Initiated by Maartin Zaalberg, then-chairman of the Clay Museum sub-committee, the museum houses a rare and carefully curated collection of mainly contemporary South African ceramics. The works on display represent a broad spectrum of techniques in hand-building, wheel-throwing, decorating, and firing, offering both seasoned enthusiasts and curious visitors a window into the diversity and innovation of local ceramic practice.

The museum continues to grow, with new pieces regularly added to the permanent collection. It’s a valued resource not only for art lovers but also for learners, students, and educators looking to engage with ceramic history and contemporary practice.

Adjacent to the museum, The Cube serves as a dynamic project space for rotating exhibitions. Compact and boldly curated, The Cube offers a platform for short-run shows by contemporary ceramicists, sculptors, and visual artists who explore form, material, and concept in fresh, experimental ways.

In recognition of its contribution to the field, the Rust-en-Vrede Gallery + Clay Museum was recently accepted as an affiliate member of the International Academy of Ceramics (IAC) – a prestigious global network affiliated with UNESCO, devoted to excellence in the ceramic arts.