Zikmund's villa in Zlín has become a member of the international network Iconic Houses

Utrecht / Zlín, July 2026 – The international network of Iconic Houses is pleased to welcome the Zikmund Villa in Zlín as a new member of its international network of architecturally significant houses-museums of the 20th century. The inclusion of the villa strengthens the representation of Central Europe within this network and confirms the global importance of Zlín's exceptional architectural heritage – a city internationally recognized for its pioneering urban planning solutions and functionalist architecture.

The Zikmund Villa is inseparably linked to the legendary Czech traveler, writer, and filmmaker Miroslav Zikmund (1919–2021), who lived and created here for nearly seventy years since 1953. From this place, he planned his expeditions to Africa, Asia, and Latin America, wrote books, edited films, and welcomed visitors from around the world. Since its opening to the public in 2022, the villa has become a living museum and cultural venue, where architecture, travel, and cultural history naturally connect.

“We are very pleased to welcome the Zikmund Villa to the Iconic Houses network,” says Natascha Drabbe, founder and director of Iconic Houses. “It is a house of extraordinary architectural quality that also tells an exceptional human story. The Zikmund Villa shows that modern architecture can be not only a top residential space but also a place of creativity, exploration, and international exchange of experiences. It is a fantastic addition to our ever-growing global network of architecturally significant houses-museums.”

An Icon of Zlín Modernism
The history of the villa dates back to 1933–1935, when it was designed by the architects of the Building Department of the Baťa Company as the representative residence of the district governor JUDr. Josef Januštík. The original building already represented a refined example of functionalist architecture, which made Zlín one of the most significant European centers of modern urbanism.

After Miroslav Zikmund acquired the villa in 1953, he commissioned architect Zdeňek Plesník (1914–2003) to reconstruct it into a modern home and workspace. In collaboration with interior architect Miroslav Navrátil (1913–1999), Plesník created an extraordinarily cohesive Gesamtkunstwerk, where architecture, interior, and furnishings form a harmonious whole. Characteristic elements include a spacious bay window leading to a large terrace, prefabricated concrete façade panels, variable library walls, innovative built-in furniture, and purpose-designed workspaces including a film editing room, photographic darkroom, and extensive library. Today, the villa is considered one of the best-preserved and most authentic examples of Czech post-war modern residential architecture.

The exceptional nature of the house also lies in the fact that its architecture is inseparably connected to the personality of its famous owner. A large part of the original interior – including custom-designed furniture, travel artifacts, a personal archive, and everyday items – has been preserved in its authentic form. Visitors can thus experience the villa almost as Miroslav Zikmund lived in it for nearly seven decades.

Membership in the Iconic Houses network is a recognition of not only the exceptional architectural value of the villa but also the exemplary way it has been restored, cared for, and made accessible to the public. The Zikmund Villa thus becomes part of an international community of institutions that collectively strive to protect, professionally interpret, and promote the architecture of 20th-century living.

By including the Zikmund Villa, the Iconic Houses network continues to expand its global community of architecturally significant houses-museums. Today it connects more than 200 publicly accessible modern houses in over 30 countries around the world and supports international cooperation, sharing of expertise, and greater awareness of the values of modern residential architecture.

“Accepting the invitation to a new community always carries not only the joy of discovery but also a commitment to contribute to its enrichment. We therefore do not see our membership in Iconic Houses merely as recognition of the value of the Zikmund Villa, but primarily as an opportunity to share its unique story while learning from those who care for exceptional houses and their legacy around the world. Meeting with representatives of this network has been an inspiring experience for us and has reaffirmed that the future of the Zikmund Villa must grow from a sensitive connection between preserving its authenticity, openness to the public, and international collaboration,” says Čestmír Vančura, owner of the Zikmund Villa.