Hobbies in Basel: Ceramics
- Meaghan Renner Ofori
- Aug 27
- 4 min read
Updated: Sep 15
As far as I'm concerned there is no better way to spend an afternoon than quietly painting a plate or cup in good company. Luckily Basel has some great options to both throw and paint pottery. And as Virginia Woolf once said, “If you are losing your leisure, look out! -- It may be you are losing your soul.” All the more reason to take up a new hobby!
Making Ceramics
Spalentorweg 7, 4051 Basel
Ceramics Collective Basel is an English-speaking nonprofit ceramics collective located in the heart of Basel. It prides itself on being a welcoming space where creativity, diversity, and well-being come together through ceramics. They have introductory courses in both wheel- throwing and hand-building with small classes (only 3-8 people) as well as different workshops if you don't want to commit. After you have learned the basics you are welcome to join their 'Open Studio' where you can work on your projects without instruction. 'Open Studio' sessions come in packs of 5 or 10 and you can also become a member, which includes members-only events, early registration for popular classes, and other discounts.
Feldbergstrasse 30, 4057 Basel
Runden is a small but passionate group of potters that specialize in pottery courses for beginners. Learn how to make vases, bowls and cups (or something that vaguely resembles them) and have fun doing it! They take you through the whole process from kneading to firing to glazing. A Schnupperkurs (taster course) is offered for two sessions for those who are new pottery and then if you like it you can sign up for their other six week courses.
St. Johanns-Rheinweg 43, 4056 Basel
Experience the joy of creating with your own hands at Oonceramic. Run by Luzia Klossner and Anna Lucia Schaffter, Oonceramic has a very chic website and offers introductory pottery courses over three sessions that teach hand-building and wheel-throwing. For those who want a deeper understanding of ceramics, they also offer 5 day sessions. They also do private events (2 sessions each) for 4-8 people.
Eckeingang, Hebelstrasse 120, 4056 Basel
Experience the magic of clay first hand at Töpferei am Eck. Zora and Mareike offer 5 session hand-building and wheel-throwing courses with refreshments at their charming corner studio in St. Johann. They also have options for private events, which include refreshments.
Dornacherstrasse 192, 4053 Basel
At Ceraver Töpferei in Gundeldingerfeld, Christine Hardman offers a private 3 hour Schnupperkurs for groups and families of 4-6 people. She also has an introduction course for 6 sessions. More advanced students can use her studio on Thursday nights.
You can also purchase her work at her studio or online.
Burgunderstrasse 42, 4051 Basel
At Keramikatelier Grea, Antonia Greter offers the opportunity to bring wishes and ideas to life through clay. She has full-day beginner courses for people looking to have an introduction to pottery. After that you can pay a monthly fee for open studio time. She also has courses for children 8 years and up charged on a semester basis. There is also the option for private events.
Göschenenstrasse 13, 4054 Basel
Craft Room Red Fox offers hand-building and ceramic painting courses for both adults and children. Sessions are done as workshops where you first create an item and later paint it. They also have workshops in ceramic painting alone if you prefer not to get your hand dirty. They also do birthday parties and events.
Painting Ceramics
If you want all the fun of painting pottery but without the mess, there are some great options in Basel.
Nadelberg 21, 4051 Basel (open studio)
Im Westfeld 8, 4055 Basel (events)
If you want to paint pottery with cocktails or coffee and cake then Ceramigas is the place to go. This super-chic pottery atelier now has two locations in Basel, one, an open studio and one an event space where you can paint a vase and learn to arrange flowers or paint a teapot with a cocktail, or even paint a cup with a waffle brunch (in partnership with Enila Basel) - what could be better! At the open studio there are endless choices for things to paint from sugar bowls to cups, plates and bowls and their fantastic Instagram account will inspire you to go back again and again until your cupboards are bursting (I speak from experience). They also do private events for both children and adults with refreshments available.
Spalenring 103, 4055 Basel
Paint it Easy, Basel's source for all creative activities, has a brand new ceramic workshop in Basel. Formerly Ceramico, this new Paint it Easy location is entirely dedicated to ceramic painting and invites you to get creative, design your own pieces and experience unforgettable moments. They have a wide variety of unpainted ceramics to choose from and sessions are 2.5 hrs long and can be booked online. They also do birthday parties and events.
Buying Ceramics
If are not artistically inclined but want some unique pieces to add to your collection, the following places sell unique (often, though not exclusively) hand-made pottery in Basel.
Breisacherstrasse 86, 4057 Basel
Haltingerstrasse 93, 4057 Basel
Angensteinerstrasse 26, 4052 Basel
Eisengasse 1, 4051 Basel
I how this article has inspired you to get out there and get your hands dirty. Your handmade treasures will surely take a place of pride in your cupboards.
Comments