Ceramica is a celebration of the region's most famous industry

Ceramica - a �3m project originally intended to mark the start of the millennium - celebrates the city's world-famous pottery industry.

It is housed in two buildings, with the exhibitions located in Burslem's old town hall and the shop in a futuristic, glass construction next door to the Victorian building in the Market Place.

Work on the project was halted while members of Stoke-on-Trent City Council decided whether they wanted to invest in it.

Magic carpet

Ceramica features displays from many of Burslem's famous names, including Royal Doulton, Moorcroft and Wade.

And an interactive zone called "Bizarreland" has been designed with younger visitors in mind.

Children have the chance to get on board a narrowboat and even to take a magic carpet ride over the rooftops of Burslem.

The museum also pays tribute to Potteries writer Arnold Bennett.

Ceramica is open every day except Tuesday and costs �3.50 for adults and �2.50 for people with concessions - under 5s get in free.

The museum's general manager, Ian Howe, has said he hopes to attract 20,000 visitors a year.