American Museum of Ceramic Art / AMOCA

Small but interesting museum. I was the only one there on a Friday afternoon. One of the main exhibits was under renovation when I visited; the one that was open was about Chinese communist ceramics in the time of Mao. The signs did a great job explaining the meaning and context of the works, which came out of such a tragic time in history. The staff were friendly and knowledgeable.

AMOCA is a nice museum dedicated to ceramic art. It is located in Pomona. They have nice exhibits during my visit. Staff were nice and knowledgeable. Plenty of parking spot in the lot. Overall, I had a nice time knowing about ceramic art.

Wonderful exhibits! I love how this particular one was presented too. Being from the time period it was, we are fed plenty of opinion on how to see it by our media. The language in the placards was very neutral, matter-of-fact, and food for thought rather than propaganda. Well worth the visit, and the artists in residence had some inspired works too! I really enjoyed them all, but Kristy Moreno's stood out the most. A very interesting and original perspective for inspiration, and very clean execution of it.

Parking was super easy on weekends. There are lots of trees providing shade. The staff is friendly, the museum has lots of unique pottery sculptures with creative messages or expressions. There's a small gift shop selling unique items that are not sold in stores or available elsewhere. If you are looking for one of a kind unique gift ideas the gift shop is worth checking out. There are restrooms available on the upper floor. There's a massive mural with lots of details and expressions cultural artwork. This is our 1st time visiting, and wasn't't sure what to expect. But we really enjoyed the relaxing vibes exploring in the quiet and clean gallery to recharge our souls and minds.

Purchased tickets from Groupon, I think the fee was half the usual price. Really enjoyed the Indigenous Americans exhibit and also, the extension collection of steins in the downstairs section.

I didn’t do enough research so I was surprised the permanent collection was so small and almost all steins. The people were very nice. I’ve never seen Chinese art like that before.

Interesting gallery of ceramic works both contemporary and historic. They hold a lot of events and classes so if you live in the area it would be good to check out some of their classes. I definitely recommend a stop by.

The American Museum of Ceramic Art (AMOCA) is a hidden gem in Pomona, California. Though it’s smaller than some other museums, the exhibits are thoughtfully curated, and the space is inviting. The museum showcases a great variety of ceramic art, both modern and historical, with rotating exhibitions that keep things fresh. We loved the intimate feel, allowing us to really engage with each piece without feeling overwhelmed. One of the highlights was the Mettlach Collection, which features incredible examples of European ceramics. The craftsmanship and intricate details on display were stunning. The museum also had a great focus on local Southern California ceramic artists, giving a strong sense of the area’s artistic contributions. The staff were friendly and knowledgeable, happy to answer questions and share insights. Overall, AMOCA offers a fantastic experience for art lovers or anyone interested in ceramics. It’s a great way to spend a couple of hours learning and appreciating the artistry of ceramics in a laid-back and welcoming environment. Definitely worth a visit if you’re in the area!

Stopped by American Museum of Ceramic Art before my kids' class and was pleasantly surprised. The museum is actually bigger than I expected and holds over 7,000 ceramic pieces, with thoughtfully curated exhibitions that change regularly. It was really inspiring, especially since I'm planning to take ceramic classes this year. They also offer quite a few ceramic classes and programs, which I didn't realize before visiting. The museum is open to the public Friday-Sunday from 11 AM to 4 PM. The surrounding area didn't feel the safest at first, but the museum has a gated parking lot that is spacious, which made it feel more comfortable. If you're in the area and enjoy art or ceramics, it's definitely worth stopping by.

AMOCA (est 2003) is an art museum dedicated to ceramic art. They presents exhibitions, collections, public and educational programming, and studio practice. This museum is located in Pomona, CA. Admission ticket is reasonable at $14. They have permanent artist fellows and revolving exhibits. Parking lot is large enough for at least 200 cars. Staff were nice. I came on a late afternoon to check out the China ceramic exhibit. It was interesting. Overall, it's a nice ceramic museum.

