‘Twenty-One’ – the iconic Baťa skyscraper – is not only an unmissable landmark of the former Baťa factory complex, but of the whole of Zlín. The former administrative building of the Baťa company, commissioned by Jan Antonín Baťa, was built between 1936 and 1939 to the design of architect Vladimír Karfík. Standing at 77.5 metres, the building was the second-tallest structure in Central Europe and the tallest in Czechoslovakia.
For its time, the Baťa skyscraper was a technological marvel – fully air-conditioned and equipped with high-speed lifts, a paternoster, pneumatic post and floor-mounted electrical sockets. Its greatest technical curiosity is the lift office of Jan Antonín Baťa. This unique workspace, measuring 6 x 6 metres, is fitted with a desk, telephones, a world map, air-conditioning and even a washbasin with running water. You can view the office on the ground floor of the building. And if you would like to take a ride in it, you must make a reservation at least 14 days in advance through the Museum of South-East Moravia or at the reception of 14|15 BAŤA INSTITUTE.
The finest view of the city awaits you on the observation terrace on the 16th floor. Here you will find telescopes of the same type used on American skyscrapers. The space is enhanced by greenery with a fountain and a bronze model of the city from the 1950s. Another interesting feature is the so-called ‘cat’ – a special device for maintaining the façade of the building, which is still used today.
On your way up, make sure to stop on the 8th floor, the so-called Director’s Floor, which has been preserved in its original appearance – built-in furniture, wood-panelled walls and the original ‘zlinolit’ flooring. There is also an exhibition devoted to the history of the Baťa company and its satellite towns.
This masterpiece of Karfík’s architecture is now a national cultural monument of the functionalist period. After a sensitive restoration, it now houses the Regional Authority of the Zlín Region and the Tax Office.
TIP: If you would like to learn more about the Baťa skyscraper, do not miss the guided tours offered by the Museum of South-East Moravia. The tours also include a ride in J. A. Baťa’s lift office.
Opening Hours:
the Baťa skyscraper, the lift office: every day 8.00 a.m. – 9.00 p.m.
the Observation Terrace: every day 8.00 a.m. – 9.00 p.m.
th Exhibition on the 8th floor: Monday and Wednesday 8.00 a.m. – 5.00 p.m.; Tuesday, Thursday 8.00 a.m. – 3.30 p.m.; Friday 8.00 a.m. – 2.00 p.m.; closed on weekends
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