The collection contains rare ceramics and paintings.

The Museum Trust still needs to raise �1.8m to complete the project, which should open in late 2006.

Until now the collection, which contains rare ceramics, books and paintings, has been left boxed up at the factory in Staffordshire.

The �6m grant has been provided by the Heritage Lottery Fund.

Archive centre

It is estimated the museum, which will also have an archive centre and facilities for ceramic students, will attract about 100,000 visitors a year.

Gaye Blake Roberts, director of the trust, said without the grant work on the project could not have started.

"It certainly could not have got off the ground without the support of the Heritage Lottery Fund.

"What makes it so exciting is that not only can we put the collection on permanent public display but it will give the whole of Stoke-on-Trent a wonderful boost."

Work could start on the museum next year.