A tiny but pretty cool museum located in Pomona. I would say for the price it may not be worth it. I ended up getting 1 general adult, 1 student, and 1 senior and total was $30. The museum took about 25-30 minutes to complete, I guess you could spend longer if you really read the material but I went at a moderate pace and got through it in that time. There is a total of about 3 different rooms which is all medium sized. Definitely a cool place to checkout if you've never been but don't expect anything like those larger art galleries. If it was a tad cheaper it would be worth! Parking - Plentiful, they have their own lot with tons of spaces.

The art was amazing. Beautiful so much detail and creativity. It was larger than expected once inside and while I have been to many museums in many different countries not all museums have the same entry process. The person at the desk was rude. And I had no problem donating the money exchange was very rude. It was self exploitation, no problem, but if there are places "off limits" explain that when you rudely took my donation or have signs directing people. Yelling from behind the desk was unhelpful, embarrassing and again rude. We went in September 2025.

They have their own parking lot so it was easy to find parking. It's a small museum and I think most will finish within 30-45mins. (Can't say that the tickets are worth it..) Some parts of the museum were getting renovated so maybe they're expanding? The staff were friendly and it was okay overall. I would only go if you're in the area.

This was a real surprise of a museum. I stumbled across it because I have a NARM/Roam museum membership, and this is included. Such a gem is a real find in these parts! Items are beautifully displayed in this small museum, which showcases historic ceramics as well as contemporary pieces, some traditional pieces and sets, and some wildly creative ones. On the day that I visited, a real standout was the interesting display of little, ornate butter pat plates from the 1800s that I had no idea once were a thing. I will certainly add it to my playlist for the next time I visit this area. There's plenty of parking in their own lot.

Great museum with friendly staff. I enjoyed the current exhibition,all-female artists exhibit from the modern era. The museum is under remodeling for a new children/ family activity area. I am also looking forward to planning a group class with friends for the ceramic class in the studio soon.

Nice place to check out if you are in the area. It's fairly small and we were able to finish in under an hour. A few artists have their work or collection on display and it does rotate. The ceramic studio did not appear to be open at the moment but be sure to ask. Currently it is open with reservation so make sure to check the website. Regularly admission is $7 but currently free for frontline workers this month of August. There's a gift shop too. Free private lot parking.

Small art museum, a true gem in the Inland Empire. I took my kids to Saturday Family Day and we all had so much fun... My kids definitely have a bigger appreciation for clay and pottery art work now. The museum is super well run, with several very interesting exhibitions that change though out the year. Some artist have their art work for sale. We had a private tour of Juan Quezada artwork and life history. after that we were able to try to make our own clay work-of-art, it was fantastic! Not many museums let you have a hands on experience. The museum has an adjacent large studio where pottery class is taught, they have classes for adults and kids, during the week and on weekends. Both my kids asked to be signed up for classes, they definitely had a great time. This is a definitely family outing worth the drive for all ages.

I had no idea that there was a museum for ceramic art in Pomona, CA! I was able to easily purchase tickets online. When we arrived there was a large parking area. We were able to view four different exhibits. My favorite was Connected Spaces. It's amazing that this duo, Cheryl Ann Thomas and Michael F Rohde created weaves and texturized items!! There is a small gift shop and the outdoor garden is very nice. I'm looking forward to viewing other exhibits!!

This is a gem of a place in what I think is in the middle of nowhere. We visited for a homework assignment due in ceramics class for our little. We could have gone to The Getty Villa or LACMA but we decided to check out AMOCA. It's clean, well laid out, friendly staff, parking lot and lots of beautiful pieces of ceramics. The beer steins downstairs on the lower level are quite exquisite. We almost missed seeing them but on the way out the door one of the women asked if we had seen them? I didn't think I would have much interest in them but I felt a bit of guilt for not taking the stairs down to take a gander after she mentioned them. Much to my surprise, it is an impressive exhibit and I'm happy I didn't walk on out the door. I don't know what the situation is with this museum now since the pandemic is going on, but if it is open, I suggest you check it out!

