Zikmund villa, built in 1934-1935, is among the most important examples of modernist architecture in Zlín. It was originally a functionalist service house commissioned by the Baťa Support Fund for the first governor of the Zlín district and government councillor, Dr Josef Januštík. Its next owner was the Oscar-winning director Elmar Klos, and in 1953 the villa became the home of the legendary traveller Miroslav Zikmund.
It was then that the house underwent an extensive reconstruction under the direction of Zlín architect Zdeněk Plesník. The remodelling gave the villa its distinctive character – the enlarged bay window, the added dining alcove with a terrace and the use of prefabricated concrete panels created its iconic appearance. The adaptation opened the villa more fully to its surroundings and naturally connected it with the large garden. In addition to Zdeněk Plesník and Miroslav Zikmund himself, the interior was also significantly shaped by designer Miroslav Navrátil, who applied his experience with bentwood gained from the construction of boats and sledges.
The interior seamlessly united living and working spaces – a spacious library adjoining the living room, a darkroom, a film laboratory and a private study upstairs were created. The residential part is complemented by three bedrooms, a kitchen with service rooms and a bathroom connected to a small home gym.
Zikmund villa is an authentic space preserved as it was used by the traveller Miroslav Zikmund for nearly seventy years. Visitors will be captivated by the original custom-made furniture, thousands of books and the many souvenirs and artefacts that Miroslav Zikmund brought back from his travels around the world. The guided tour not only introduces the architecture of the house, but also the story behind this exceptional building. Guided tours must be booked in advance from the currently available dates.
Today, Zikmund villa is a rare example of post-war architecture. Since 2000, it has been listed as a cultural monument of the Czech Republic and offers a unique glimpse into the life of one of the greatest adventurers of his time.
Just a few steps away from Zikmund villa stands the villa of his lifelong travel partner, Jiří Hanzelka, also designed by architect Zdeněk Plesník. The villa is not open to the public – its premises are now used as a children’s day care centre operated by the City of Zlín.
Contact:
Nadační fond Zikmundova vila
Žlebová 2894, Zlín
Phone Number: +420 722 973 215
website: www.zikmundovavila.cz/en
Photo Gallery: Onomono Photography
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