New glass museum at Květná Glassworks to combine tradition and VR
One of the longest-running glass factories in the Zlín region, Květná Glassworks, plans to commemorate its hand-blown glassmaking tradition by a new glass museum. The aim is to connect the past with the present and bring the craft closer to visitors through tools such as virtual reality.
Czech glassmaking is internationally recognised for its high quality, craftsmanship, beauty and often innovative designs. The Květná Glassworks now wants to share some of the secrets of its production with visitors and spread awareness of the craft’s long history.
In cooperation with the municipality, the glassmaking museum is to be established in the historic Zahn Villa. According to Josef Anovčín, owner of Sklárna Květná 1794, the tour route will also incorporate modern elements to attract a younger audience.
“We would like to adapt the exhibition to modern times and include interactive elements. That way, we can show young people things that might interest them. For example, incorporating VR headsets so they can better relate to the craft we present here. We would also like to modify one of our furnaces. It would be extinguished, allowing visitors to step inside, look into its interior, and see how the whole furnace works.”
Various workshops will also be prepared to introduce children to the work of glassmakers. In Květná, they want primary school children to have the opportunity to try the craft themselves during excursions.
“They’ll see how items like drinking glasses are made, then paint a glass for their parents and create something themselves so they can truly understand the craft.”
At the end of the tour, visitors will enter a section of the museum mapping the history of glassmaking.
“Glass products made roughly since 1900 will be displayed here. There will also be a tribute to the most notable figures of Strání.”
Says Antonín Bruštík, who worked at the glassworks for 50 years as a glassmaker and designer.
Part of the exhibition will also be dedicated to significant owners of the glassworks, such as Emanuel Zahn, who managed the factory for 56 years. During his tenure, glass from Strání was even used at the imperial court. The municipality is also cooperating on the museum’s development. According to Mayor Antonín Popelka, Strání should become a natural center of the entire region.
“There is great potential here—whether in terms of the White Carpathians or tourism. We would like a joint project to build a new glass museum. In the same location, there should also be an information center. We would like to direct tourists from the surrounding areas and the whole region there. At this stage, we have completed the study and have begun working on the project documentation for the building permit.”
The museum is expected to open in 2028. The surroundings of the glassworks will also undergo changes. The current gatehouse will be demolished, and a seating area with a water feature will be created in the new open space in front of Zahn Villa.
In the forest behind the glassworks, an educational trail with children’s play elements could be built in the future. Accommodation facilities are also planned, for example for students of art schools.
