At first the ware appears to be copies of the work of defunct but revered potteries. It turns out Pewabic is just making what it always did. Like many things in this city Pewabic has not been given its due respect or fame by the rest of America. That means surprises like Pewabic await the curious visitor rather than over hyped traps. read more

I am on my "let's post reviews of Detroit" day. I went here recently and I didn't know what to expect. I had a limited amount of time and was surprised to arrive at a building that basically looked like a house. Without knowing if I liked it or not I thought to myself that "at least it'll be quick!" I now wish I had more time to spend there. While no one said a word to us in our time there and there were too many items with price tags on it which left me confused as to the museum/store difference, it was still very interesting and worthwhile. I loved it because of how much creativity was evident. Other reviewers mention specifically what items are here. For me, I was fascinated by the tiles. I also loved the historical information. That last part was too much for a short visit but I will have to go back and read more slowly. The four stars is because even in a short time I think i should have seen more. Part of a museum is its organization and the fact that no one said a word was a bit strange. There is a lot of history here and I will have to revisit again. read more

Wnen I was little, my mom would take my sister and me to stores that she called "hands in your pockets stores." Anything with a lot of breakable merchandise qualified. Now that I'm an adult, I still shy away from places with a lot of fragile objects, klutz that I am. I went to Pewabic to meet friends for a biergarten event they were having outside. I had heard of it, of course, but I had never been there. I loved it! They were having workshops inside (the flower arranging one was really interesting), the pottery, tiles, mugs...everything was beautiful (and pricey!). I would love to go back...with a lot more money. Oh - and the biergarten was really fun too. A win-win! read more

My mom and I came for their holiday showcase open house in November. They had complimentary snacks, specialty cocktails, coffee, and chocolate. It was such a fun evening and we loved exploring all of the artistic offerings of this important, historic institution. I purchased a classic mug in a gorgeous winterberry (dark cranberry color) glaze. I would come back to purchase a vase and a few tiles. Great options for holiday/special occasion gifts. I love their specialty items that feature Belle Isle, Detroit, and Michigan. I would NOT recommend bringing young children with you - anything that you break, you have to pay for (50% of cost). Their items are pricy, and this is not the place for "accidents". Their policy is completely justifiable - just an FYI read more

Love, love, love this place! My mom and I recently took a family friend here for a visit. She works at a pottery store in her town and is always looking for inspiration. And what an inspiring place! It's a gallery/ museum/ shop/ studio all in one. So many beautiful things to look at and marvel at the creative mind and possibilities. The glazes are especially beautiful. The Detroit themed tiles are going on my wish list. I'd like to visit again and take a class. read more

This is a cultural institution in Detroit. Pewabic has been somewhere I have gone since childhood. The carry a wide selection of homewares, and tiles from their studio and from various local artists! Pewabic often has community events, and summer camps and classes for children and adults! A must see place in Detroit, for residents and tourists alike. read more

Pewabic - Pewabic tile purchased in 2015. - Art Galleries Near Me - Detroit, Michigan

Pewabic seems to have doubled their prices and attitude. Its a great place, with great items but vases that used to be $40 are now $90. There is also a snooty edge that has crept in. A repairman broke an address number or ours and Pewabic said they might have some in the back, despite the line being discontinued. We're also willing to pay extra for someone to make our number. But instead of going to look for the tiles in the back, they said wait until August for the annual sale. That's a bit ridiculous and totally unhelpful. They would also not make another one for us at a higher price. read more

Pewabic Pottery is a definite place to hit up if you are bored, wanting to redecorate with beautiful ceramic tile, purchase glazed pottery stuff, or just to visit and get information. Pewabic Pottery is a Detroit historic landmark and their designs can be seen all over Detroit. The Belle Isle Aquarium has Pewabic Pottery Tile for it's ceiling, so does the James Scott Fountain on Belle Isle. Several historic homes have the tile in bathrooms, kitchens, ect. My aunt is thinking of redoing her back splash in her kitchen with Pewabic Pottery tile and every 15th tile in our kitchen is from Pewabic with a nice design. The place is perfect for memories, decorating, beautiful kitchenware, or simple souvenirs for the outside traveler. If you are in help of ideas for redecorating ask the very friendly and informative staff, they will always help you. read more

Pewabic - Pottery Kiln - Art Galleries Near Me - Detroit, Michigan

See all

As a relatively new resident to the Detroit area (Hamtramck, to be exact), I was stoked to finally be close enough to take a class at Pewabic. Last January, I started hand building ceramics with Joann Aquinto, and I've been doing it ever since! The education studio is located on the second floor of the historic building, and offers other classes on topics such as wheel throwing and advanced glazing/firing techniques. There are also classes for children, teens, and extension programs at the Anton Art Center, Madonna University, and Sugar Hill Clay. Those who are curious should definitely stop by the main floor sometime to shop an impressive selection from rotating ceramic artists, along with the Pewabic staff's steady output of top-class tiles and vessels. You can peek in the back to see the huge production kilns, or head upstairs to the gallery. LOVE this place! read more

Toured this landmark today. A hudden gem for over a hundred years. Such talent and variety of creative artwork all made lically. We wanted to buy everything! read more

Pewabic - Thorough history on the marker out front - Art Galleries Near Me - Detroit, Michigan

