Take a trip to the region in eastern Moravia where Tomas Baťa founded the largest shoe company of all time, Baťa, more than 130 years ago. Visit the largest shoe collection in Central Europe, explore the unique world of the Baťa philosophy, from production and business to the Zlín Film Studios. Admire Baťa's skyscraper, with its unique elevator and office with a washbasin and air conditioning - rarities you won't find elsewhere in Czechia.
Tomáš Baťa 150: The American dream that began in East Moravia
The man behind the phenomenal development of Zlín was entrepreneur Tomáš Baťa, who embodied the Czech version of the American dream. And it was thanks to him that the modern form of this city was laid out on the drawing boards of the best architects and urban planners of the time. Zlín is a city built on what was then an innovative idea, that there can be a city where work and life are in harmony. Did this idea come to pass? Judge for yourself from the viewpoint of the Baťa Skyscraper. From the terrace you can see the whole of factory complex and city centre, as well as the typical brick red Baťa houses that Tomáš built for his employees, dotted around on the hillsides above the city.In 2026, Czechia commemorates the 150th anniversary of the birth of the entrepreneur and visionary Tomáš Baťa, founder of the world-famous Baťa shoe company. This important anniversary is also included in UNESCO’s Calendar of Anniversaries, and throughout the year it will be marked by exhibitions, cultural events, and themed programmes, above all in the city of Zlín, which Baťa built as a modern industrial and architectural centre.
The anniversary of Tomáš Baťa will thus offer an interesting insight into the history of Czech entrepreneurship, architecture, and urban planning, while also recalling the legacy of the Baťa brand, which spread from Zlín across the world.
The anniversary of Tomáš Baťa will thus offer an interesting insight into the history of Czech entrepreneurship, architecture, and urban planning, while also recalling the legacy of the Baťa brand, which spread from Zlín across the world.
Baťa’s Zlín
Take a trip to Zlín to explore the architecture of Baťa's houses, the director's villa and the entire sophisticated Baťa production system, not to mention his memorial. It’s a chance to see lots of beautiful places you'll want to return to.
You can start, for example, at the Baťa Principle exhibition in building 14|15 of the Baťa Institute, which houses the Museum of Southeast Moravia. Its exhibits include the largest collection of footwear in Central Europe, from the tiny shoes worn by Japanese geishas to the monstrous boots of the world's greatest basketball players. You’ll learn about the Baťa business philosophy, production, shops, advertising and the work of the Zlín Film Studios.
Then head to Building 21, the so-called Baťa Skyscraper from 1938, one of the first high-rise buildings in Europe at the time. The building has 17 floors, each containing open space for around 200 employees. One rarity you won't see elsewhere else in the Czech Republic is the lift and the office of the head of Baťa, with a washbasin and air conditioning!
The functionalist Tomáš Baťa Memorial stands high above Zlín. From the outside, the building looks like a shining crystal, strikingly reminiscent of a typical grid of factory buildings. Inside, it is dominated by a functionalist Z-shaped staircase and a model of the Junkers aircraft in which Tomáš Baťa met his death.
As part of the celebrations of the 150th anniversary of the birth of Tomáš Baťa in 2026, a new exhibition, Dream City, has been created at the Tomáš Baťa Memorial. The interactive exhibition presents Baťa’s vision of a modern city, his business philosophy, and his collaboration with the architect František Lýdie Gahura, the designer of the memorial, who contributed to Zlín’s unique character.
The Tomáš Baťa Villa from 1911 is also worth a visit. The entrepreneur wanted to build a beautiful residence for himself and his family, a place where he could relax and still see his factory. And he did it! The Tomáš Baťa Foundation, which is now based there, offers individuals and groups tours of the villa, with an expert commentary on his life, the history of the Baťa concern and the history of the building itself.
Zlín also offers other remarkable villas associated with figures of the Baťa era and the city’s history. You can visit the Čipera Villa, with an exhibition on the interwar architecture of the Baťa company, the authentically preserved Zikmund Villa, recalling the famous traveller Miroslav Zikmund, or the functionalist Vavrečka Villa. Today, it also attracts gourmets thanks to the La Villa restaurant, awarded a Michelin star. Together, these villas offer a unique way to discover the history, architecture, and contemporary gastronomy of Zlín.
And what about the Baťa houses, those typical brick buildings that you can see over Zlín from wherever you look? At the time they were built, it was a revolutionary concept. The houses with their garden and typical façade were home to the workers in Baťa's factories, as Baťa did not want his employees to tire themselves out commuting to work, and so provided them with a place to live as close as possible to the factory. Back in the day, it was real luxury housing! Now the Baťa Houses are a part of Zlín's heritage that you can see from the outside.
Planning a trip with the children? If so, head a little further out of town to Zlín Zoo for a great day out.
The last tip from Zlín is the Film Studios, which were originally used to film commercials for the Baťa company. See the places where legendary Czech films were made and take a look back at film history.
Baťa Canal: a place for active relaxation
This historic waterway, once used to transport coal, is now one of the region's main attractions. From May to September, you can enjoy group leisure cruises along the Baťa Canal , together with some sightseeing and fine dining, or you can rent a boat and do your own thing at your own pace. It's one of the few places where you can pilot a boat without a captain's license.There are some great places for cycling along the Baťa Canal. Running alongside it is a biking trail more than 80 km long, leading from Kroměříž to Hodonín. It is joined by trails and routes in the surrounding area, including the Moravian Wine Trails.
Luhačovice: a spa dedicated to relaxation
Not far from Zlín lies the town of Luhačovice, where Tomáš Baťa and his family used to go to the spa. Start your tour right in the heart of the spa, in the newly renovated Vincentka Hall with its spa spring of the same name. Fancy tasting the local healing water? We definitely recommend it! From the hall, head to the wooden spa buildings designed by Dušan Jurkovič and enjoy a soothing stroll in the pleasant spa park.
