Cabinet of Film History

Film and animation production have a long tradition in Zlín. The studios in Kudlov were built in 1936 by Jan Antonín Baťa for the production of advertising films of the Baťa shoe company. Over time, they developed into an important centre of Czech cinema, producing animated films by legendary creators Karel Zeman and Hermína Týrlová, as well as travel documentaries by world-renowned travellers Hanzelka and Zikmund.

This rich history is commemorated in the Cabinet of Film History, a permanent exhibition housed in Building No. 32 at the Zlín Film Studios. The exhibition traces the development of film-making from the founding of the studios to the present day. It offers a unique glimpse behind the scenes of Zlín cinema, a place where works were created that made Czech animation famous around world.

You will see a wide range of original artefacts that played an important role in both the work and personal lives of Zlín’s filmmakers, not only Hermína Týrlová and Karel Zeman, but many others as well. Entire scenes from animated films are on display, along with original sets, props, artistic designs, photographs, working tools and personal items of creators who left a lasting mark on the history of Czech cinema.

The exhibition also includes original puppets made from various materials, including popular animated film characters from Ferda the Ant to Pat and Mat. Of special interest is period film technology, including a camera used by Academy Award winner Alexander Hackenschmied, or the equipment used by Hanzelka and Zikmund to document their famous expeditions. The exhibition is complemented by a comprehensive collection of amateur filmmaking equipment from the private collection of Radomír Koutek.

After your visit, take a walk around the entire film studio complex. Stop by the Film Hub, where you can relax in the café, browse the film library or create your own animated film at the animation workshops.

The Kudlov site is also home to the Zlín Film Festival – the oldest and largest festival of films for children and youth in the world. Every year at the turn of May and June, it brings thousands of visitors to the centre of Zlín and transforms the city into a vibrant hub of films, concerts, talks and accompanying events.

Guided tours of the Cabinet of Film History take place from Monday to Friday and must be booked in advance by phone on +420 702 108 121. You can reach the film studios by public transport on bus line no. 32 – get off at the Filmové ateliéry stop, just a short walk away from the exhibition. Parking is also available in front of the complex.