We Have Restored the Fabric Wallpapers in Lešná Chateau

The original wallpapers in the Ladies’ Salon were professionally cleaned, stabilized, and repaired, and then fully covered with a newly woven replica. The restoration work required costs exceeding half a million CZK. The amount of 425,920 CZK was provided by the zoo’s founder, the statutory city of Zlín, with half of this sum covered by a grant from the Zlín Region’s Cultural Heritage Support and Restoration Program. Zlín Zoo covered all expert work related to upholstery, the production of fabric curtains, and the preparation of the room for installing the new fabric wallpaper.

The original wallpapers were cleaned of surface dirt and dust, all damage was stabilized, and 50 square meters of newly woven fabric wallpaper were installed. The replica, made of damask with a woven moiré pattern, is based on a digitally processed version of the historical design, closely matching the original color and appearance. The conservator involved in the work had collaborated with Zlín Zoo in previous years on restoring wallpapers in four other rooms of the chateau.

The collection of textile wallpapers in seven rooms of Lešná Chateau is exceptional for its historical value, age (late 19th century), and artistic craftsmanship. It is the only preserved complete set of historic textile wallpapers in the Zlín Region. Thanks to financial support from the city of Zlín and the Zlín Region, the restoration of the wallpapers has been gradually progressing since 2021. This year’s work also revealed a surprise for the 2026 visitor season: for the first time, a rare old skylight illuminating a hidden wooden staircase will be made accessible to the public.

Lešná Chateau, a cultural monument located within the grounds of Zlín Zoo, remains a popular tourist destination. In the current year, 37,180 visitors toured the chateau—the highest number since 1991. Evening and children’s Halloween tours achieved significant success, with every date fully sold out.