Flying carpet at IGI Vratislavice

Have you ever visited IGI Vratislavice? Don’t be put off by the weird name, as that’s just the initials of the famous Ignaz Ginzkey, who was born in Vratislavice, and is used for the federal centre building and library. In this building there hangs a historical carpet, made in the Vratislavice carpet factory in 1926 as a 70th birthday gift for Willy Ginzkey, the boss of the company. 

An incredible work of craftsmanship

The jubilee carpet, measuring an impressive 340 x 500 cm, was hand-woven from 1.74 million knots in an incredible 127 different colours. The carpet, nearly a hundred years old, depicts the gradual expansion of the factory, as well as the houses of the Ginzkey family and the public institutions in which Willy was actively involved. 

Czech art showcased on the world markets

After the carpet had been ceremoniously presented to Willy, it was then exhibited in the Liberec museum, from where it headed out to travel the world. It spent 10 years making its way around some of Europe’s major cities, where its beauty was admired in Vienna, Hamburg, Berlin, Prague, Paris, London and Amsterdam, and was even put on show in America, Asia and Africa. In doing so, it perfectly fulfilled its mission - to showcase the art and skill of Ginzkey's employees. Vratislavice received the carpet in 2020 as a gift from the town of Česká Skalice.

A carpet that can also work magic

Visit Vratislavice and check out this remarkable exhibit for yourself! And while you’re there, don’t forget to take a look at the cabinet that stands in front of the carpet. It even enables this flying carpet to work magic.