The works of Kukuli Velarde brought me here and, wow, what an incredible exhibition. Having seen thousands of ancient Central and South American ceramic pieces over the years, I was fascinated to delve into Ms. Velarde's skilled reworking of iconic pre-Columbian images that are used to challenge and confront a host of issues. I had never been to this museum before and the unfortunate harsh fluorescent lighting throughout the museum reveals that this building hasn't been overhauled much from its former life as a bank. Indeed, look for Millard Sheets' 'Panorama of the Pomona Valley,' a 78-foot canvas rich with images. You'll also pass through the original bank vault door during your visit. The museum gift shop alone is better than most. Unlike larger museums that feature typical bric-a-brac and reproductions in their shops, this one features a large selection of high quality work by original artists. I can't believe I walked away with a very rare ceramic piece from the 1960s. A robust itinerary of ceramics classes are conducted here, too. Honestly, if I lived near Pamona, I would have signed up on the spot.

I first started coming here for a requirement for my ceramic class. I remember seeing the Incheon exhibit and the Scripps College Ceramic Collection here with my class. Adults - $7 Students & Seniors - $5 Children 12 and under - Free But I got in for free since I came here with my class for a field trip. For a small place it does have many types of ceramics on display. Downstairs is a collections of German mugs which is displayed on a long hallway which can get cramped since it's a bit narrow and all of us went down as a group. They do have a studio too if you want to create some pottery works of your own. They do have different membership fees based on permanent artists who rent studio space and members based off a monthly usage fee. There's also a cheaper membership fee for students which is around $65 only during the summer months.

There is nothing like it! It truly changed the direction of my life. I was a struggling artist trying desperately to get my career going. Heidi brought me into the studio and her influence made me realize how much I need to be interacting with other artists. My work grew so rapidly with the exposure that only AMOCA has to offer. There is a constant influx of artists from around the world and incredible resources; like the clay library and of course the museum itself. With Heidi's and the other members encouragement I decided to pursue my graduate degree and am currently a professor of fine arts. I've seen it many times through the years. Artists find a place at AMOCA and they flourish, and take the next step. There is also a place for everyone. If you're interested in pursuing clay as a career or a therapeutic outlet. All are welcome and that diversity builds a culture where everyone is growing and supporting each other.

My son age 7 and I love AMOC family days. Spending an hour working with clay then looking around the museum at the art on display. We always have a great time. Thank you AMOCA museum

The museum is very clean and nice. The staff is all very friendly as well. I attend ceramics classes here and the environment is great!

I've had the chance now to go to AMOCA not only to the museum part but as an attendee to a recent workshop. In both areas, AMOCA is a great stop if you are interested in seeing good shows or creating work yourself. After having visited the museum a few times, I finally got the chance to use their studio. Compared to my local studio in Manhattan Beach (which I love!), AMOCA is H-U-G-E and has everything. 4 large gas kilns, 5 electric kilns (3 really large), ample table space for handbuilding, 25+ wheels, lots of glazes and more. The 2 day workshop was 16 people in total and that was all located in the back area (with AC!) not the main room. The staff who were assisting the outside instructor for the workshop were always friendly and helpful both to the students and the instructor which was great since I really didn't know the studio given it was my first time working there. I highly recommend attending a workshop - the outside instructors they get are fantastic. I did make some rather large pieces and they were too wet and large to travel in my car safely so I took advantage of their firing services. Their firing services for bisque can run by the piece (cost measured by size multiplied by a cost per square inch) or for an entire kiln. If you are a member of AMOCA there is a discount for the firing. Since I loved visiting the museum I joined - so yea discount! For the museum, they have exhibits for both modern and classical styles of ceramic art - all very enjoyable. I've never been disappointed. Plan on a couple of hours to do the whole museum and a little more if you want to shop in the store. Support your local artists!

I just visited AMOCA recently for the Frank Boyden/Tom Coleman show, "On the River Through the Valley of Fire." Awesome stuff. Both artists collaborated on nearly every piece in this exhibit and the artistry and attention to detail on each pot is amazing. Most of the pieces are woodfired, but several pieces were fired in a gas kiln. It's pretty amazing to see the results these ceramicists/potters can achieve. The combination of Tom Coleman's masterful throwing, Frank Boyden's skillful line drawings, and their careful manipulation of the clay's surface results in a collection of pieces that need to be seen in person in order to be fully appreciated. To put their level of work in perspective, let me just mention that one of their pieces is now in the Smithsonian. If that doesn't impress you, I don't know what will. Unfortunately, this exhibit is only open through February 14th. So, if you want to catch this show, you'd better hurry! For more information, please visit the AMOCA website.

