21. budova – Baťův mrakodrap

About the museum

Administrative Building No. 21 of the Baťa company was built in 1936–1939 to a design by the architect Vladimír Karfík, who drew inspiration from his stay in the studio of Frank Lloyd Wright in the United States. The building permit was granted in September 1936, the foundations were dug by April 1937, and the reinforced concrete frame stood by September 1937. Finishing work lasted until 1938, and the building was approved for use in 1939. The construction cost 8.8 million Czechoslovak crowns, and the building was among the tallest administrative buildings in the then Czechoslovakia.

The seventeen-storey building has a reinforced concrete frame measuring 80 × 20 metres. Most floors were designed as American-style open-plan offices for around 200 clerks. The eighth floor belonged to the directors, and a marble plaque there commemorates the nationalisation of the company in 1945. The building had air conditioning, a pneumatic tube post system, its own telephone exchange, a public address system and express lifts, including a paternoster.

The best-known feature is the office of Jan Antonín Baťa, about 5 × 5 metres in size, built into a lift and equipped with air conditioning, two telephones and a washbasin with running water. Visitors get to know it on the guided tour. After reconstruction in 2003–2004, the building became the seat of the Zlín Region and of the tax office. Tours are offered by the Muzeum jihovýchodní Moravy ve Zlíně (Museum of South-East Moravia in Zlín).

Highlights

• ride in the historic office lift of Jan Antonín Baťa
• viewing terrace on the 16th floor, with binoculars and a bronze 3D map of Baťa's Zlín
• Functionalist administrative building by Vladimír Karfík, 1936–1939
• directors' floors and open-plan offices typical of Baťa management
• paternoster in operation on working days

Permanent exhibition

• Komentovaná prohlídka Baťova mrakodrapu – Tour of the former administrative building of the Baťa company, including a ride in Jan A. Baťa's office lift and the view from the terrace. It complements the exhibition “Princip Baťa” (The Baťa Principle).

Operated by

Muzeum jihovýchodní Moravy ve Zlíně, příspěvková organizace

Admission & discounts

The website lists a single admission price of CZK 299 per person (valid from 1 June); other discount categories are not published. Payment by card is possible. Tickets are reserved online, by phone or by e-mail.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome: no information
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

The museum states that the building is step-free. The lift is not explicitly mentioned on the page.

Kids & families

For nursery, primary and secondary schools there is a permanent educational programme, “Baťův mrakodrap” (Baťa Skyscraper).

Getting there & parking

The museum gives the address of the building as Vavrečkova 7040. Reservations by phone at +420 573 032 111 or by e-mail at recepce@14-15.cz. Parking at the building is listed as available.

Amenities & dining

Card payment is possible.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit