Zsolnay

Zsolnay is an ancient factory in the Ancient Pech. The city is located in the southwest of Hungary, 200 kilometers from Budapest. Despite its small size, it contains many historical and cultural attractions. In 2010, Pécs was recognized as the European Capital of Culture. One of the reasons for this recognition was the renovation of dilapidated buildings in Zsolnay, which became the basis of the museum quarter of the same name.

Porcelain Museum

This is the main object for which tourists strive to visit the famous quarter. Here they can get acquainted with the history of the Zsolnay porcelain and ceramics factory. The ancient manufactory is almost 160 years old, so visitors will see many masterpieces of ceramics and porcelain, some of which were awarded a gold medal at the Paris World Industrial Exhibition in 1878.

The main area of the old factory acts as a cultural center. The quarter is located on 12 hectares and receives tens of thousands of tourists, each of whom takes away a lot of positive emotions and impressions. All decorative items and tableware are displayed in chronological order; visitors can clearly see how the style and quality of manufactured products have changed over time.

The Porcelain Museum was created in 1928 to mark the 100th anniversary of one of the founders of the industrial dynasty, Vilmas Zsolnay. The museum lived and developed, and after the end of World War II it was nationalized by the Hungarian government. The exhibition and storerooms of the museum contain many ceramic products, sketches and plans for their production, awards, a personal archive of letters and photographs of the family.

Memorial room

It was opened in 1990, and since then has been of particular interest to tourists. The room is furnished with original furniture belonging to the family. It exhibits paintings, photographs, drawings and jewelry related to the creation of the plant and the life of members of the famous family.

Fountain

When talking about the Zsolnay family, one cannot fail to mention the fountain donated to the city by Miklos, who managed the plant since 1900. On the fountain, in addition to the city coat of arms, there is the coat of arms of the Zsolnay family and a memorial inscription is stamped around the circle wishing well-being to the residents of Pecs. The fountain is decorated with bulls' heads and eosin glaze. The fountain is considered one of the symbols of ancient Peć.

What else to see

Those who are tired of ceramic masterpieces may be interested in visiting the puppet theater. Classical music lovers should definitely visit the museum created in honor of the great Hungarian musician and composer Franz Liszt. Star lovers can admire the sky at the local planetarium, etc.

History of the plant

It began in 1853 with the creation of a small manufactory, which employed several workers. Just 20 years later, the products of the Zsolnay plant received recognition at the World Exhibition in Vienna. And in 1878, the director of the plant, Vilmos Zsolnay, received the cross of the French Legion of Honor for his invention in the field of ceramic processing.

Many of the decorative items were unique, since their production was based on historical styles, and fossil materials were used as decorative elements.