The museum holds a permanent display of the Staffordshire Hoard, the largest hoard of Anglo-Saxon gold and silver metalwork ever found.
The Spitfire hanging in the museum was manufactured in the nearby town of Castle Bromwich and is the prototype for the Mark XVI.
The ceramics collection contains over 6,000 items, illustrating the evolution of English earthenware, stoneware, and porcelain.
The museum archives document the unique industrial 'bottle kiln' skyline that defined the Potteries landscape until the mid-20th century.
The institution includes a dedicated gallery for the work of local sculptor Arnold Machin, who designed the portrait of Queen Elizabeth II used on British coinage and stamps.
The Potteries Museum & Art Gallery serves as the primary repository for the cultural and industrial history of Stoke-on-Trent, the heart of the English ceramics industry. The facility houses one of the world's most significant collections of Staffordshire ceramics, spanning from the 17th century to the modern era. Beyond pottery, the museum features a notable collection of fine art, including works by local artists and significant historical pieces. The museum is home to the Staffordshire Hoard, a major Anglo-Saxon gold and silver treasure collection discovered in 2009. Visitors can view a preserved WWII Spitfire aircraft, designed by local engineer Reginald Mitchell, which is suspended within the gallery space. The institution also documents the social history of the 'Six Towns' that comprise the city. Archaeological displays provide context for the region's development prior to the Industrial Revolution. Natural history exhibits include taxidermy and geological specimens from the local area. The site occupies a purpose-built structure situated in the Hanley district of the city.
Directly underneath the suspended Spitfire aircraft in the main hall.
Prioritize the Staffordshire Hoard gallery as it requires dedicated time to examine the intricate metalwork.
Check the museum's temporary exhibition calendar before visiting, as these change frequently and often feature regional history themes.
Do not rush through the lower floor galleries, as they contain significant local history context that informs the understanding of the ceramic displays.
Closed on Sundays and Bank Holidays.