So much beauty in a small space, it made me wonder at the creativity and dexterity humans are capable of. Pewabic is a Detroit institution, and even a friend who had never been there had heard of it. If you're looking for an off-the-beaten-path tourist stop and souvenirs, this is it. Be prepared for high prices; artisan work costs, but it's easy to see why. They also offer a range of pottery classes, from tile creation to hand building to wheel throwing. I haven't taken them, but if I lived closer, I'd love to. read more

Pewabic Pottery has been amazing for years. I remember going here as a kid and creating a Christmas ornament with my elementary school. I went back as an adult last year and truly appreciated the time, passion and creativity put into each piece. Now that I'm a homeowner, I will certainly buy a few pieces for my home. Thanks for staying in the hood all these years and never abandoning us. read more

If you're looking for some unique and very local works of art then stop by the Pewabic store, museum, and workshops. I really enjoyed seeing the wide variety of works from various artists that work on site. A 45-minute tour is offered pretty regularly and a museum is located upstairs. I should note the prices are a bit high so budget for something nice. Also, its not possible reach it without a car. read more

Wonderful stop if you are visiting Detroit. Really lovely selection of pottery in a wide range of prices.

Their staircase to the men's bathroom was steep but there surfaces were really really good everything was good and nice and clean

An amazing collection of artistic tiles and more. The history of the business alone is is worth the visit: be sure to check out the upstairs museum and gallery. read more

Had a great time making a tile and vessel at a FNO event. Would have been a very fun evening if the lady who gave instructions did not have a high pitch screeching voice, which could probably be heard outside. Someone needs to explain to her that she doesn't have to scream her directions at her paying customers or be rude in some of her not so funny commentary and possibly be quiet while people are concentrating on their work. The young man working with her was very patient low key and kind. Don't recommend going if this woman is in charge! Otherwise the Pewabic studio is a gem filled with wonderful treasures! read more

My Mom and I went here on our "Free Things To Do in the D" day. She had already been, but I hadn't. I knew nothing about Pewabic Pottery prior to my searching for "attractions" here on yelp. I saw the word Pottery and clicked away. It seemed interesting. It's mostly a store, with some pretty pricey stuff that I was terrified of breaking, but there's also plenty of reasonably priced items, like my $20 Detroit tile that I got as a souvenir of our day's adventures. Nothing like being a tourist in your own town! In addition to the store, if you head to the back, you can see the kilns, the glazing area and other pottery making type things, but we were there at lunchtime and only a couple of folks were working. It was hot as hell in there, so I wouldn't have been able to stand it back there for any length of time anyway. Upstairs is the display area, which educates on the history of Pewabic Pottery and its founder, Mary Chase Perry Stratton. There are also pictures of several Pewabic tile installations throughout the country, plenty of which you will recognize. The giant circle with the peacock at the Detroit Zoo is one of them. I had no idea! And all that crazy tile inside the glorious Guardian Building? You guessed it! Pewabic! In addition to the store and the gallery/museum upstairs, Pewabic Pottery offers classes for kids and adults, and also does design work for what I imagine is a hefty sum. Pewabic Pottery is an interesting little piece of our history that I was completely clueless about, and they also happen to still be making a very high-quality, beautiful product. Check it out when you have a little time to kill, or if you're looking for an interesting gift for a creative type. read more

this place is awesome. i went there for them to help me design a backsplash for my kitchen and they are so creative and helpful. you have to make an appt if you want help with a project... but not to go and just look. it acts like a different kind of museum, if you want to simply go and enjoy the creative aspect of it. the pieces are more expensive than what you'll pay at a place like home depot, but you can't beat the creative aspect... it's all local, and it's all created and fired by hand. take a couple of hours and look around... really one of the best lesser known destinations in detroit. read more

Definitely worth a visit to Detroit for Pewabic Pottery. Even though they were in the midst of changing exhibits upstairs when I was here, the tiles and pottery on display were really impressive. The pottery shop is full of really interesting and practical pieces. I bought a very cool rice bowl and a plate. On average, the prices are definitely not cheap, but for some locally made, functional pottery, I think it's worth it. read more

Historic pottery in a historic building that has an amazing selection of art and functional pottery. Their pottery was known for its unique glazes. On the second floor they have an exhibit of early examples of the pottery's pieces. They also showcase clay artists in an upstairs gallery. Downstairs is a gift shop with both expensive and affordable pieces. Classes are offered as well. Twice a year they have a huge pottery sale. It is a must see Detroit site. read more

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. read more

I guess it's pretty cool stuff. To me the prices are too high. I don't need to pay for history; there is history everywhere.

Love this place so dose my 6 year old, I get a "Detroit Tile" every time we go here for my collection. we make this stop on our way to bell isle read more

Love it! Perfect place to find a made in Detroit gift! Pottery classes also available.

Love this place, went for a visit when I was in Detroit. Total surprise, wasn't expecting to find part store, part museum. I only wish I was local so I could take some classes. We'll be getting a set of house numbers in the next month or two, their work is just stunning. read more

After a trip to the Detroit Institute of Arts (DIA) and seeing the old historical ceramics made by artists in the early 20th century, hitting Pewabic pottery to see where they were made is pretty cool. The shop is pretty small, but it features both Pewabic artists as well as other artists. A very cool place to go and learn a bit about ceramics, and possibly pick up a cool piece of art for your home. read more

I like visiting Pewabic. It's cool to be able to see where the revival of hand-crafted ceramics took off ^_^ as opposed to machine-crafted ceramics. There's a lot of nice pottery here from many different styles, including Pewabic's own unique style with iridescent glazes! read more