The factory of the tile magnate, Baron Bergenheim, which we have mentioned on several occasions, consisted of several buildings near the Kharkiv Railway Station; fortunately, only a small part of it remains in a state of disrepair. The partnership’s apartment building remains intact as well. Commerce thrives on the grounds of Bergenheim’s “active” factory buildings: a ceramic tile manufacturer, a furniture factory, and a forklift maintenance company are all located here, and there is even a warehouse for confectionery ingredients. Although the Kharkiv Tile Plant, opened in 1946, is arguably the major “spiritual successor” to Bergenheim’s enterprise in the city—it is Ukraine’s largest manufacturer of ceramic tiles—it is located in the eastern part of the city. Below is a photo report from the abandoned building.

It has been abandoned for quite some time—the leaky roof was already visible in satellite images from as early as 2000.

Among the ruins, you can find products from the factory dating back to before the 1917 revolution. TB stands for the Bergenheim Partnership; 24 is the batch number of the bricks.

Here and there, one comes across more ornate pieces, such as molded column capitals or jugs.

The stoves on the ground floor have been preserved.

In one wing, the floors have completely collapsed, but the massive steel beams are still holding up the roof.

Only a climber could now reach the mysterious objects left on the windowsills of the top floor.

Here you can also find remnants of the famous tiles from the imperial era.

Tiles from the 1920s bearing the marks of Kharkivsilikattrest – Keramzavod.

Judging by the reinforced concrete floors and the bricked-up windows, the interior of the factory was partially remodeled during the Soviet era, following its construction in 1890.

The factory’s current address: 67 Bolshaya Panasovskaya Street.

Update: In 2025, demolition of the main (abandoned) building of the old factory began.