Villa of Tomáš Baťa, Private residence in Zlín, Czech Republic
The Villa of Tomáš Baťa is a residence in Zlín designed with high ceilings, expansive windows featuring stained glass, and generous living areas. The ground floor includes a central living room, library, dining space, and a conservatory that opens directly to the garden.
Construction began in 1909 under architect František Novák but was taken over by the renowned Jan Kotěra, who redesigned it as a functional residence for entrepreneur Tomáš Baťa. Kotěra's intervention transformed the project into a leading example of architectural modernism of the period.
The building showcases early modern design principles where living spaces and artistic elements coexist harmoniously. The stained glass windows by František Kysela define the interior and connect craftsmanship with everyday life in a way that shaped how many people think about homes.
The foundation offers group tours for parties of 15 to 45 people, with visits lasting around 45 minutes through the ground floor. It is best to book ahead since access is by guided tour only and visits are limited to the lower level.
The villa features a distinctive double staircase that leads to private areas, visibly separating public from personal spaces in a way that was quite progressive for the time. This design choice reveals how modern home architecture blended practical function with social meaning in the early 1900s.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
