In the heart of Prague, a marvel of glass artistry is set to captivate visitors at the Máj shopping center. The world’s largest glass skeleton, towering nearly five meters and weighing over 800 kilograms, has been meticulously crafted by skilled glassmakers from Železný Brod. This extraordinary creation is not just a feat of engineering but also a testament to the enduring legacy of Czech glassmaking.
The skeleton, composed of 37 intricately designed glass components, includes a skull weighing an impressive 200 kilograms. Conceived a year ago, the project began as a bold idea to replicate the human skeletal structure in a simplified yet monumental form. Commissioned by the owners of Máj and their collaborating architects, the project was realized by the renowned Lhotský Glass Studio in Železný Brod.
“When asked if such a creation was possible, we confidently replied, ‘Everything is possible,'” shared Martina Kulhavá of Lhotský Glass Studio. The process involved advanced techniques, including 3D modeling and printing, wax molds, and sandstone forms. The final pieces were cast using a special glass known as Banas Glass, selected for its unique ability to withstand the demands of large-scale sculpting.
Each piece underwent rigorous treatment—browsed, sanded, and polished—to bring out the mesmerizing blue hue requested by the patrons. According to master glassmaker Zdeněk Lhotský, the skull was the most challenging component, requiring nearly two months to cast and cool properly. The result is a dynamic and striking sculpture, with some parts polished to enhance its visual impact.
The installation, planned for the end of March, will include a custom suspension system with lighting designed by Artglass Studio in Jablonec nad Nisou. This ensures that the massive skeleton will hover securely above the bar area, offering a breathtaking visual for visitors. The suspension system uses nearly invisible stainless steel cables, giving the impression that the skeleton is floating effortlessly.
For the craftsmen of Železný Brod, this is not their first monumental project. Their portfolio includes a glass sarcophagus for the Danish royal family, which stands as one of the largest glass sculptures in the world, weighing 4.5 tons. This new installation at Máj further cements their reputation as pioneers in the realm of glass artistry.