Van Briggle Pottery Company

Colorado SpringsUnited States 38° N · 104° W Verified Jun 2025

Nestled in the heart of Colorado Springs, the Van Briggle Pottery Company stands as a testament to over a century of artistic innovation, craftsmanship, and…

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Introduction: The Legacy of Van Briggle Pottery in Colorado Springs

Situated in the heart of Colorado Springs, the Van Briggle Pottery Company is a celebrated symbol of American art pottery, renowned for its innovative matte glazes and Art Nouveau designs. Founded in 1901 by Artus Van Briggle and his wife Anne Gregory Van Briggle, the company introduced groundbreaking ceramic techniques and artistic forms inspired by the natural beauty of the Rocky Mountains. Artus’s journey—from Rookwood Pottery in Ohio to his studies in Paris and eventual move to Colorado Springs—culminated in a unique blend of European artistry and local resources. The result: pottery noted for its subtle matte finishes and organic motifs (vanbriggle.com; Springs Mag).

The original Van Briggle building, an architectural gem designed by Nicolaas van den Arend, stands as a testament to the Arts and Crafts movement. With its Flemish farmhouse design, intricate terra cotta ornamentation, and thousands of custom tiles, the structure is both a functional workspace and a public work of art (Colorado College). Though daily public access is limited, the site remains a focal point for guided tours and cultural events.

Beyond architecture, Van Briggle Pottery’s influence on American decorative arts is far-reaching. Its distinctive glazes—like “Ming blue” and “moonglow”—and graceful, nature-inspired motifs earned the company international honors, including first place at the Paris Salon in 1903 (Wikipedia; Colorado Springs Courier). Today, visitors can explore Van Briggle’s legacy through museum collections, special exhibitions, and the company’s storefront studio, which hosts guided tours, workshops, and offers authentic pottery pieces (vanbriggle.com; artusvanbriggle.com).

This comprehensive guide covers the history, artistic significance, visitor information, nearby attractions, and practical tips for planning your visit to Van Briggle Pottery in Colorado Springs.

Origins and Founding of Van Briggle Pottery

Artus Van Briggle, an accomplished American ceramicist, arrived in Colorado Springs in 1899, inspired by the region’s natural beauty and artistic movements like Art Nouveau and Arts and Crafts (vanbriggle.com; Wikipedia). With Anne Gregory Van Briggle, who played a crucial role in securing financing and guiding the company, the Van Briggle Pottery Company was founded in 1901 (History Colorado).

Anne was instrumental in the company’s early success, collaborating on architectural elements and overseeing operations after Artus’s death in 1904 (vanbriggle.com).

Architectural and Artistic Significance

Completed in 1908, the original Van Briggle Pottery building, designed by Nicolaas van den Arend, combines Flemish farmhouse architecture with Arts and Crafts influences. Red brick in Flemish bond, polychrome tiles, and terra cotta ornamentation—featuring sculptural cats and gargoyles—define its distinctive look (Colorado College).

Inside, the building originally housed salesrooms, studios, kilns, and workshops designed to celebrate craftsmanship and artistry (Colorado College).

Innovations in American Art Pottery

Van Briggle Pottery is renowned for its pioneering matte glazes and Art Nouveau forms. Artus’s experimentation led to unique finishes like “Ming blue,” “moonglow,” and “roundhouse blue” (Colorado Springs Courier).

The company’s commitment to Art Nouveau, with fluid lines and stylized floral motifs, earned international acclaim and prestigious awards, including first place at the Paris Salon (1903) (Wikipedia; vanbriggle.com).

Visitor Information: Hours, Admission, and Tours

Location:
1024 South Tejon Street, Colorado Springs, CO 80903 (Van Briggle Pottery Contact)

Hours:
Typically open Monday–Saturday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM; closed Sundays and major holidays. Hours may vary seasonally—always confirm on the official website or by calling 719-633-7729.

Admission:
Showroom admission is free. Guided tours and workshops may require tickets or reservations.

Guided Tours:
Available by appointment or during special events—offering insights into production areas, historic glaze techniques, and the legacy of the Van Briggles. Group tours and educational visits require advance booking.

Accessibility:
The facility is generally accessible, with step-free entry and accessible restrooms. Some historic areas may have limited access due to architecture; call ahead for specific needs.

Parking and Transportation:
Free parking is available on-site or nearby. The site is accessible by public transit and ride-share services.

Visitor Tips:

  • Reserve tours in advance, especially in peak seasons.
  • Photography is allowed in showroom areas without flash; ask before photographing production spaces.
  • Plan 1–2 hours for your visit, or longer if attending workshops or special events.

Nearby Attractions

Historical Timeline

Recognition and Legacy

Van Briggle Pottery is Colorado’s longest-lived art pottery producer and among the oldest in the U.S. (History Colorado; Wikipedia). Its pieces are held in major museums, and the iconic building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places (Colorado College).

Collecting and Identifying Van Briggle Pottery

Collectors value Van Briggle for its Art Nouveau designs, matte glazes, and unique marks. Authentic pieces are identified by brand marks, centennial marks, and artist signatures such as the “AA” and “Colo Springs” marks (Antiques Know How). Special edition anniversary pieces are highly prized (Colorado Springs Courier).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What are the Van Briggle Pottery visiting hours?
A: Monday–Saturday, 9:00 AM–5:00 PM; closed Sundays and major holidays. Always check the official website for updates.

Q: Is there an admission fee?
A: Showroom admission is free; tours and workshops may require tickets.

Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Yes, by appointment or during special events.

Q: Is the site accessible?
A: Generally accessible, with step-free entry and accessible restrooms. Contact ahead for specific needs.

Q: Can I purchase Van Briggle Pottery on-site?
A: Yes, the showroom offers new and vintage pieces.

Q: Is photography allowed?
A: Allowed in the showroom for personal use; ask staff before photographing in restricted areas.

Visuals and Media

High-quality images, virtual tours, and interactive maps are available on the official website and Colorado College’s campus tour pages. These resources provide a deeper look at the pottery, factory, and design motifs.

Plan Your Visit

Explore the enduring artistry and history of Van Briggle Pottery—a cornerstone of Colorado Springs’ cultural identity. Whether you’re an art enthusiast, collector, or history buff, a visit offers insight into American art pottery traditions, with engaging tours, workshops, and exhibits.

For the latest visiting hours, ticket information, and special events, visit the official Van Briggle Pottery website or call 719-633-7729. Download the Audiala app for guided audio tours and travel tips, and follow Van Briggle Pottery on social media for current updates.

Summary

Van Briggle Pottery remains a defining element of Colorado Springs’ artistic and historical landscape. From its founding by Artus and Anne Van Briggle to its ongoing legacy in museum collections and special exhibitions, the company’s story is one of innovation, craftsmanship, and enduring beauty. Plan your visit to experience firsthand the unique heritage and artistic achievements that make this site a must-see Colorado Springs landmark (History Colorado; Colorado College; vanbriggle.com; Springs Mag; Audiala).

Next stop

10 min walk Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center Read on →