The family villa of entrepreneur Tomáš Baťa, one of the most significant industrialists of the first half of the 20th century, was built between 1907 and 1912 as his private residence. Set within a spacious garden on the far side of the Dřevnice River, the house is among the most important works of early Czech modernism and true architectural gems of Zlín.
The basic shape of the villa was designed and initially constructed by František Novák, a builder from Vizovice, but it was the celebrated architect Jan Kotěra who gave it its final form in a simple, elegant and timeless style. Over the years, additional features and structures were added – promenades, pavilions, garages, stables, a gardener's house, fountains and an orchard. In 1938, a swimming pool was also added based on a design by architect Vladimír Karfík, while the overall composition of the garden was shaped by the prominent landscape architect František Thomayer.
The villa not only served as the family home of Tomáš and Marie Baťa, but also as a meeting place for distinguished guests, and for social and business life. It was here that new ideas were born that influenced the development of the company and of the city itself. After the tragic death of Tomáš Baťa in 1932, the villa remained the home of his wife Marie and their son, Tomáš Jr. It also continued to serve as a setting for social and diplomatic gatherings.
After 1950, the villa was nationalised and converted into a Pioneer youth centre. Insensitive structural alterations and inadequate maintenance caused significant damage. Only after it was returned to Tomáš Baťa Jr. did the villa undergo extensive reconstruction in the 1990s, restoring its original appearance and elegance.
Today, the villa houses the Tomáš Baťa Foundation. Its interiors still preserve the authentic atmosphere of the early 20th century. Among the most remarkable spaces are the master’s study, the living room, the library, the gentlemen’s lounge and the kitchen of Marie Baťa, where the finest family lunches were prepared. Here you can admire many authentic features – the original wooden panelling, marquetry, marble cladding, a brass chandelier and stained-glass windows. You can experience the villa’s genius loci during guided tours, held on the first Sunday of every month for groups of up to 30 people. Given the high level of interest, advance reservation is strongly recommended via the Tomáš Baťa Foundation website in the Tours section. Throughout the year, the villa regularly hosts lectures, concerts, traditional May Day celebrations and other public events.
The garden is open to the public on weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Contact:
Nadace Tomáše Bati
Gahurova 292, Zlín
Phone Number: +420 577 219 083, +420 605 459 181
website: www.nadacetomasebati.cz/en
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