Maison de la céramique Terra Rossa

About the museum

Salernes is a regional capital of ceramics: about ten factories still produce tiles there, and some twenty potters work in the town. To affirm this tradition, the town had the Maison de la céramique architecturale, known as Terra Rossa, created.

The 3,800 m² complex was designed by architect Jean-Michel Wilmotte, with gardens by Jean Mus. It was built within a former 19th-century factory that remained in operation until the late 20th century, combining traditional materials, modern technology and traces of the industrial past.

The venue pursues three aims: to preserve the memory of local ceramics, to promote the region’s products and to present contemporary creation by ceramicists. A paleontological and archaeological room shows pieces from local excavations, notably from the Font-Brégoua site, home to some of the oldest ceramics known in Western Europe, dating back 7,000 years.

Since 2010, the house has organized temporary exhibitions by artists each year. It also hosts meeting rooms, training workshops and, in summer, concerts and film screenings in the gardens.

Highlights

• Reconstructed tomette production workshops with antique machinery
• Benoît Faÿ collection: 2,300 decorated tiles displayed across 300 m²
• Archaeological finds from Font-Brégoua, 7,000 years old
• Showroom of potters and ceramicists from Salernes
• Building by Jean-Michel Wilmotte in a former factory
• Shop selling artisanal ceramics

Permanent exhibitions

• Reconstitution des ateliers de tomettes – On the first floor, the tomette workshops are reconstructed with antique machinery, and each step is explained.
• Collection Benoît Faÿ – A 300 m² room displays 2,300 decorated ceramic tiles, from the Middle Ages to the 19th century, drawn from a collection of nearly 7,000 pieces.
• Potiers et céramistes de Salernes – Upstairs, a showroom presents works by potters and ceramicists from Salernes, along with the collection of works donated by the artists exhibited.

Operated by

Commune de Salernes

Admission & discounts

Free admission for residents of Salernes (with proof). School groups: free self-guided visit, with at least 1 accompanying adult per 10 children. Workshops: prices on request.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

The venue is accessible to visitors with reduced mobility. Only assistance dogs are admitted on the premises.

Kids & families

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Getting there & parking

Amenities & dining

• Museum shop
• Coat check

Shop selling artisanal ceramics, cloakroom, air-conditioned spaces and a relaxation area.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent

The site has meeting and seminar rooms.

Plan your visit