Zlín: Functionalism, Culture and Green Landscapes

Zlín combines a distinctive architectural heritage with culture and surprisingly green landscapes. The city stretches through the lush, green valley of the Dřevnice River and is also a characteristic example of functionalist urban planning and interwar architecture. This creates a destination where urban history, exhibitions and walks can be combined in a variety of ways.

Baťa History and Vibrant Culture

A central point of interest is the 14|15 Baťa Institute. It was created by converting two former Baťa factory buildings into a cultural centre. It is home to the Museum of South East Moravia in Zlin, the Regional Gallery of Fine Arts and the František Bartoš Regional Library. Together, the three institutions make the building complex a place where different approaches to history, art and regional culture come together.

At the 14|15 Baťa Institute, you can see three permanent exhibitions: “Princip Baťa: Dnes fantazie, zítra skutečnost”, “+ - Zlín” and “František Bartoš: Pedagog, jazykovědec, etnograf”. This provides a cultural selection that is not limited to a single subject, particularly for a stay involving several interests. During the summer season, the institute also organises a guided bus tour of Zlín’s Baťa architecture for the general public every year. This allows you to discover the architecture not only through exhibitions but also on a specially explained circular tour.

Another distinctive building is the Tomáš Baťa Memorial. The functionalist building is made of concrete, glass and steel. You can reach it on foot from both the bus station and the railway station in 10 to 15 minutes.

Architecture, Film and Special Events

Zlín’s cultural side extends beyond museums and architecture. The ZLÍN FILM FESTIVAL shows almost 300 films from nearly 50 countries every year. It is the oldest festival of its kind in the world. Those who plan their trip around such an event therefore experience Zlín not only as a city of Baťa architecture but also as an international event venue with a clear focus on film.

Green Routes Around Zlín

The landscape character remains evident beyond the cultural attractions as well. A walk through the Přílucká landscape reaches Přílucký rybník after about 470 metres, which is considered one of the most picturesque natural landscapes in the vicinity of Zlín. A protected service tree also stands along the same route. You should understand the approximate distance as a guide for this specific walk, not as a general indication for the surrounding area.

Another option is the Mladcovská Skalka–Přední vrch route, which can be completed on foot in about an hour and a half. This means that, alongside cultural attractions closely connected with the city’s history, shorter and longer nature experiences are also available. Zlín is particularly suited to travel plans in which you want to switch between architecture, exhibitions, a festival and green routes without reducing the city to just one attraction.

More Destinations

More destinations: Dešná, Spytihněv, Dobrkovice, Lukoveček, Luhačovice, Trnava U Zlína, Karlovice and Zádveřice-Raková.

To the higher-level travel overview: Zlín District.