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Moravian Pottery and Tile Works
A “working history” museum in Bucks County, the Moravian Pottery and Tile Works is a local gem and a National Historic Landmark.
Founded and built by Henry Chapman Mercer in the early twentieth century, the facility still produces handmade tiles using techniques that Mercer developed, and reproductions are crafted using his original molds and locally sourced clay.
Mercer oversaw pottery production here until his death in 1930.
In 2014, then-Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter traveled to The Vatican to visit Pope Francis and presented the pontiff with a gift: a set of handcrafted Mercer tiles made here.
This working museum in Bucks County is a National Historic Landmark.
Tours of the Moravian Pottery and Tile Works site are offered every half-hour and consist of a brief video followed by a self-guided walk through the facility. Visitors see original installations, engaging exhibitions and aspects of current tile production.
Handmade tiles and mosaics, including reissues of designs originally produced here during Mercer’s tenure, are available for purchase.
Aspiring and experienced artisans can sign up for hands-on classes and workshops to learn how to make and paint tiles and create mosaics.
Every spring during the annual Tile Festival, artists, dealers and collectors from around the country gather at Moravian Pottery and Tile Works to sell rare and original works and interact with the public.
Santa Claus makes his highly anticipated appearance at Christmastime to delight kids during a free open house.
The Visit Philly Overnight Package — booked more than 190,000 times since 2001 — comes with free hotel parking (worth up to $100 in Center City Philadelphia), overnight hotel accommodations and choose-your-own-adventure perks.