The Zsolnay Museum, Pecs (must see)

The Zsolnay Museum, housed in one of the oldest buildings in Pecs, is a remarkable tribute to the legacy of the renowned Zsolnay ceramics factory. The building on Kaptalan Street, first documented in 1324, has a long and storied history. In 1476, it became the site of Hungary’s first public library, established by Zsigmond Hampo. During the period of Turkish rule, it was repurposed as the residence of the chief imam. Restoration work between 1954 and 1955 uncovered several medieval architectural elements, further highlighting its historical significance.

The museum itself was inaugurated in 1928 to mark the 100th anniversary of Vilmos Zsolnay’s birth. The establishment of the museum was largely due to the efforts of Terez Zsolnay, Vilmos’ daughter, and Matyasovszky-Zsolnay Margit, his granddaughter. Today, the museum offers visitors a comprehensive insight into the artistic and technological advancements that made Zsolnay ceramics world-famous.

The permanent exhibition traces the evolution of Zsolnay ceramics, with a particular focus on the pioneering techniques developed by Vilmos Zsolnay. His innovations included porcelain faience, eosin glaze-a lustrous, iridescent finish inspired by the Greek word for ‘dawn’-and pyrogranite, which became a key element in architectural design. The museum showcases an extensive collection of ornamental pieces, including Art Nouveau ceramics, a style that flourished between 1890 and 1910 with its organic forms and intricate decorative motifs.

The ground floor of the museum holds additional treasures, such as ceramics collected by Vilmos Zsolnay from Egypt and Persia. It also features an exhibition of works by Amerigo Tot, an Italian sculptor of Hungarian descent. A section of the building presents a Renaissance stone room, displaying stone carvings and architectural fragments found in the Pecs region.

Beyond its historical and artistic significance, the Zsolnay Museum offers a captivating glimpse into the ingenuity and craftsmanship that defined the Zsolnay factory. It remains a must-visit destination for those eager to explore the enduring impact of one of Hungary’s most celebrated ceramic manufactories.