A five-meter-long, 800-kilogram glass skeleton, the largest of its kind in the world, is set to become the centerpiece of Prague’s Máj department store.

Crafted by master glassmakers in Železný Brod, the skeleton consists of 37 designed glass components, including a skull that alone weighs 200 kilograms.

The project, commissioned by the owners of Máj and their architects, took a year to bring from concept to reality. The renowned Lhotský Glass Studio led the effort, using cutting-edge techniques such as 3D modeling, wax molding, and sandstone casting.

“When they asked us if it was possible, we said, ‘Everything is possible,’” said Martina Kulhavá of Lhotský Glass Studio.

The team used a special type of glass called Banas Glass, chosen for its ability to handle large-scale sculpting. Each piece underwent an extensive process of sanding and polishing to achieve a deep blue hue, as requested by the project’s patrons.

Studio founder Zdeněk Lhotský described the process as extremely complex, using ancient casting techniques revived in the 20th century.

The skeleton will be installed in late March, suspended above a bar area using nearly invisible stainless steel cables.

The custom lighting system, developed by Artglass Studio in Jablonec nad Nisou, will enhance the sculpture’s ethereal appearance, making it seem as if it is floating in midair.

For the glassmakers of Železný Brod, this is yet another landmark project. Their past work includes a glass sarcophagus for the Danish royal family, one of the largest glass sculptures ever made at 4.5 tons.

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