Independent Wheel Time in Manhattan

Open Studio · Manhattan, NYC

Independent Wheel Time in Manhattan

Independent pottery wheel time in Manhattan for experienced potters.

  • For experienced potters
  • Self-directed wheel time
  • Daytime sessions
  • Clay included
Open Studio Wheel$55Self-directed · for experienced pottersBook
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About our Open Studio

Open Studio is uninstructed wheel time for potters who already know their way around the wheel. If you've taken classes, have your own throwing practice, and just need space and a wheel, this is your slot. There's no instructor and no curriculum — just two focused hours to work on your own projects.

Because Open Studio is self-directed, sessions are reserved for experienced potters and are available before 6pm only. You can book up to a week in advance, which keeps the schedule open for makers who want a reliable, drop-in practice space in the heart of Manhattan. Clay is included, and firing is available for an additional fee if you'd like to keep your pieces.

Who it's for

  • Experienced potters with their own throwing practice
  • Former students who want to keep their skills sharp
  • Makers who need affordable, independent wheel time in Manhattan

What's included

  • Two hours of independent wheel access
  • Aprons provided
  • Clay included
  • Optional firing for an additional fee

Open Studio at Gotham Pottery

Here's a closer look at each option in this category, including pricing, session length, and when your finished pottery will be ready to pick up.

Open Studio Wheel

$55

Uninstructed wheel access for experienced potters

2 hoursPieces ready approximately 3-4 weeks
  • Uninstructed wheel access for experienced potters
  • Clay included
  • Firing available for an additional fee
  • Aprons provided
  • Book up to 7 days ahead

Open Studio is $55 per session, paid in full when you book. There's no instruction, but clay is included. Firing is available for an additional fee if you'd like to keep your pieces.

Open Studio in Manhattan — how to find us

Gotham Pottery sits at 146 W 29th Street in Manhattan, on the border of NoMad and Chelsea and just a few blocks from the Flatiron District, Herald Square, and Koreatown. The studio is on the fifth floor (suite 5W) of a classic NYC loft building.

Nearby trains

  • 128th St — 2 minute walk
  • N / Q / R / W28th St — 5 minute walk
  • B / D / F / M34th St – Herald Sq — 5 minute walk
  • A / C / E34th St – Penn Station — 8 minute walk
  • PATH33rd St — 5 minute walk

We're a short walk from Penn Station and Herald Square, so most guests arrive by subway or PATH. If you're driving, there are several parking garages on West 28th and 29th Streets between 6th and 7th Avenues; street parking is limited, so we recommend the subway when you can.

When you arrive

Take the elevator to the fifth floor and look for suite 5W. We recommend arriving about 10 minutes early so you can settle in, grab an apron, and meet your instructor before your session starts. Wear clothes you don't mind getting a little clay on, and keep your nails short if you plan to throw on the wheel.

The studio serves makers across NoMad, Chelsea, Flatiron, Herald Square, Koreatown, Midtown South, and the rest of New York City.

Frequently asked questions

Is Open Studio good for beginners?
No — Open Studio is uninstructed and intended for experienced potters who can work independently. If you're newer to the wheel, book The Pottery Workshop instead, where an instructor guides you the whole way.
Why is Open Studio only available before 6pm?
Open Studio sessions run during daytime hours (and must end by 6pm) so our evening slots stay open for instructor-led classes, date nights, and private events.
Is clay and firing included?
Clay is included. Firing isn't included by default but is available for an additional fee if you'd like to keep and finish your pieces.
Where is Gotham Pottery located?
We're at 146 W 29th Street, Suite 5W, New York, NY 10001 — on the NoMad/Chelsea border in Manhattan, a 2-minute walk from the 28th St (1) station and close to Herald Square and Penn Station.
Do I need any pottery experience?
No. Almost every class is beginner-friendly and instructor-led, so you can walk in having never touched clay and leave with something you made yourself. Open Studio is the one exception, since it's reserved for experienced potters working independently.
When can I pick up my finished pieces?
Pottery has to be fired (and glazed, where included) before it's food-safe and ready to take home. Most wheel and hand-building pieces are ready about 3-4 weeks after your class, while paint-only pieces are usually ready in about a week. We'll email you when your work is ready for pickup.