Cowan Pottery Museum

History

The recently expanded Cowan Pottery Museum is located primarily on the first floor of Rocky River Public Library (renovated in 2006-2007). It features over 1200 pieces of a distinctive form of American art pottery created by R. Guy Cowan and his associates at the Cowan Pottery Studio in Lakewood, Ohio from 1913-1917, and in Rocky River, Ohio from 1920-1931.

The Cowan Pottery Museum was one of the nation’s leading potteries during the 1920s and the Cleveland area’s only major pottery. Cowan Pottery represents a visual cultural heritage unique to Rocky River and Cleveland.

Appraisals

The library does not provide evaluations or appraisals for insurance, estate, or sales purposes. Please consult the following resources.

Contact Us

→ Enter the Cowan Pottery Museum Online  Collection

What’s New?

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Cowan Pottery Museum Features On the News!

Greg Hatch speaks with Hollie Strano about our Cowan Pottery Museum and upcoming programs.

  • Featured On: Good Company, WKYC Channel 3
  • Aired: Monday, March 27

→ Watch Segment


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Cowan Symposium

Stop by for a day full of Cowan Inspired programming and chat with Ceramic Artist, Craig Clifford!

  • Featured Artist: Craig Clifford
  • Date: Saturday, April 15, 9 am to 4 pm,

→ View Full List of Events


The Works of Thelma Frazier Winter Exhibit

New Exhibit: The Works of Thelma Frazier Winter

Check out our new Cowan Exhibit

  • Beginning with Cowan and continuing until the 1960s, see objects from many stages of the artist’s career. Located on the 1st Floor.
  • Loan Courtesy of the Western Reserve Historical Society, Cleveland, OH.
  • Date: February to December 2023

Current Exhibit: Fruit of the Jewels: Iridescent and Luster Glazes Through the Years

Check out our beautiful Cowan Exhibit

  • Located in the Cowan Alcove on the First Floor in the Grand Reading Room
  • Semi-Permanent

→ Preview Exhibit


Cowan Museum ExhibitCowan Pottery Museum Exhibits On Display!

Two virtual exhibitions of items from our archives:

  • Cowan Style: The Photos that Sold Cowan Pottery
  • The Studio on Lake: Cowan Pottery Studio in Rocky River

→ Visit the Cowan Pottery  Museum Exhibit

 

Cowan Museum

Museum Hours:

Mon-Thur: 9 am – 9 pm
Fri- Sat: 9 am – 6 pm
Sunday: 1 pm – 5 pm