Once and for all - no Baťa rode in this elevator and did not check on his co-workers. The fact that one of the Baťa's rode in the elevator where he had his office in order to have a better overview of what was going on is probably the most frequently repeated untruth. The mobile office was intended to speed up the boss's movements and allow more efficient meetings on the relevant floor. The building was built during the time of Jan Antonín Baťa, but he did not have time to use the office because he already left the country.
Anyway, visit Building 21, it's an amazing experience. You can either book a guided tour (you can book it at the Bata Institute) or you can visit the building yourself, look at the observation terraces or visit the eighth, director's floor.
Opening hours: 10:00 - 18:00 Tuesday - Sunday.
Ticket price for a guided tour with a ride in the original elevator with the office:
Group 1 - 10 persons CZK 1,000/whole group,
11 and more persons CZK 100/person.
Advance reservation (at least 1 to 2 weeks) is required for this tour by phone (573 032 111, 603 584 450) or via email at recepce@14-15.cz.
The observation terrace, where you can see the view of the whole of Zlín from above, is open every day from 8:00 to 21:00. Admission is free and you can get there by taking the regular elevator, which is located in the building. You will also find the JAMAI CAFE there.
Source: Zlínsko a Luhačovicko, photo: Tomáš Novosád
Source: Zlínsko a Luhačovicko, photo: Petra Sýkorová