AMOCA is a wonderful place to go and collect your thoughts. I had no idea that this place was going to be such a hidden gem. First of all no one was there and I'm not being facetious there was literally no one there. Which is a shame for the museum and all the beautiful pieces but as a guest it makes you feel as if the art is your personal collection and you can take your time to appreciate each piece at your own pace which is glorious in its simplicity. I found some really awe inspiring unique works of art. I've never been partial to ceramics but this place had some really beautiful original pieces that shows you how limitless the mind truly is. It's something to be said when you find a piece that evokes new ideas and for $7 adults and $5 students this is one experience you really can't afford to pass up...

Last week I had the opportunity to visit this gem of a museum. Totally unassuming from the outside, but a wealth of ceramic displays on the inside. There is a ceramics studio on premises that provide educational participation for "newbies" as well as for the more advanced artist. They have a calendar of events that provide many enriching experiences as well as exhibitions. I strongly recommend visiting this local museum. You won't regret it.

I recently retired and was looking for a hobby. A friend suggested I check out this ceramics studio in Pomona. What a blessing it has been! I signed up for their spring hand building class and have absolutely enjoyed it. This has exceeded my expectations and I plan on signing up for more classes. Our instructor Jillian is awesome and each project she gives us is demonstrated for us to follow and complete. The atmosphere is relaxing and everyone is not only friendly but helpful. I would highly recommend AMOCA to anyone looking to find their creative side.

The biggest ceramics museum in California. The former bank turned museum holds ceramics, not money, in its vault. The current exhibit is Icheon Korean ceramics. Also at the museum are a studio, the Helen and Roger Porter Ceramics reference library. The museum shop has ceramics, books, DVD's and jewelry for sale. Admission for adults is $5, $4 for seniors and students. Free parking in the lot in the back of the museum. Good place for ceramics enthusiasts to go.

Loved this hidden gem of Pomona :) It has some very inspiring collections that made me want to stay for hours.

To represent the significant role of ceramics in this time period, the American Museum of Ceramic Art opens, Common Ground: Ceramics in Southern California 1945-1975. This inaugural exhibition of mid-century Southern California pottery will focus on the tremendous growth and experimentation in studio and industrial ceramic work during the decades following World War II. Insider Tips: KIDS ARE FREE, Adults are $3. Visit on the 2nd Saturday of every month to coincide with the Downtown Pomona ArtWalk!

Seven Years ago my wife and I were beginning potters with 2 adult classes under our belts and came to this fairly new Studio in Pomona. It had a museum attached to it that specialized in Ceramic Art (Cool). I took a class and was hooked. For a retired software engineer actually making stuff was terribly therapeutic. I continue to take classes and continue to make stuff. Well, now I can be referred to as the "plate guy",( https://www.etsy.comsearch?q=PrettyUniquePlates ). It is so fun, the people are wonderful, and the atmosphere is sublime. I love working with so many talented people, each working on their next best thing and its quite a treat.

SPACE, SPACE, SPACE, SPACE!!! Creative Space abounds at AMOCA. If your love is the wheel, there are lots of wheels to release the bowl, cup, plater, jug, etc.. that lies in that pug of clay. If you love is hand building, let loose in the wide tables that are available in the hand building areas. (or combine the 2) There lots of shelves space available to store your work in progress. Not quite done and wanting to dry slowly there are damp boxes. The staff is really helpful, want to try something new there is someone who can give you directions. A wide selection of glazes, tools and clay are available for your wide variety of projects. Tanie H

This review is for a ceramics Party I had here for my daughter's 11th birthday. We absolutely loved it! 1. You and the guest get to actually work on making there own ceramic art piece. The instructor was very patient teaching the girls many different techniques. She was warm and funny. The girls loved her! She even gave the girls a small tour around the studio. We were there for about 3:00 hours. 2. The people who works there are super friendly and helpful! The studio director Heidi is very organized, efficient and accommodating. There are others who are working in other sections of the studio, they are super friendly also. Overall experience is a very easy going a friendly one. 3. You can also purchase small items as party favors (if you want extra little gifts for the kids to take home the same day). The ceramic pieces the kids made had to be left at the studio for firing and glazing on a different day. The items the girls made will be available to pick up after that. 4. The prices is very reasonable if you join as a member ($50 membership fees for individuals) Party packages are available for adults also. I will be planning another one soon!

I moved to Pomona a few months ago and the AMOCA studio has become my home away from home. The staff and instructors are helpful, knowledgeable, encouraging, and friendly. There are a lot of repeat students, all with a variety of skills and backgrounds. I always feel great when I leave, especially on potluck days! The museum is good too, the only ceramics centric museum in the country (I believe). They really do have an amazing collection, don't forget to check out the Mettlach collection in the basement. And don't forget to check out the studio artist gallery! That's on the studio side and they have new shows pretty regularly, so keep checking back. AMOCA is truly a hidden gem for any clay nerd, you won't be disappointed.

I am a student at MtSac and my Professor recommended the AMOCA Ceramics Studio to me. She saw my interest to expand my skills in Ceramics so I checked it out. I volunteer here to help maintain the Studio's work areas and help in fundraising. It's been a wonderful experience. Everyone here is very welcoming and the Studio Director Heidi Kreitchet is a wonderful person along with her staff. I highly recommended the AMOCA Ceramics Studio to everyone.....

Great place to visit and see some art. Being the family and friends. I really enjoy taking ceramic classes and using the studio. The class is taught by Adrian who is very talented and gives great demonstrations. I have been improving my skills every class. The studio is well equipped and the staff is extant friendly. I would highly recommend this place to see and experience for yourself.

I will add my voice to all the others describing how wonderful this hidden gem of a museum is. We went there as part of a family day out to celebrate a birthday, and it was a good choice. There wasn't much going on in the studio when we were there (a Saturday afternoon), but the exhibits were amazing. One non-ceramic item in the museum worth noting is an enormous 70 foot long mural by Millard Sheets depicting the history of the Pomona Valley that was part of the building during it's former life as a bank. It has been preserved by the museum, and that is good. There is also a nice gift shop with items to fit just about any budget.

Great place to see historical ceramics. Its in the heart of Pomona and surrounded by artistic streets. I love all the different ceramics from centuries ago displayed with todays modern artists.

Very fun!! Went not knowing really what to expect but came out way happier than I went in! The last stop we took in the museum was the ceramics studio and a very kind man named Kim showed us around and encouraged us to come take a class which I am now considering! It's truly a hidden treasure! I've passed by the star outside a trillion times without realizing it was a museum! Will be back soon when the main exhibit is opened!

I've visited the wonderful new space that houses the American Museum of Ceramic Art several times now. It is great! So large and well lit. The mural which came with the property is wonderful, and there is plenty of room to enjoy the exhibited works. The current exhibition, Common Ground: Ceramics in Southern California 1945-1975 is really beautiful and inspiring, I learned so much about ceramics as art. Looking forward to enjoying future exhibitions on many more visits to this important museum. It also has a studio, offers classes, lectures, workshops, educational programs, and more to educate and promote ceramics. What a wonderful resource for local ceramicists! Wish I lived closer...

If you're looking for some awesome ceramic art then this is definitely the place for you! Usually I prefer natural history museums or museums of modern art, but this place is pretty top notch in comparison. I like the fact that they have an open house every month so that you can see new artists and different takes on the ceramics. I didn't really like the artists that were on display the day that I went, but I don't want that to be the judge of whether I'll go back or not. The permanent pieces that were on display were great! Also, its really awesome that you can get some studio time if you pay for membership. When I first heard that there was a membership option I thought it was kind of stupid, but the studio time seems like it would be really worth it. At the open house we went on a tour of the studio and it's really large and they let you make whatever you want.

The studio has such nice feeling with it, everyone there is really nice. They're always there to help you grow in ceramics. I really appreciate all the things I've learned from other members at this studio, and I also would recommend it to everyone weather you're a new comer at ceramics or someone whose been throwing for years.

I came here with my a group from my area arts center for a tour and to see the current exhibit "2013 Ceramic Biennial" from the American Ceramic Society-Design Chapter. We had a docent who took us around that exhibit, the vault exhibit, the area where the permanent collection will eventually be housed, the library, the German collection downstairs, and the ceramics studio. Our docent was very nice and answered all our questions, but she made a us feel a bit rushed and kept telling us she was going to take us on to the next area and we could come back. Overall I enjoyed the museum and am envious of their HUGE studio space. I am excited for the upcoming Icheon Ceramics exhibit that is coming and cannot wait to see what the space will look like once they get the permanent exhibit in.

Beautiful exhibits every time I come here! Visiting the studio, I can see how such inspiring work is born and fostered. The environment has always been open and friendly every time I come here, I recommend any artist to check it out!

This is one of the best museums in Southern California. I have attended so many amazing exhibitions here. The new location is fabulous. http://www.flickr.com/photos/hlclicks/collections/72157630438279218/

Amoca is great and the staff here is awesome! This place is great for anyone looking to expand their skill set in pottery or handbuilding and the studio has great equipment! Perfect for anyone who loves making pottery! The museum has beautiful work from talented artists as well!

We came to see the "Common Ground: Ceramics in Southern California 1945-1975". Perhaps ceramics are not for me or it wasn't curated in a way that captured my interest because my girlfriend enjoyed it much more than me. The museum is a hyper-lit gallery in a former bank building. Admission is $5 with free parking in back. Ironically, the gift shop does NOT sell ceramic coffee mugs with the AMOCA logo.

It's the best museum in California. There are different exhibitions here which are so wonderful and worth to see. U can also buy some ceramics staffs. Besides, there is a chance for you to learn to carve. That's really attractive!

My friend and I went here today to check out the Common Ground exhibit, and we loved it. I studied ceramics in college, so perhaps my interest was more personal than his, but even my friend said he enjoyed the exhibit far more than he'd expected to. The ceramic work for sale is as museum-worthy as the pieces in the show, and if I wasn't watching my pennies I more than likely would've bought one of those darling contemporary tea sets with the sinuous lines. I wish it was closer to where I am now, because I would be over there every day if I could. (Guess this means I have to move, hehe) I will definitely be back for the upcoming teapot exhibit! Oh, and it's a short walk away from the Arts Colony, so you could grab lunch nearby before or after. And the Downtown Pomona Metrolink station is, like, RIGHT THERE, so during the week it's even easier to stop by.

I have been a member of AMOCA since 2012. I have taken many classes and have learned so much about ceramics! I have taken throwing classes from many awesome instructors! They are always so helpful and positive. The studio is a great place to make ceramic art even as a beginner to resident artists. Heidi, Tim and Josh do a really great job running the studio! 5 stars aren't enough!

I found this ceramics studio when I was on a massive time crunch for a school project! They completely adapted to my schedule and after just a couple sessions I had two beautiful bowls made and ready to be presented! The studio has such a warm environment and everyone there is very nice and you can tell they all love what they are doing. Love this place!!

Came by looking for a set of dinnerware but nothing had a price on it and most didn't come in sets... not sure what the sales strategy is here...

I love this place, everyone are super nice at the studio. I have been going to the studio for about a year. The classes are great and the teachers are amazing. This studio is like a big family.

I have been looking around for kiln service. After calling a few other studios in the L.A area, I came across AMOCA. They are by far the best group around. Great service. I became a member and will be enroll into my first class this fall. What a great find!

Pathetic. They don't have many displays and what they do have is second rate and displayed poorly in an awkward, musty bank building. To make matters worse they have a current event exhibit that is soley from a far left perspective. Their curators apparently see no value in art that varies the slightest from their Stalinist orthodoxy. So if you like indoctrination, this might be your spot. If you like ceramics on the hand, I would go somewhere else.