Most Famous Unusal Statues by David Černý in Prague Center (2025) + Map
Prague is a city of stunning historic architecture, but if you look closer, you’ll find something unexpected. The rebellious and provocative works of artist David Černý. Known for his bold, satirical, and sometimes controversial sculptures, Černý has left his unmistakable mark all over the city.
In this guide I’ll highlight his most famous statues in Prague, complete with locations and a map to help you find them.
Who is David Černý?
David Černý is one of the Czech Republic’s most renowned and controversial contemporary artists. Born in 1967 in Prague, he first gained international attention in 1991 when he painted a Soviet tank pink. A bold act of defiance that set the tone for his career.
His works often challenge authority, politics, and social norms with a mix of humor and shock value. Whether it’s surreal, provocative, or just plain bizarre, Černý’s art never fails to make a statement.
1. Franz Kafka’s Rotating Head
📍Quadrio Shopping Center Piazza, Charvatova x Vladislavova, Prague 1 – New Town
A mesmerizing, 11-meter-tall kinetic sculpture composed of 42 rotating stainless steel layers, this tribute to Franz Kafka shifts every hour, mirroring the author’s themes of transformation and existential struggle. Every few minutes, the face realigns into a perfect portrait of Kafka before dissolving into abstract chaos again. A must-see for art lovers and photographers!
2. Hanging Man Sigmund Freud
📍Husova 1, Prague 1 – Old Town
Look up! You might miss this one if you’re not paying attention. This life-size sculpture of Sigmund Freud hangs one-handed from a beam high above Husova Street. The piece represents intellectualism, existential anxiety, and the struggle of modern thinkers. Given Freud’s Prague connection, it’s a fitting and thought-provoking addition to the cityscape.
3. Crawling Babies (Zizkov TV Tower & Kampa)
📍Kampa Park, U Sovovych mlynu, Prague 1 – Lesser Town
📍Zizkov TV Tower, Mahlerovy Sady, Prague 3 – Zizkov
One of Černý’s most iconic works, these gigantic faceless babies are both eerie and fascinating. You’ll find them crawling up the Žižkov TV Tower and playing in Kampa Park. Their distorted faces give them an unsettling yet playful charm.
4. Streams (Peeing Men)
📍Courtyard of Herget Brickworks, Cihelna 635/2a, Prague 1 – Lesser Town
This interactive fountain features two bronze men urinating into a Czech Republic-shaped pool. Even funnier? You can text a message to a number displayed nearby, and the statues will “write” your words in the water. The piece, like much of Černý’s work, carries a political message, challenging national pride and bureaucracy in an unexpectedly hilarious way. It’s located near the Franz Kafka Museum.
5. Butterfly Effect RAF planes
📍Máj Shopping Mall, Spalena x Narodni Street, Prague 1 – New Town
One of David Černý’s newest artworks, Butterfly Effect, is a dynamic kinetic sculpture on the facade of the renovated Máj Národní building. It features two Spitfire-shaped butterflies, symbolizing the contrast between peace and war.
The artwork also honors the 359 Czechoslovak RAF pilots of World War II. Its installation has fueled debate over who has the right to shape public spaces and how contemporary art should interact with historical architecture.
6. St. Wenceslas Ridding Upside Down Horse
📍Lucerna Passage, Vodickova 704/36, Prague 1 – New Town
Hidden inside the Lucerna Passage, this sculpture is a darkly humorous take on Prague’s famous Wenceslas Square statue. Instead of riding a noble horse, St. Wenceslas is perched atop an upside-down, lifeless steed. This playful piece critiques Czech politics and national identity while blending seamlessly with the passage’s elegant interior.
Map of David Černý’s Statues in Prague (2025)
David Černý’s sculptures are a must-see for anyone visiting Prague in 2025. Whether you’re into contemporary art, political satire, or just love quirky sights, his works will leave a lasting impression. Which of these sculptures intrigues you the most? Let me know in the comments below!
Useful Travel Resources
I want to share and recommend these travel resources that I personally use, as they can be helpful when planning your visit to Prague.
Accommodation: Booking.com has the largest selection of incredible places to stay.
Tours: Getyourguide.com has the widest selection of guided tours and experiences from various providers, conveniently sortable by rating.
Getting around: PID Lítačka mobile app lets you buy public transportation tickets and plan your journey easily.
Last article update: February 10, 2025
Author and photo: Vera Nemochovska
