ZSOLNAY'S IMPACT ON EUROPEAN ARCHITECTURE
In 1886 the Zsolnay Manufacture introduced a frost-resisting building material called Pyrogranit. This new and innovative material was quickly picked up by some of Europe's most influential architects such as Ödön Lechner and Miklós Ybl.
Pyrogranit allowed the creation of fine and detailed ornaments which could be used on the facades of buildings. These ornamental ceramics were extremely popular during the Art Nouveau movement which had a strong hold on Europe at the time.
Several Hungarian landmark buildings, including the Parliament building and the Museum of Applied Arts, demonstrate the exceptional achievements of the Zsolnay factory in the production of architectural ceramics. Zsolnay architectural ceramics were widely used and became dominant on public buildings in Budapest and across other European cities, mostly at the turn of the century.
THE MATTHIAS CHURCH
Hungarian architect Frigyes Schulek was the man in charge of rebuilding the Matthias Church. As part of these renovations, Zsolnay manufacture in Pécs was commissioned to supply nearly 150,000 roof tiles which are to this day a distinctive splash of color in the Budapest Castle District. The beautiful tile pattern is a must-see for all Budapest visitors.
THE MUSEUM OF APPLIED ARTS
Ödön Lechner, one of Hungary's most influential architects, designed and built the Museum of Applied Arts in the years between 1893 and 1896. His distinctive Hungarian Szecesszió style, which was related to Art Nouveau, makes this building one of many Budapest monuments.The distinctive green and yellow tiles on the roof were manufactured by the Zsolnay factory in Pécs. Beautifully formed decorative elements can be found in the entrance lobby and the roof of this magnificent palace-like building.
THE HUNGARIAN PARLIAMENT
Vilmos Zsolnay and Imre Steindl, the architect who designed the Parliament building, had a close relationship. Steindl was convinced that pyrogranit elements would enhance the artistic design of the building. The 'Lounge of the Chamber of Peers' is adorned with statues evoking old Hungarian ethnic groups and trades made by the Zsolnay manufacture.
THE CASTLE GARDEN BAZAAR
At the beginning of the 1870s, the idea was born to build a representative building with gardens at the foot of the Budapest Castle Hill. The complex was built between 1875 and 1883 according to the plans of Miklós Ybl. Countless Zsolnay pyrogranit elements decorate this stunning architectural wonder in the heart of Budapest.