Henry Chapman Mercer, the founder, was a key figure in the Arts and Crafts movement in America.
The structure is built entirely of reinforced concrete, chosen by Mercer for its fireproof qualities and low cost.
The museum serves as an active production facility, continuing to manufacture historical tile patterns for restoration projects.
Many of the decorative tiles feature motifs inspired by biblical stories, medieval themes, and naturalistic flora and fauna.
The site is designated as a National Historic Landmark.
Mercer designed the building without blueprints, directing the construction as he went based on his evolving vision.
The facility contains over 5,000 original master molds in its collection.
The Moravian Pottery & Tile Works is a historic concrete factory turned museum built between 1911 and 1912 by Henry Chapman Mercer. It functions as a working history museum where tiles are still produced using the same hand-crafted methods and molds developed by Mercer in the early 20th century. The building itself is an architectural landmark constructed in the Spanish Colonial Revival style with an unconventional, fortress-like poured concrete design. Visitors can observe the tile-making process, including clay preparation, pressing, and firing in original kilns. The museum preserves a vast collection of original ceramic molds used to create intricate decorative tiles found in many significant American public and private buildings.
The exterior courtyard with its ornate, tile-encrusted walls and the view of the central concrete towers.
Check the daily demonstration schedule upon arrival to see artisans hand-pressing tiles.
Wear comfortable, flat footwear, as the floor surfaces in the historic factory are uneven and concrete.
Visit the gift shop to purchase authentic handmade tiles produced directly on-site using historical designs.
Assuming the gift shop carries all historical tile patterns at all times, as inventory changes based on current production runs.
Closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day; generally follows a Tuesday through Sunday operation schedule.
Avoid touching the historic production machinery and active kiln areas unless explicitly invited.
