KOVOZOO Staré Město

Imagine a place where old scrap metal comes to life, turning into amazing creatures. KOVOZOO Staré Město is a unique project located in the city of Uherské Hradiště, which is rightfully considered the only "metal zoo" of its kind in Europe. Here, on the site of a former industrial zone, hundreds of animals have found a home, masterfully crafted from car parts, chains, and other recycled materials.

This unusual location in Czechia combines elements of modern art, environmental education, and a family amusement park. Each figure is striking in its detail: from massive elephants and giraffes to tiny beetles, with many exhibits made in life-size.

In addition to the zoo's "inhabitants," visitors will find other interesting objects, such as a real L-610 aircraft, the huge ship "Nadezhda" (Hope), and a lighthouse offering a panoramic view of the surroundings. It’s an ideal place for those seeking offbeat attractions and who appreciate a creative approach to recycling.

For more details about visiting or organizing group tours, you can use the following contact information:

The main attraction here is, of course, getting to know the metal fauna. You can spend hours wandering among the figures, guessing which spare parts were used to make a lion's mane or a turtle's shell. Most of the exhibits can be touched, which delights both children and adults who want to appreciate the skill of welding and assembly.

Be sure to climb the Šrotík Lighthouse, which serves as an excellent observation deck. From its height, you can see not only the entire zoo grounds but also the picturesque Moravian landscapes. Afterward, head aboard the pirate ship or peek inside a real passenger plane to feel like a pilot.

For curious visitors, there are information boards explaining the importance of recycling and environmental protection. Creative workshops are also often held on-site, where you can watch the process of creating new masterpieces from a pile of metal or even try your hand at design.

Getting to this unusual place is quite simple, as the site is located in the industrial zone of the town of Staré Město, almost on the border with Uherské Hradiště. If you are traveling by train, you need to get off at Staré Město u Uherského Hradiště station, which is an important railway hub. From the station, the entrance to the zoo is about a 10–15 minute walk.

For those who prefer comfort, a taxi is always available to whisk you from the city center in just a few minutes. If you arrive by your own car, follow the address Brněnská 1372 — there is spacious parking for visitors near the complex.

The history of this amazing project began in 2012 on the initiative of the REC Group. The main idea was to show people that metal waste is not just trash, but a valuable raw material from which real masterpieces can be created. Thus, on the site of a former sugar factory, a space emerged where environmental education meets art.

The first exhibits were created by enthusiasts and metalworkers who sought to convey the anatomical accuracy of animals using only old car parts, gears, chains, and pipes. Over time, the collection grew to hundreds of figures, and today you can see everything from tiny insects to a huge rhino and a majestic bison.

Interestingly, KOVOZOO is constantly adding new inhabitants. Many sculptures are created right in front of the public during special festivals and workshops. This place has become a symbol of how the region's industrial heritage can be transformed into a modern cultural and educational center.

To leisurely walk around the entire area and examine the details of each metal sculpture, plan for at least 2–3 hours. If you are traveling with children, your stay will likely increase, as little explorers will want to look into every corner and try out all the interactive zones.

For those planning not only to see the exhibition but also to climb the observation decks and relax in the local cafe, it’s better to set aside half a day. This will allow you to enjoy the creative atmosphere without rushing and take plenty of original photos as souvenirs.

The KOVOZOO opening hours may change depending on the season, holidays, or special events. To ensure your trip goes perfectly, we strongly recommend checking the current schedule on the attraction's official website before visiting.

Usually, the site is open to visitors throughout the day; however, during the winter period, opening hours may be reduced due to the early onset of darkness.

A visit to the metal zoo can be perfectly combined with exploring other interesting places in the vicinity. The region is famous for its rich historical heritage and opportunities for active recreation, allowing you to create a full one-day itinerary.

Below are some attractions located nearby: