The Living Ceramics Museum is a real gem among Boleslawiec attractions, where the history of pottery becomes tangible. Located at 30 Gdanska Street, the museum offers not only the opportunity to admire the exhibits, but above all to actively participate in the creation process. Workshops organized here allow you to learn about the traditional stamp method (stempeldekor), which has been a hallmark of Boleslawiec ceramics since the 18th century.

During the 90-minute class, participants will learn the secrets of decorating ceramics under the guidance of experienced instructors. The price of the workshop starts at PLN 70 per person, making it accessible to families of all budgets. Classes are held daily at 10:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 2:30 p.m. and 4 p.m., giving you flexibility in scheduling your visit.

According to local legend, the stamp patterns were created through the inspiration of a potter who, while walking in the woods, noticed unusual imprints left by pinecones on the soft ground. It was these natural patterns that were to inspire the distinctive ornamental motifs of Boleslawiec pottery.

The Living Museum of Ceramics is distinguished by the authenticity of the experience - workshop participants work in historical interiors, using traditional tools, which creates a unique atmosphere. Each participant can take home a hand-decorated item, which after firing becomes a lasting souvenir of Boleslawiec.

The Center for Old Pottery Techniques at 14 Kutuzowa Street is another place where the history of ceramics comes to life. The center operates under the auspices of the Museum of Ceramics and offers a unique opportunity to learn about ancient pottery making methods. Unlike the Living Museum of Ceramics, which focuses mainly on decoration, here participants can experience the full process of creating vessels - from preparing the clay, to turning on the potter's wheel, to decorating and firing.

Workshops at the Center are a bit more advanced and last longer - about 2 hours, allowing for a deeper dive into the world of pottery making. The price is slightly higher than at the Living Museum, but includes more steps in the creative process. The maximum number of participants is 32, which ensures a comfortable working environment.

A fascinating part of the workshop at the Center is the opportunity to learn about the history of the so-called 'bunlock' - the traditional pottery kiln, which was the heart of every old workshop. According to stories told by older residents, when firing pottery in such a kiln, potters performed special rituals to ensure the success of the whole process. Some believed that the good spirits of ceramics lived in these kilns and they needed to be properly placated before each firing.

Manufaktura in Boleslawiec, located at 30 Gdanska Street, is not only a ceramics store, but above all a place where you can observe the entire process of producing traditional products. Workshops organized by Manufaktura are very popular among tourists from all over the world. What distinguishes this place? First of all, the opportunity to work with authentic stamps used by generations of Boleslawiec potters. Some of these stamps are over 100 years old and are true treasures of local heritage.

During the workshop at the Manufaktura, participants will learn about the history of the so-called 'Boleslawiec riddles' - special vessels for storing alcohol, which, according to local legends, had the magical power to improve the quality of liquor. Legend has it that the secret of the exceptional taste of drinks stored in Boleslawiec ridge tiles lay in special clay extracted only at full moon from the vicinity of the Godnów mountain.

Workshops at the Manufaktura are open to people of all ages, and instructors adjust the level of difficulty to the participants' abilities. The price is average compared to other workshops in the city, with the added benefit of being able to purchase professional ceramic materials on site.

OUTLET Ceramika Boleslawiecka Czaja at 1a Masarska Street is a place that combines the function of a store with pottery workshops. Here you can not only buy ceramics at attractive prices, but also take part in classes taught by the Czaja family - one of the oldest pottery families in the region. The history of the Czaj family dates back to the 19th century, when the great-grandfather of the current owners began making pottery in a small workshop on the outskirts of town.

Workshops at OUTLET Ceramika Boleslawiecka Czaja are distinguished by their individual approach to participants - groups are smaller than at other locations, allowing for a more personalized experience. The price is comparable to other workshops in the city, but the quality of the materials and the professionalism of the instructors put this place at the forefront of Boleslawiec attractions.

An interesting fact related to the Czaj family is the story of the mysterious 'peacock's eye' pattern, which, according to legend, was created during a dream of one of the family's ancestors. This pattern, characterized by concentric circles in shades of blue, has become one of the most recognizable motifs of Boleslawiec pottery.

