KOVOZOO Staré Město

Imagine a zoo where lions, giraffes, and elephants never sleep, require no food, and are created entirely from scrap metal. This unique place is KOVOZOO Staré Město. Located in the immediate vicinity of the town of Uherské Hradiště, this attraction is a one-of-a-kind "metal zoo" in Europe that surprises visitors of all ages.

This project emerged from a recycling plant and turned into an amazing space where old iron gets a second life. Here, in the heart of Czechia, artisans create full-sized replicas of animals with striking precision and attention to detail. It is not just a sculpture exhibition, but a true ecological manifesto demonstrating the importance of waste recycling in an engaging way.

Besides hundreds of metal beasts, the complex grounds include other unusual objects, such as a real airplane, a lighthouse, and a ship. KOVOZOO is the perfect blend of art, fun, and education, making you look at familiar things in a new way and see beauty even in rusty metal.

To plan your visit and clarify route details, it is useful to know the exact location of the object. Below are the official contact details of the attraction.

The main activity here is, of course, meeting the zoo's inhabitants. You can see over 250 life-sized animals made from scrap metal. Stroll along the alleys and try to guess what parts were used to make a particular beast: here you might recognize old gears, there – car parts or garden tools. It is an exciting quest for both adults and children.

Don't miss the opportunity to climb the Šrotík Lighthouse observation deck, which offers a panoramic view of the surroundings and the complex grounds. It is also worth stepping aboard the ship "Naděje" (Hope), which is "docked" right in the middle of the land zone, creating a surreal landscape.

For those interested in the creation process, it will be curious to peek into the so-called "Maternity Ward" – the place where masters weld new sculptures. Here you can see how a pile of iron turns into a work of art. And for comfortable movement around the territory, you can ride the stylized steel train, which will take you past the most interesting exhibits.

In addition, thematic events are often held on the territory, and there are interactive zones where you can learn more about waste recycling. Be sure to take a photo with giant transformers or inside the cockpit of a real L-610 airplane, which is also part of the exposition.

Getting to KOVOZOO is quite simple, as Staré Město is an important transport hub. If you are traveling by public transport, it is most convenient to use the train. The railway station Staré Město u Uherského Hradiště is within walking distance of the complex, making the trip comfortable even without a car.

For those located in the center of the neighboring city, a trip by taxi or car will take very little time. The distance is short, and the road is usually clear. The complex is located on Brněnská Street, and it is easy to spot thanks to the unusual installations at the entrance.

If you are traveling by private car, look for signs to the former sugar factory, where the territory of the recycling company that founded this unique zoo is now located. On-site parking spaces are generally provided for visitors.

The history of this unusual place began relatively recently but has already managed to attract the attention of tourists from all over Europe. The project was founded by the REC Group, a company engaged in waste recycling. The main idea behind creating the "metal zoo" was the desire to demonstrate that scrap metal is not just trash, but a valuable material that can be given a second life in the form of art.

Interestingly, the creation of exhibits is the painstaking work of local craftsmen and blacksmiths. Each animal is assembled from thousands of old parts: gears, bolts, wire, and parts of old mechanisms. Since the opening, the collection has been constantly replenished, and today there are several hundred full-sized figures here, many of which amaze with their detail and realism.

An important fact is the ecological mission of the object. KOVOZOO not only entertains but also educates visitors on the importance of recycling. Here, they visually demonstrate how a creative approach can turn industrial waste into unique art objects, while preserving the environment and inspiring guests to treat the planet's resources with care.

To fully explore all exhibits and locations on the complex grounds, it usually takes from 2 to 3 hours. This time is enough to leisurely stroll along the alleys, examine the details of the metal animals, and take plenty of photos.

If you are planning a visit with children or want to take advantage of additional entertainment, such as a ride on the tourist train or a visit to the observation deck at the lighthouse, it is worth setting aside about half a day for the visit. The territory is quite extensive, and there are places here where you can rest and have a snack.

KOVOZOO opening hours may vary depending on the season, holidays, and weather conditions. The complex is generally open to visitors year-round, but closing times in winter and summer may differ.

To avoid misunderstandings and plan your visit as effectively as possible, we strongly recommend checking the current schedule on the attraction's official website before your trip.

A visit to KOVOZOO can be perfectly combined with exploring the surroundings, as this region is rich in historical and cultural monuments. A walk through nearby places will allow you to immerse yourself deeper in the atmosphere of South Moravia and see many interesting things just a few kilometers from the "metal zoo".

Below is a table of nearby attractions that are worth including in your itinerary: