At a Glance: David Cerny Sculptures Tour Highlights

This itinerary covers the most significant works by David Cerny in the city center and nearby districts. Most of these statues are free to visit. You can see them all in roughly six to eight hours. Here is a quick look at your art-filled day.

• Morning: Franz Kafka's Head, The Hanging Man, and the Pissing Statues.
• Afternoon: Lucerna Palace Horse and the bronze Kampa Babies.
• Evening: Žižkov Tower Babies and the MeetFactory art space.

Wear comfortable walking shoes for this journey. You will traverse cobblestone streets and use the efficient tram system. This tour is perfect for 2026 travelers looking for something different. It combines history with modern social commentary. Make sure to have a map of David Cerny statues in Prague ready on your phone.

Morning: Rebellious Art in Old Town and Malá Strana

Day 1: 09:00 AM – 12:30 PM

Start your morning at the Quadrio shopping center. Here you will find "K," the massive rotating head of Franz Kafka. This sculpture consists of 42 moving layers of stainless steel. It reflects the tortured and ever-changing mind of the famous author. The layers align periodically to form Kafka's face. It is a mesmerizing sight that draws large crowds. Try to arrive early to get photos without the mid-day rush.

Next, walk ten minutes toward the Old Town Square. Look up as you walk down Husova Street. You will see a man hanging by one hand from a pole. This is "The Hanging Man," which depicts Sigmund Freud. Many tourists mistake it for a real person in distress. You can learn more about the meaning behind the hanging man statue in Prague to appreciate its depth. It represents the intellectual's struggle in the modern world.

Cross the Charles Bridge to reach the Malá Strana district. Head to the courtyard of the Franz Kafka Museum. You will find two bronze men peeing into a pool shaped like the Czech Republic. These figures actually move and spell out literary quotes with their streams. It is a bold piece of political satire. If you are unsure of the location, check our guide on where to find the pissing statue in Prague. This area is great for a quick coffee break before the afternoon session.

Afternoon: Upside-Down Horses and Giant Babies

Day 1: 01:30 PM – 05:00 PM

After lunch, head back toward Wenceslas Square. Enter the Lucerna Palace, a beautiful Art Nouveau arcade. Hanging from the ceiling is "The Horse." It shows Saint Wenceslas sitting on the belly of a dead, upside-down horse. This is a parody of the famous statue located just outside the palace. It is one of Cerny's most famous indoor works. The lighting in the arcade makes it a dramatic spot for photography.

Walk toward the Vltava River and cross Legions Bridge. This leads you to Kampa Park, a peaceful island in the city. On the grass near the Kampa Museum, you will find three giant bronze babies. These babies have bar codes instead of faces. They look futuristic and slightly eerie. You can touch and climb on these statues, making them popular with families. They are part of a larger series you will see later today.

If you have extra time, visit some weird museums in Prague nearby. The city is full of odd collections that complement Cerny's style. You might also enjoy the Idiom infinite book tower in Prague at the Municipal Library. It is not a Cerny work, but it shares a similar surrealist energy. Take a moment to enjoy the river views before heading to the next district.

Evening: Žižkov Tower and Modern Art Hubs

Day 1: 06:00 PM – 08:30 PM

For the final leg of your David Cerny sculptures tour, take a tram to Žižkov. This neighborhood is famous for its bohemian atmosphere and steep hills. Look up at the Žižkov Television Tower. You will see ten giant fiberglass babies crawling up the sides of the structure. They look small from below, but they are actually quite large. This installation turned an ugly communist-era tower into a world-famous landmark. For more details, see our Žižkov Television Tower guide.

As the sun sets, head to the Smíchov district. This is the home of MeetFactory, an international center for contemporary art. David Cerny co-founded this space in an old industrial building. You can see two red cars hanging from the exterior like laundry on a line. The center hosts galleries, theaters, and music events. It is the perfect place to see where the artist works and creates. Check their official schedule on Prague.eu for current exhibitions.

End your night with a meal in Smíchov or Žižkov. These areas offer more authentic Czech food than the touristy center. You can find traditional pubs with excellent local beer. If you want a unique experience, look into Prague beer spa experiences to relax after your long walk. Reflect on the strange and wonderful art you saw today. Prague is truly an open-air gallery for those who know where to look.

Practical Tips for Your David Cerny Sculptures Tour

Planning is key to enjoying this art walk. Most statues are within walking distance, but some require public transit. Buy a 24-hour transport pass for the best value. This covers all trams, buses, and the metro. You can purchase these at yellow vending machines or via the PID Lítačka app. Official travel info is available at Visit Czechia. Always validate your ticket before boarding the tram.

The rotating Kafka head has a specific schedule. It usually rotates on the hour for 15 minutes. Check local signs or the Quadrio website for updates in 2026. Most outdoor sculptures are accessible 24/7. However, the Lucerna Palace has closing hours, usually around 10:00 PM. Visiting the babies in Kampa Park is best during daylight for safety and views. Bring a power bank for your phone to keep your map active.

Prague is generally safe, but watch for pickpockets in crowded areas like Charles Bridge. Stay hydrated and carry a reusable water bottle. There are many public fountains with clean drinking water. If it rains, the Lucerna Horse and MeetFactory are great indoor options. You can also swap outdoor stops for a visit to the paternoster elevators in Prague. These old-fashioned lifts are a fun way to stay dry while exploring city buildings.

Where to Stay for Art Lovers in Prague

Choosing the right base makes your David Cerny sculptures tour much easier. If you want to be near the most statues, stay in the Old Town (Staré Město). You will be steps away from the Hanging Man and Kafka's Head. However, hotels here can be expensive and noisy. For a quieter stay, look at Malá Strana. It is charming and close to the Kampa babies and the Pissing Statues.

Budget travelers should consider Žižkov. This area has many affordable hostels and apartments. It is also the best place to see the TV tower babies at sunrise or sunset. Smíchov is another great option for art lovers. It is an up-and-coming district with an industrial feel. Staying here puts you near the MeetFactory and great local transport links. Most areas in Prague are well-connected to the city center.

For a unique experience, look for boutique hotels that feature local art. Many modern hotels in Prague decorate their lobbies with contemporary Czech pieces. This keeps the art theme going throughout your entire trip. No matter where you stay, you are never far from a tram stop. Prague's layout is compact and easy to navigate for any traveler. Enjoy your stay in this beautiful, artistic capital.