It has been barely two years since, on hearing the news of winning the European Capital of Culture competition, the Zsolnay factory opened its gates to visitors, and culture has already moved in to the area of the future Zsolnay Cultural Quarter. Now the factory yard, which only few have been able to see thus far and which is a listed site, displays its treasures. Colourful roof tiles, finials, ornaments decorating building facades, wall tiles, fountains, statues and garden ornaments all tell of the artistic work in the renowned factory. Every single pyrogranite building-ceramics piece has its own history. Each of them is the duplicate of some significant architectural order, the history of most objects is known. We can find the handicraft statues of the Parliament building, the tiles of the Millenary Underground, the fountain at Herkulesfurdo, the fawn statue in the Pecs Zoo, and the gigantic vase presently standing in the park of the Palics bathing resort, which won a Grand Prix at the Paris World Exhibition in 1900. Along with things to see in the garden, visitors also have the chance to view the production and decoration of individual products and to try their hands at the technique of porcelain painting.

The buildings, workshops, and the ornamental yard of the factory host an increasing number of notable cultural events. The most highly rated programmes of the Cultural Heritage Days are traditionally staged here, renowned artists create and exhibit their works here, film festivals, successful concerts, university days and even paintball championships are held here.

Photographic and painting exhibitions can be viewed continuously in the Lab Experimental Culture Area, artists and amateur theatre groups introduce themselves weekly, high standard concerts, film presentations and dance performances are held here.

In 2007, approx. 25,000 people visited the Zsolnay factory, 10,000 more than in 2006. The rich and constantly improving programme in 2008 can count on the interest of the general public; the factory programmes are becoming increasingly known countrywide as well.

ZSOLNAY OPEN DAY

The Zsolnay Open Days organised on the day of the Night of Museums, and within the framework of Cultural Heritage Days can be considered the most visited events of the year.

On the Open Day, on 21st June, the programme included free guided tours, porcelain and eosine painting presentations, and programmes were added to the event by the Pecs 2010 Management Centre non-profit company, the Post Office, the Pécs University, Ezerszinu Baranya (Multi-faceted Baranya), and the Lab Experimental Culture Area among many others.

Traditionally, one of the most popular programmes was porcelain painting, visitors were able to try their hands at decorating porcelain. In the factory workshops, they were also able to view the Colour Power III Exhibition of the large-scale pictures painted by current and graduate students of the Fine Art Master School.

The Zsolnay brand shops welcomed customers with special offers on the Open Day.