Green Planet: National Aquarium - Brno Plans New Large Aquarium with Underwater Tunnel

Brno is planning one of the largest visitor attractions in the region. A modern large aquarium containing more than four million litres of water and featuring an approximately 55-metre-long underwater tunnel is to be built at the exhibition centre.

JVS Holding Group and Veletrhy Brno have signed an agreement on the implementation of the “Green Planet: National Aquarium” project. The aquarium is to be built in Pavilion C and on the adjacent outdoor areas of the Brno Exhibition Centre. The current investment framework amounts to at least CZK 700 million.

The plans include approximately 8,000 square metres of covered visitor areas and a further 14,000 square metres of outdoor space. The centrepiece of the facility is to be a large ocean tank with a capacity of 2.5 million litres. An approximately 55-metre-long underwater tunnel will run through the tank, allowing visitors to observe the animals above and beside them.

Source: Visualization: JVS Holding Group

“Green Planet will make long-term use of Pavilion C and the adjacent outdoor areas. At the same time, the project will expand the range of attractions available at the Brno Exhibition Centre and could appeal to new groups of visitors,” said Igor Fučík, Deputy Chairman of the Board of Veletrhy Brno. Regular exhibition operations will not be restricted by the project.

Opening Planned After 2028

Project and technology planning, coordination of the expert teams involved and the selection of technical systems are to continue in 2026. Construction work is scheduled to begin in 2027.

Source: Visualization: JVS Holding Group

One year later, the aquarium technology is to be installed, the exhibitions completed and the tanks biologically stabilised. The animals will then be introduced gradually. A specific opening date has not yet been announced. The timetable may still change depending on further planning, approval procedures and the selection of suppliers.

The exhibitions will present various aquatic ecosystems from around the world. Themed areas focusing on North and South America, Africa, Asia, Australia and Europe, as well as seas and oceans, are planned. The aim is to illustrate the connections between the individual habitats.

Source: Visualization: JVS Holding Group

Rainwater and Closed Water Circulation Systems

According to the operators, using water and energy as efficiently as possible is a central component of the project. Closed circulation systems will clean and treat the water before returning it to the tanks. Facilities for storing and using rainwater are also to be built at the exhibition centre.

Experts from the Czech Republic and abroad are involved in the technical preparations. The British Petersham Group, which specialises in aquariums and visitor attractions, is acting as the main consultant. The technological design was supplied by the Turkish company Polin/ADEC, which has been involved in projects including Antalya Aquarium and the National Aquarium Abu Dhabi.

Source: Visualization: JVS Holding Group

Cooperation with the Academy of Sciences

The Institute of Vertebrate Biology of the Czech Academy of Sciences will provide scientific support for the planned exhibitions. Its experts work in areas including fish research, biodiversity protection and the functioning of freshwater ecosystems.

Another focus will be on education and environmental awareness. Programmes on biology, zoology, ecology, biodiversity and environmental protection, as well as reduced admission prices, are planned for schools. Virtual diving and other interactive technologies will complement the visitor experience.

In addition to the aquarium exhibitions, educational and event spaces, a café and a shop are planned. The facility is to remain open throughout the year.

Source: Visualization: JVS Holding Group

Up to 650,000 Visitors Expected Annually

Brno Mayor Markéta Vaňková described the planned aquarium as a destination with appeal beyond the region. Due to its location, Brno could attract visitors from across the Czech Republic as well as from Slovakia, Austria, Poland and Germany.

Current forecasts anticipate approximately 500,000 visitors in the first year of operation. The figure could later rise to as many as 650,000 annually. Around 65 per cent of visitors are expected to come from outside Brno, with approximately 30 per cent arriving from abroad.