Rooftile and Brickworks Museum N. & S. Tsalapatas
In the former Tsalapatas factory in Volos, all stages of brick and roof tile production are shown, along with the daily life of the workers.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The museum is housed in the former brick and roof tile factory of N. and S. Tsalapatas in Volos. The factory was founded in 1926, covered an area of 22,000 m² and at its peak employed 250 people. It operated until 1978; the famous Hoffmann kiln stopped firing only during the Occupation and during the earthquakes of 1954–56.
In 1995 the Municipality of Volos bought the complex, and in 1998–2001 the buildings were restored. In 2004 the Piraeus Group Cultural Foundation took on the creation of a model museum in the main factory building, and the museum opened to the public in 2007.
The spaces and workshops have been restored, and the production process is presented step by step, with rail wagons, clay tanks, presses, drying rooms and the Hoffmann kiln, as well as bricks and roof tiles of various types. Models and visual material explain the production, while the educational programmes are aimed at schools and groups.
Highlights
- The Hoffmann kiln, unique in Greece, which visitors can enter
- Restored workshops and machinery of the 1926 factory
- All stages of brick and roof tile production
- Models and educational programmes for children
- Free Wi-Fi and free parking
Permanent exhibition
- Το εργοστάσιο Τσαλαπάτα – The permanent exhibition follows the production of bricks and roof tiles step by step and presents the daily life of the workers.
- Founded
- 2007
- Operated by
- Πολιτιστικό Ίδρυμα Ομίλου Πειραιώς
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €6 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | €3Holders of reduced tickets and holders of the Piraeus employee card. |
| Children & teens | freefree up to age 17 · Free admission for children up to 17. |
Free admission: 18 May (International Museum Day), 5 June (World Environment Day) and the last weekend of September (European Heritage Days).
Free admission is also available for the special categories of eligible persons.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible
- Elevator
- Accessible restroom
- Accessible parking
- Service dogs welcome
- Tactile models & exhibits
- Sign language tours: no information
- Easy-to-read materials: no information
- Audio description: no information
The museum has a lift, a ramp, a wheelchair available for loan and a brochure in Braille in Greek and English. There is also accessibility material for visitors with autism (space signage, social story, map).
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
| Kids’ admission | free up to age 17 |
|---|
- Family tours & workshops
- Hands-on stations
Children see animated and static models and can enter the Hoffmann kiln. The educational programmes, such as “Building Bricks and Roof Tiles”, include games and activities.
Getting there & parking
By car
Free parking
Free parking at the museum.
- Accessible parking
The entrance is at the South Gate of the Tsalapatas Multi-Purpose Centre.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
- Café: not available
- Museum shop
- Wi-Fi
Free Wi-Fi. The museum has no café; the shop sells items and publications of the Foundation.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| School programs | yes |
|---|---|
| Photography | Amateur photography and filming are permitted; professional use requires a special permit from the Foundation. |
| Good to know | School and group visits are arranged by phone with the museum. Pets are not allowed inside, except guide dogs. |
