Zlín and Surroundings
Zlín and Surroundings
Zlín is the economic, industrial and cultural centre of eastern Moravia. The regional capital gained its unique functionalist urban character through the long-standing presence of the Baťa shoe company, which in the first half of the 20th century created a visionary connection between industry, architecture and urban development.
The Legacy of the Baťa Shoe Company
Today, the former buildings of the Baťa shoe company house various public institutions. The renovated industrial premises form the heart of the 14|15 Baťa Institute – a modern cultural and educational centre.
Among others, it is home to the Regional Gallery of Fine Arts in Zlín and the Museum of Southeast Moravia. Its permanent exhibition The Baťa Principle presents the entrepreneurial and social concept of the company. Other exhibitions focus on typical themes of the region: the history of shoe production, the animated film work of Karel Zeman and Hermína Týrlová, and the legendary travellers Jiří Hanzelka and Miroslav Zikmund.
A special highlight for visitors is the famous Baťa Skyscraper (Building No. 21), one of the most distinctive landmarks of the city of Zlín.
Baťa Skyscraper – Building No. 21
The popular “Twenty-One Building”, the former headquarters of the Baťa company, is one of the most visited attractions in Zlín and impossible to overlook in the city skyline. It was built in the late 1930s by Jan Antonín Baťa according to the plans of architect Vladimír Karfík. With a height of 77.5 m, a length of 80 m and a width of 20 m, it was at that time the second tallest building in Europe.
Today, the 16th floor features an observation terrace offering breathtaking views of Zlín and its surroundings, as well as a cosy café.
A particular highlight for technology enthusiasts is the original, fully functional director’s lift equipped with air conditioning and a washbasin. It once served the company’s directors as a mobile office.
The building was completely renovated and received its current appearance in 2004. It now houses the regional and financial offices. Visitors have free access – the skyscraper is one of the city’s main tourist landmarks.
Zlín Congress Centre – Where Architecture Meets Culture
An architectural highlight in the centre of Zlín is the modern Congress Centre, designed by internationally renowned architect Eva Jiřičná, who was born in Zlín.
The distinctive building serves as a venue for cultural, social and educational events. It is also home to the Bohuslav Martinů Philharmonic Orchestra, which regularly performs concerts and musical highlights here.
Zlín Film Festival
The Zlín Film Festival is a unique cultural event and a well-established part of the city’s life. It is the oldest, largest and most prestigious festival of its kind in the world, dedicated entirely to films for children and young audiences.
Every year the festival presents around 350 films from more than 50 countries and attracts over 95,000 visitors to Zlín. Since its founding, it has delighted young audiences as well as filmmakers, educators and film enthusiasts from all over the world.
Lešná Castle and Zlín Zoo
Lešná Castle, dating from the late 19th century, impresses with its original historic interiors, ornate wood carvings and collections of porcelain, ivory and ebony. The surrounding English landscape park seamlessly connects to the area of Zlín Zoo, one of the most visited zoos in the Czech Republic.
The zoo is organised by continents – within a single day visitors can experience a symbolic journey around the world and encounter typical animal species from Africa, Asia, Australia and the Americas. Particularly popular are the tropical hall Yucatán, the Ray Bay with the possibility of touching and feeding stingrays, and the new major project Karibuni.
Karibuni – the largest project in the zoo’s history – focuses on Central and West Africa and represents a new, animal-friendly vision of modern zoological parks. In 2025, the first Czech lion rescue and breeding centre was opened here.
Tomáš Baťa Memorial
The Tomáš Baťa Memorial is considered a jewel of global functionalist architecture and a building of international significance. It is the most important work of the architect František Lydie Gahura.
This unique building commemorates the life of the visionary entrepreneur who supplied the world with shoes. The memorial can be visited during a guided tour (approx. 50 minutes). During the tour you will learn about the history and architecture of the building as well as the life of Tomáš Baťa and the fate of his architect F. L. Gahura.
All further information can be found on the website: www.pamatnikbata.eu.
