There are only a handful of Hungarian brands whose names are instantly associated worldwide with quality, artistry, and tradition. Zsolnay Porcelain Manufactory is one of them, representing the values of Hungarian industry and culture for more than 150 years. Its most ambitious and spectacular achievement to date was the creation of the Zsolnay Cultural Quarter. Later, the company embarked on another major development: a comprehensive program of energy modernization.
| The Zsolnay story began in 1853, when Miklós Zsolnay, a merchant from Pécs, established a stoneware workshop. But it was his son, Vilmos Zsolnay, who elevated the enterprise into an internationally renowned artistic and industrial hub. Under his leadership, innovations such as pyrogranite—used to adorn some of Budapest’s most iconic buildings—and the shimmering eosin glaze brought worldwide recognition. By the end of the 19th century, the manufactory had become a pillar of Hungarian industry. Its products won numerous awards and found their place in prestigious buildings across the Austro-Hungarian Monarchy and far beyond. Born in the heart of Pécs, Zsolnay porcelain embodies a cultural legacy that bridges the values of the past with the forms of the present. |
With support from the European Union, the company’s energy modernization focused on three key areas.
Exterior upgrades included the thermal insulation of façades and ceilings, as well as the complete replacement of windows and doors. New shading systems not only gave the buildings a more modern look but also improved energy efficiency.
Interior upgrades saw the lighting replaced with modern LED technology. New systems now provide heating, cooling, and hot water, thanks to the installation of heat pumps and a biomass boiler system. This combination has significantly reduced heating costs. Finally, a renewable energy investment introduced a solar panel system, making the company far less dependent on the grid. Together, these measures have cut both energy consumption and carbon emissions.
Thanks to this project, Zsolnay’s historic buildings are now more sustainable. The 170-year-old manufactory, while preserving its heritage, is stepping confidently into the future—wearing a modern face, yet carrying the values of its past.
The development was implemented from EU funding in the project GINOP-4.1.5-22-2022-00160 under the Economic Development and Innovation Operational Programme Plus.
Find out more about the project in the Project Finder: Details
