Keramik-Museum Bürgel

Current exhibitions

About the museum

When Bürgel's pottery trade came under pressure from industrial goods at the end of the 19th century, the grand-ducal government in Weimar promoted new approaches: artists were sent to the town as advisors, and in 1880 a modeling school and a public sample collection were set up, the “Keramisches Museum zu Bürgel”. It was meant to provide models for the local workshops and displayed not only Bürgel products but also pieces purchased from other pottery regions.

Around 1900 Henry van de Velde, commissioned by the Grand Duke, designed everyday and decorative tableware for Bürgel firms; later the nearby Bauhaus pottery in Dornburg also left its mark. The collection was moved to safety during the Second World War, then shown from 1956 in the old town gate and from 1978 in rooms on Eisenberger Straße. Since May 2003 it has been housed in the renovated 18th-century Old Schoolhouse on Kirchplatz.

The permanent exhibition traces the development of the pottery town from the mid-17th century to the present – from clay extraction to storage vessels and curiosities to the typical blue stoneware with white dots; the ceramics after van de Velde are a focal point. Changing exhibitions are devoted to individual workshops and ceramists. Each year during the Bürgel pottery market in June, the museum shows the entries for the Walter-Gebauer-Keramikpreis (ceramics prize).

Highlights

• Bürgel stoneware with the “Blaue Schürze” (blue apron) glaze and blue-and-white dot decoration
• Ceramics after designs by Henry van de Velde
• Curious vessels such as a puzzle jug, a breast-shaped money box and a gosling drinker
• Holdings from the Dornburg ceramics workshop from the Bauhaus to the present
• Competition exhibition for the Walter-Gebauer-Keramikpreis during the pottery market

Permanent exhibitions

• Dauerausstellung: 450 Jahre Töpferstadt Bürgel – Two floors on the development of Bürgel pottery from the 17th century to the present, with production techniques, everyday and showpiece vessels, and the ceramics after Henry van de Velde.

Founded

1880

Director

Antje Neumann

Admission & discounts

Free admission for members of the Deutscher Museumsbund, ICOM and the friends' association, and with the Thüringer Ehrenamtscard (Thuringian volunteer card). Payment in cash or by debit card (EC-Karte).

Accessibility

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

Kids & families

The museum hasn’t published any information on this – please ask the museum directly.

Getting there & parking

Amenities & dining

• Museum shop
• Lockers
• Wi-Fi

Museum shop with ceramics and publications; free Wi-Fi.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties
• Corporate events

Up to 45 guests.

Henry van de Velde Room in the attic for school, business, cultural or private events (up to 45 chairs plus tables), can also be combined with a guided tour; price on request.

Plan your visit