CERAMIC WORKSHOPS - CZAJA-SOBIERAJ Boleslawiec Ceramics in Rudzica is a place a bit far from the center of Boleslawiec, but worth a visit for the authenticity of the experience. The workshop is located in a historic building of a former barn, which adds to the unique atmosphere of the classes. The workshops are led by the Czaja-Sobieraj couple, who continue the family tradition of pottery.

What distinguishes the workshops in Rudzica is the opportunity to learn rare decorating techniques, such as sgraffito or engobing. The price is slightly higher than at other locations, but includes transportation to and from Boleslawiec and refreshments consisting of local specialties. The maximum number of participants is 15, which guarantees an intimate setting and individual approach.

According to a local story, there is a spring near Rudzica, whose water gives clay its unique properties. Potters from the Czaja-Sobieraj family reportedly still use this water to prepare ceramic paste, which contributes to the exceptional durability of their products.

The Manufaktura Boleslawiec Ceramic Workshop, although located in Lublin at 28 Spółdzielczości Pracy Avenue, is an interesting extension of the Boleslawiec ceramic tradition beyond the Lower Silesia region. It's a place where you can learn the techniques of decorating Boleslawiec ceramics without having to travel to Lower Silesia. The workshops are led by ceramists who have gained experience in Boleslawiec and transfer this knowledge to other regions of Poland.

Classes at the Lublin branch of Manufaktura focus mainly on decorating finished forms, making them accessible even to the youngest participants. The price is lower than the workshops in Boleslawiec, which is their undoubted advantage. The downside may be the lack of opportunity to learn about the full ceramic production process, which is available in the original Boleslawiec workshops.

An interesting fact about the Lublin branch is that all ceramic forms are transported directly from Boleslawiec, and after being decorated by workshop participants, they return there to be fired in traditional kilns. According to accounts, such a journey of ceramics has a symbolic meaning - it connects different regions of Poland with a common cultural heritage.

The Free Ceramics Studio in Gola is the smallest of the presented studios, but offers the most intimate experience with Boleslawiec ceramics. It is run by a young couple of ceramists who decided to combine traditional techniques with modern designs, creating a unique approach to the craft.

Workshops at Free Ceramics are limited to a maximum of 6 people, ensuring individual attention to each participant. The price is higher than at larger centers, but includes the full process of pottery making - from clay preparation to decoration. An additional advantage is the possibility of staying overnight in a cozy guesthouse run by the studio's owners, which allows for a deeper immersion into the world of ceramics.

The studio is famous for experimenting with colors - in addition to the traditional cobalt blue, it also uses colors that are less common in Boleslawiec ceramics, such as green, red and yellow. According to the owners, the inspiration for these color experiments came from an old recipe book found in the attic of the house they bought for the studio. The book, written partly in German and partly in Polish, supposedly belonged to a potter who lived at the turn of the 20th century.

Comparing all seven workshops, one can see that each offers a slightly different experience. For families with young children, the best choice will probably be the workshops at the Living Ceramics Museum or the Boleslawiec Manufactory, where the classes are shorter and less technically demanding. Those interested in learning more about the pottery tradition should consider the Center for Old Pottery Techniques or the CZAJA-SOBIERAJ workshop in Rudzica.

In terms of price, the cheapest option is a workshop at the Living Ceramics Museum (starting at PLN 70), while the most exclusive experience is offered by the Free Ceramics Workshop. In terms of accessibility, workshops in the center of Boleslawiec (Żywe Muzeum, Manufaktura, OUTLET Czaja) are the most easily accessible to tourists, while those located outside the city require your own transportation.

Regardless of the location chosen, pottery workshops in and around Boleslawiec offer an unforgettable experience, combining education, entertainment and contact with the authentic cultural heritage of the region. This is an excellent opportunity to not only learn about the history and techniques of ceramics, but also to create a handmade souvenir that will remind you of your unique encounter with the Boleslawiec pottery tradition.