Zsolnay Cultural Quarter

About this place

The Zsolnay Cultural Quarter occupies the grounds of the old Zsolnay porcelain factory east of central Pécs in southern Hungary, about 1.5 km from the main square in a straight line. It was the largest project of Pécs's year as European Capital of Culture in 2010. Miklós Zsolnay founded the factory in 1853 to make stoneware, and his son Vilmos led it to world fame at international exhibitions. The works introduced the shimmering eosin glaze and frost-proof pyrogranite ceramics, which decorated many Art Nouveau buildings. About five hectares of factory buildings were rehabilitated in two years, the quarter opened in full in December 2011, and the restoration won an ICOMOS award in 2013. The quarter has four parts: a crafts area with exhibitions on the Zsolnay family and its ceramics; a creative area with cultural venues, restaurants and festivals; a children's and family area with a planetarium, puppet theatre and gallery; and a university area. Tall old factory chimneys, colourful ceramic fountains and gardens stand among ornate yellow and red buildings. Visitors wander the buildings and gardens for free and buy tickets for the ceramics exhibitions and planetarium. A footbridge over the road links the north and south of the quarter, and festivals and shows are held in season.