Tomáš Baťa 150: How a Visionary from Moravia Shaped Zlín into a Model City

On the occasion of the 150th anniversary of Tomáš Baťa’s birth, the Czech Republic reflects on the legacy of an extraordinary entrepreneur. Nowhere is this more evident than in Zlín, where his ideas continue to shape business, architecture and urban planning to this day.

In 2026, the Czech Republic commemorates one of the most significant entrepreneurs in its history: Tomáš Baťa. Marking his 150th birthday, attention is drawn not only to the success story of the world-famous footwear company, but also to the remarkable urban legacy that remains particularly visible in Zlín.

Baťa is considered the embodiment of the “Czech American Dream”. Coming from humble beginnings, he created a globally operating company – and at the same time a city planned according to entirely new principles. Under his leadership, Zlín developed into a unique urban experiment: work, housing and leisure were intended to exist in harmony.

Foto: Univerzita Tomáše Bati ve Zlíně

This idea continues to shape the cityscape today. From the viewing point of the iconic Baťa Skyscraper, there is a comprehensive view of the former factory complex, the city centre and the characteristic reddish-brown workers’ houses scattered across the surrounding hills. These houses, originally built for company employees, were regarded as an advanced standard of living at the time – featuring private gardens and a short distance to the workplace.

The anniversary year is part of UNESCO’s Calendar of Significant Anniversaries and will be marked particularly in Zlín with exhibitions, cultural events and themed programmes. Visitors are offered insights into the development of the company, as well as Baťa’s influence on architecture, urban planning and modern work organisation.

Foto: Turistické informační centrum Zlín

A central point of interest is the Baťa Institute in Buildings 14 and 15, which houses, among other things, the Museum of South-East Moravia (Muzeum jihovýchodní Moravy ve Zlíně). It is home to Central Europe’s largest shoe collection – ranging from delicate models from Japan to oversized sports shoes worn by international athletes. At the same time, Baťa’s corporate philosophy is explored, along with the development of production, advertising and the film studios in Zlín.

Foto: Muzeum jihovýchodní Moravy ve Zlíně

Above the city stands the functionalist Tomáš Baťa Memorial. Its transparent structure resembles a glass crystal and reflects the architectural language of the industrial buildings. Inside, there is, among other exhibits, a model of the aircraft in which Baťa died in a crash in 1932.

Foto: Baťův region

Alongside architecture and industrial history, leisure also forms part of Baťa’s legacy. The Baťa Canal, originally built for transporting coal, has developed into a popular excursion destination. Between May and September, boat trips, cycling routes along the more than 80-kilometre stretch, and connections to the Moravian wine routes invite visitors to enjoy active recreation.

The “Tomáš Baťa 150” anniversary thus offers not only an opportunity for reflection, but also a chance to rediscover a unique chapter of Czech economic and urban history. Zlín remains the most visible legacy of an entrepreneur whose ideas extended far beyond the borders of the country.