Nizhny Novgorod’s historic Aquarium café to become a cultural hub by 2026
A historic building on Bolshaya Pokrovskaya Street in Nizhny Novgorod will soon take on a new role. The former Aquarium café, long earmarked for redevelopment, is set to become a cultural news centre by the end of 2026. Funding and management will be handled by Lobachevsky State University of Nizhny Novgorod (UNN).
The building was originally part of UNN’s capital repair programme, with plans to repurpose it for university use. Earlier proposals included coworking spaces, offices, and an exhibition area, with construction expected to finish in 2025. However, those plans have since shifted.
UNN Rector Oleg Trofimov recently announced a new direction for the site. Under the university’s 'third mission'—a focus on public engagement—the building will now house museum exhibits and cultural activities. While the exterior has already been refurbished, the interior remains untouched. The final phase of renovations will receive funding in 2026. All work is scheduled for completion by the end of that year, when UNN will officially take over the institution.
Once finished, the former Aquarium café will serve as a cultural hub for the city. The project marks a significant investment by UNN in Nizhny Novgorod’s public and educational spaces. Visitors can expect the new centre to open its doors by late 2026.
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