Sztukomania Studio, Zakopane: handmade ceramics and pottery workshops

Sztukomania is a small ceramics and woodwork studio on Staszica street in Zakopane, a few minutes' walk from Krupówki. It is run by ceramicist Karolina Fiedor-Gędzik. As she explains, the name reflects a "mania for creating" small and larger things by hand: every item in the shop is handmade, so an irregular shape or finger marks in the glaze are not flaws but the maker's signature. The ceramics are mostly contemporary, in light pastel shades, while the wooden pieces are made from timber shaped by nature, with only its grain brought out.

This is not a traditional highland workshop in the museum sense but a living studio where local motifs — mountains, flowers, Tatra landscapes — find their way into modern tableware. Among the pieces are Podhale ladles (czerpaki podhalańskie), the traditional dippers from which people in Podhale drank water and żętyca.

Why go

The main reason is the two-hour clay workshop. Participants sit at the table, take clay and model whatever they like, or choose the sgraffito technique: using coloured slip, they add their own drawing or texture to a ready plate, bowl or mug. The maker shows how to get a neat pattern and talks about the ceramic process. Afterwards she fires and glazes the pieces herself; Zakopane residents collect them at the studio, while visitors from elsewhere receive their finished items by post within 2–3 weeks.

The studio also runs themed sessions: children's "ceramic birthdays", hen parties and team events, as well as modelling, painting on ceramics and painting ceramic tiles. Group dates are posted on the website every month, and gift vouchers are available. Sessions suit adults and children, and no experience is needed.

It is a good plan for a rainy day in Zakopane when the weather in the mountains is poor: two hours at the table with clay, coffee or tea, and a finished mug or plate that will remind you of the trip every day. Remember that ceramics need time to dry and be fired, so you cannot take your piece home the same day — arrange shipping if you are travelling on.

What to buy

• Handmade ceramics: mugs, cups and teacups (including gilded ones), bowls, plates, small czarki bowls, ceramic to-go cups.
• Podhale ladles — a modern take on the traditional dipper.
• Wood: chopping boards, small wooden accessories, candlesticks and natural-wood tables.
• Made-to-order pieces for families, cafés and local institutions.

Practical information

Address: ul. Stanisława Staszica 14, Zakopane — in the centre, about 5 minutes on foot from Krupówki and 10 minutes from the bus station. Parking in the centre is paid and limited, so it is easier to walk.

Hours: according to Google Maps, Monday–Saturday 10:00–18:00, closed Sunday (as of October 2026).

Prices (website, October 2026): studio workshop 240 zł per person (2 hours, materials, firing, refreshments); children's birthday 220 zł per child, 250 zł per adult, minimum 4 participants. Booking in advance is required.

Contacts: +48 888 515 759, [email protected].

Nearby

• Krupówki street — a few minutes away.
• Market below Gubałówka with cheese and souvenirs.
• European Fair of Regional Products on Równia Krupowa — every August, close by.

Official website: sztukomania.pl

Photos: sztukomania.pl.