The National Tile Installation Registry, a program of the Tile Heritage Foundation, is a public database of significant historical and contemporary tile installations and collections. Its purpose is to document and register tile sites to support their protection and appreciation and to encourage future study. The Registry also recognizes and preserves the people, companies, and installers who brought these enduring works to life.
Registry sites are locations featuring architectural tile or mosaics that embody artistic, cultural, or industrial significance. Sites may be historic or contemporary; international locations are eligible. Permanent museum collections and displays of historic tile may also be included.
To be considered, a site must meet one or more of the following criteria, as determined by the National Tile Installation Registry Selection Committee. The committee will be composed of Tile Heritage Foundation staff, board members, and representatives from the ceramic tile and mosaic communities.
Provisional criteria
- Represents a masterful architectural installation of ceramic tile or mosaic art
- Demonstrates superior installation craftsmanship and design
- Is an exceptional example of a cultural tile‑making tradition or mosaic technique
- Illustrates a significant advancement in artistic or industrial tile making or use
- Contains a notable permanent museum tile collection
Registry Example (in development)
Historic inspiration connected with the modern industry
Each listing will include direct links to the people, makers, and installers who can turn that inspiration into projects that continue our shared tile legacy.
This collection of historic and contemporary ceramic tile and mosaic installations celebrates tile as a unique medium — where art and architecture meet to create one of the longest‑lasting, most durable, and most beautiful building materials.
The Registry will inspire the industry and clients by showing what’s possible. Our shared tile heritage is full of creative energy from the past and present, waiting to be discovered—evoking the “I want this for my project” response.
A broad funding base is essential for THF's long-term sustainability. Membership and sponsorships provide the core of the Foundation's financial stability. As we strive to enhance the accessibility of THF Archives and collections for industry-wide and public use, funding is critical. It is imperative that THF Archives are accessible through the ongoing development of an online index.
A monthly THF newsletter communicates tile-related information.
“Shards 'n' Snippets” contains timely information about tile news and events.
A Review of American Tile History, an annual magazine, offers in-depth articles.