Clay1A, A Clay Museum

Ipswich, UK

Thing Studio

Clay1A is a new museum in Ipswich dedicated to clay which will transform an existing building located in the heart of the town by the river Orwell.

Set to open to the public in spring 2028, Clay 1A will offer a new cultural attraction in Ipswich. The project involves transforming a majestic 19th Century grain warehouse into a contemporary, public institution in the heart of the city. Clay 1A will explore and celebrate everyday clay-based objects that can be found in the home, taking visitors on an interactive journey to discover the clay all around us in bricks and pipes, cooking pots and crockery, ornaments and artworks.

It has the ambition to offer an experience where visitors can explore all aspects of clay and where displays will be ‘do touch’ rather than ‘do not touch’. The complex will also be in line with contemporary museums and art exhibitions with the use of technology and one area in particular will be used for a spectacular immersive show. 

The project is due for completion in 2028.

Client: Baylight Properties

Architect: Thing Studio

Acoustics: Studio Jouan