Many of the prominent businesses that began in Cincinnati have played a major role in shaping our city over the years. These companies fall into every category imaginable, but only one has literally decorated the Queen City - and the world - for well over a century. Rookwood Pottery is a household name around here, and you can spot its creations adorning many landmark buildings, restoration projects, and even local homes. The massive site in Over-the-Rhine is quite remarkable, and you can take a unique tour of the facility (for free!) that will show you a side of Cincinnati you've never seen before.
Rookwood Pottery is an iconic Cincinnati company that now has an 88,000-square-foot production facility and showroom in Over-the-Rhine. Forward-thinking artist Maria Longworth-Nichols originally began the company in 1880 and it grew to have artistic influence all over the world.
You can see evidence of Rookwood Pottery's creations all over Cincinnati. Many of our landmarks are adorned in its tile and ceramics, and you can even find Rookwood Pottery in other places the world, including New York City’s subway system and Grand Central Station, as well as many other prominent homes and buildings.
In 2009, Rookwood Pottery opened its current facility and showroom, establishing a place where artists can create and visitors can learn, admire, and, of course, shop. The showrooms are remarkable and you can check out items for your home, gifts, pottery, and more.
Rookwood Pottery also offers a free hour-long tour of their facility on Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m. You do not need a ticket for these events, but they do ask that you register ahead of time. You’ll find information about the dates and times and can register online here.
Tours are led by a well-informed guide who will take you through the history and processes of Rookwood Pottery. Seeing an artist at work is one of many highlights of the tour.
Even those with less of an interest in pottery find the tour fascinating and as time well spent. Learning the history of the company, which aligns with the history of our city, is a truly unique way to experience Cincinnati.
Of course, you'll be able to view many of the creations from Rookwood Pottery - everything from tiny ornaments to large ceramic vases. In each and every item, you can see the attention to detail and care that goes into these handmade works of art.
Rookwood Pottery hosts other special events throughout the year, including open houses and artist meet-and-greets. Be sure to keep an eye on the event calendar (linked below) for all of the upcoming opportunities to visit this Cincinnati landmark.
Rookwood Pottery is engrained in Cincinnati's vibrant history and lives on in so many ways throughout our city. As they continue to create more and more pieces that may frame a fireplace or hang from your Christmas tree, it's inevitable that this long-standing company will live on in the Queen City for generations to come.
Rookwood Pottery is a beautiful piece of Cincinnati's past, present, and future and you can learn all about this local business and its incredible artistic endeavors on this unique tour. Have you been on this informative excursion? Do you collect Rookwood Pottery or do you have any pieces in your home? Let us know in the comments!
Rookwood Pottery is located at 1920 Race St., Cincinnati, OH 45202. For more information on the tours, visit its website here and also follow along with the company on Facebook here.
And for more unique ways to tour Cincinnati, check out our previous article here.
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