In the southern Hungarian city of Pécs, nestled among rolling hills and cobbled streets, there’s a place where art, history, and innovation come together: the Zsolnay Cultural Quarter. But to understand why this place is so special, you have to go back to the roots – back to the Zsolnay family and the factory that shaped a city’s identity.

The Zsolnay family: a legacy born from clay

The Zsolnay story began in 1851, when Miklós Zsolnay bought a small plot of land with a brick kiln and clay mine. His son, Ignác, ran the first workshop, but financial troubles forced him to hand the reins to his younger brother, Vilmos.

Vilmos Zsolnay was no ceramic expert when he took over in 1865. He was 37 years old, had studied in Vienna, and worked as a merchant. But what he lacked in technical knowledge, he made up for with energy, creativity and a strong sense of purpose. With the help of his supportive mother and skilled workers from across Europe, Vilmos built something remarkable.

He didn’t just run a factory – he created a community. He built houses for workers, opened a training school, and believed in innovation through education. His daughters Júlia and Teréz helped design decorative pieces, while his son Miklós handled business deals and expanded their international reach. For the Zsolnays, work wasn’t just a job – it was a calling.

The rise of the Zsolnay factory: from workshop to powerhouse

Under Vilmos’s leadership, the factory quickly outgrew its humble beginnings. By the end of the 1800s, it was one of the largest ceramic producers in the Austro-Hungarian Empire, with over 700 employees and a reputation for high-quality, artistic products.

Vilmos didn’t settle for making pots and plates. He experimented constantly, mixing local and foreign clays, trying out new glazes and developing original materials. His passion for research led to several major inventions – each of which changed the direction of the factory and helped put Zsolnay on the world map.

He also insisted on originality. Many of Zsolnay’s designs drew on Hungarian folk art, Persian motifs and Ottoman ceramic styles. The result was a unique blend of East and West – something recognizably Hungarian, yet globally admired.

Eosin and pyrogranite: innovation that shines

Two of Zsolnay’s biggest breakthroughs became legends in their own right.

Eosin was introduced in 1893. This glaze gives ceramics a shimmering, metallic surface that changes color depending on the light. Named after Eos, the Greek goddess of dawn, it has been called magical – and for good reason. Each Eosin piece is one of a kind. The process is still a closely guarded secret, and collectors all over the world prize these glowing treasures.

Then there’s pyrogranite, a weather-resistant, high-fired ceramic developed in 1886. It was perfect for architectural decoration – affordable, durable and beautiful. Top Hungarian architects like Ödön Lechner used pyrogranite to turn ordinary buildings into colorful landmarks. You can still see Zsolnay tiles and ornaments on the facades of Budapest’s most iconic buildings, including the Museum of Applied Arts and parts of the Parliament.

Together, eosin and pyrogranite made Zsolnay a leader in both art ceramics and building materials. No other factory in Hungary matched its range or creativity.

World Fair success and international fame

Zsolnay’s big international break came in 1873 at the Vienna World’s Fair. The factory won a bronze medal, and Vilmos was honored with the prestigious Franz Joseph Order. More importantly, the fair opened doors to international markets, and Zsolnay’s reputation began to grow.

In 1878, at the Paris World’s Fair, Zsolnay stunned the jury again – this time with lead-free glazes. The judges were so skeptical they asked for a chemical analysis. In response, Vilmos’s son Miklós smashed a vase on the spot so they could test the shards. The result? Another major award and even more global interest.

By 1900, Zsolnay ceramics were a staple at international exhibitions. The factory’s designs adapted to the Art Nouveau (Secession) movement, embracing flowing forms, floral motifs and bold new ideas. Artists and architects from across Europe collaborated with the Zsolnay family, turning the factory into a creative powerhouse.

Zsolnay Cultural Quarter: from factory to creative hub

Today, the legacy of Zsolnay lives on in one of the most exciting cultural spaces in Hungary – the Zsolnay Cultural Quarter. After Pécs was named European Capital of Culture in 2010, the city used the opportunity to breathe new life into the old factory site. By 2011, after an 11 billion forint restoration, the Quarter officially opened.

Spread across five hectares, the area features beautifully renovated buildings, scenic gardens and over 80 Zsolnay statues. It’s a place where history meets the present – offering exhibitions, concerts, workshops and family-friendly activities all year round.

It’s not just about ceramics. There’s a planetarium, puppet theater, interactive science lab, artisan shops and cafés. But for those interested in the Zsolnay legacy, a few exhibitions stand out.

Exhibitions that tell the Zsolnay story

The Gyugyi Collection – Zsolnay’s Golden Age

This stunning exhibition showcases nearly 700 Zsolnay pieces from 1870 to 1910. Donated by Dr. László Gyugyi, a Hungarian-American collector, it captures the best of the factory’s golden years – everything from historic revival pieces to Art Nouveau masterpieces. It’s housed in the elegant Sikorski Villa, and many of the works on display are rare or one-of-a-kind.

The Pink Collection – Everyday beauty

While the Gyugyi Collection shows off Zsolnay at its most luxurious, the Pink Collection focuses on its everyday charm. With over 1,000 pieces, it features pink-glazed plates, jugs and jars used in homes across Hungary and beyond. Each piece is unique, often hand-painted, and shows how deeply Zsolnay ceramics were woven into daily life.

Zsolnay family and factory history exhibition

This exhibit tells the full Zsolnay story – from the factory’s founding in the 1850s to its nationalization in 1948, and its revival in modern times. It highlights the contributions of not just Vilmos and Miklós, but also of Júlia, Teréz and later generations. It’s a deeply human stor – of creativity, hardship and persistence.

Just up the hill, you’ll find the Zsolnay Mausoleum, guarded by 42 green-glazed lions. It’s the resting place of Vilmos Zsolnay and a powerful symbol of the family’s legacy.

Why Zsolnay still matters

Zsolnay is more than just beautiful ceramics. It’s a story of resilience, invention and family pride. From glowing eosin vases to architectural pyrogranite tiles, the factory helped shape Hungary’s visual identity. Today, thanks to the Zsolnay Cultural Quarter, that legacy is alive, thriving, and ready to inspire a whole new generation.

Whether you’re a ceramic fan, architecture lover, or just curious traveler – Pécs and the Zsolnay Quarter have something unforgettable waiting for you.

• Address: 7626 Pécs, Felsővámház utca 82.
• Official websites:
  • Zsolnay Manufacture: zsolnay.hu
  • Zsolnay Cultural Quarter: zsolnaynegyed.hu
• Opening hours
• Ticket sales
• How to get there:
  • On foot or by bike: the Zsolnay Quarter is about a 15–20 minute walk from Pécs’s city center. It’s a scenic route, and the area is bike-friendly too.
  • By public transport: from the main train station (Pécs vasútállomás), take bus 2, 2A, or 60 and get off at Zsolnay-negyed or Felsővámház utca.
  • By train: Pécs is about 2.5–3 hours by train from Budapest (Déli Station). From the Pécs station, it’s easy to reach the Zsolnay Quarter by taxi or local bus.
  • By car: if you’re driving, you can reach the Zsolnay Quarter via Route 6 or Route 58. There’s a paid parking lot right next to the main entrance.