Photo: Zlín, Jiří Baran
Zlín is one of the most significant metropolises of interwar modern architecture and the only ingeniously built functionalist city in Europe. If you wish to discover the uniqueness of Baťa's Zlín, here is a list of places you definitely should not miss.
Industrial Complex and 14|15 BAŤŮV INSTITUT
Start at the industrial complex, whose factory buildings made of red bricks, arranged in regular rows, remind of the era of Baťa's shoe empire. At the beginning of the complex, you will encounter modernly reconstructed factories with cafés, restaurants, shops, and bistros. You will also discover the 14|15 BAŤŮV INSTITUT with the Museum of Southeast Moravia, which has a unique exhibition Princip Baťa: Today a Fantasy, Tomorrow a Reality presenting the story of the famous Baťa brand. Here you can see more than 600 exhibits of footwear from various corners of the world, from tiny shoes of Japanese geishas to the monstrous shoes of basketball player Shaquille O'Neal or shoes made from ostrich feathers or human hair. There is also an exhibition dedicated to the famous travelers Hanzelka and Zikmund, featuring the silver Tatra 87.
Photo: 14 I 15 BAŤŮV INSTITUT, Photo: Tomáš Novosád, archive Zlín and Luhačovice
Baťa's Skyscraper and Mobile Office in the Elevator
An icon of the city and a dominant feature of the industrial complex. This is the impressive Building 21 – Baťa's Skyscraper, which was the second tallest building in Central Europe and the first in Czechoslovakia at its time. You will find many interesting features here – a viewing terrace with telescopes and a café, a bronze 3D model of the city, the director's floor in its original appearance, high-speed elevators, and the longest paternoster in the Czech Republic. However, the biggest attraction is the unique mobile office in the elevator. This mobile office, measuring 6 x 6 meters, has blackout windows, a writing desk, telephones, a world map, air conditioning, and a functional sink with running water.
Photo: Baťa's Skyscraper, Photo: Tomáš Novosád, archive Zlín and Luhačovice
Tomáš Baťa Memorial
Without a single brick and using only three materials, a crystal-clear building overlooks the city, reminiscent of the personality of Tomáš Baťa. The glass Tomáš Baťa Memorial is a symbol of the city and is considered by experts to be a pearl of world functionalism. Let yourself be enchanted by the clean lines of this architectural gem, which is comparable in significance to icons such as the Tugendhat Villa in Brno or the Müller Villa in Prague. Cathedral glass, atypical lighting, and hidden symbolism only enhance the uniqueness of this extraordinary building. The interior space is very modest and almost empty, divided only by columns and a single-armed staircase. The main exhibition artifact is a Junkers F-13ge airplane, in which Baťa's life journey ended.
Photo: Tomáš Baťa Memorial, Photo: mcumedia.cz, archive SMZ
Baťa's Cottage Colony
In a brick house among Baťa's dormitories under the memorial, you will find the Baťa Housing Infopoint. Here you will learn everything about Baťa's houses, of which there are almost two thousand in Zlín. You will find out what a single house, a double house, and a four-house are, and for whom they were intended. Explore the exhibition and then take a walk through the most stylish Zlín housing. For example, to the oldest district of Letná, where Tomáš Baťa began the construction of typical brick houses for his employees.
Photo: Baťa's Houses, Photo: Jiří Novosád, archive Zlín and Luhačovice
TIP: Guided tours ZÓNA ZLÍN are regular walks through Zlín's architecture. With a local guide, you will walk through architectural gems and Baťa's housing and get to know Zlín like the locals. Or set off on your own with the Zlín Architectural Manual (ZAM), which also has its own mobile application.
Tomáš Baťa Villa
The modern architecture of the city is complemented by director villas and villas of significant personalities. One of the most important villas is the family villa of the Baťa couple. It stands in a beautiful garden near the industrial complex and has lost none of its charm since it was built in 1912. Peek into the unique spaces with a number of architectural gems and authentic elements, such as original wooden paneling, a brass chandelier, inlays, marble cladding, or windows with colored stained glass. You will be taken on a tour of the famous boss's study, living room, library, gentlemen's salon, and the kitchen of Marie Baťa, where the best family lunches were cooked.
Photo: T. Baťa Villa, archive of the Tomáš Baťa Foundation
Zikmund's Villa
Neither a museum nor an artificially created exhibition, but an authentic space as it has been used by traveler Miroslav Zikmund for almost 70 years. The villa with an extensive garden, in a lucrative villa district in Nivá, is unique for its architecture, uniquely preserved interior, and its unforgettable story. The interior is dominated by bent furniture, thousands of books, and hundreds of artifacts and souvenirs that Miroslav Zikmund brought home from all over the world. Due to its uniqueness and rich history, this villa proudly bears the status of a cultural monument of the Czech Republic. Visit this unique place where you will encounter the whole world.
Photo: Zikmund's Villa, Photo: Onomono Photography, archive Zikmund's Villa
For more tips on interesting places, visit www.ic-zlin.cz and www.batuvregion.cz. Zlín is also a great starting point for exploring its nearby surroundings. You can venture into the beautiful nature of the Hostýn and Vizovice Hills, observe the local landscape from the heights of lookout towers, ride a bike along the unfinished Baťa railway, discover exceptional museums, castles, and unique farms. Tips for beautiful trips in the Zlín and Luhačovice region can be found at www.zlinsko-luhacovicko.cz.
