The Meaning Behind the Hanging Man Statue Prague & Cerny Art

Walking through Old Town, you might spot a figure dangling high above the street. This is the famous Sigmund Freud sculpture. Many visitors wonder about the meaning behind the hanging man statue Prague. Created by artist David Cerny, it is a staple of any David Cerny sculptures tour. This guide explains the symbolism of this iconic piece. It also lists the best statues to see across the city for a unique experience.

The Meaning Behind the Hanging Man Statue Prague

The statue depicts the famous psychoanalyst Sigmund Freud. He hangs by one hand from a roof beam. This artwork was created in 1996. It has since traveled to cities like Chicago and London. It now resides permanently on Husova Street in Prague.

The meaning behind the hanging man statue Prague relates to intellectualism. Freud represents the struggle of the intellectual in the modern age. He is caught between holding on and letting go. This reflects Cerny's view of the 20th century's end. It shows the uncertainty of human existence.

Many people mistake the statue for a real person in distress. Emergency services have been called several times. This reaction is part of the art's power. It forces passersby to look up and think. For more tips on local sights, check out unusual things to do in Prague.

9 Essential Stops on a David Cerny Sculptures Tour

Prague is an open-air gallery for David Cerny. His works are often political and controversial. Use this list to find his most famous pieces. Most are located within the city center. This makes them easy to visit on foot.

Best overall: The Hanging Man (Sigmund Freud)
Best for families: The Giant Babies at Kampa Park
Best for photos: The Rotating Head of Franz Kafka
Best free experience: The Pissing Men in Malá Strana

Name: Man Hanging Out (Sigmund Freud) Type: sight Why go: To see the most famous sculpture in Old Town. Best for: History buffs. Where: Husova Street. Time: 10 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk from Old Town Square. Tip: Look up or you will miss it entirely.
Name: Pissing Men (Čůrající postavy) Type: experience Why go: These mechanical statues pee into a pool shaped like the Czech Republic. Best for: Political satire fans. Where: Malá Strana, outside the Kafka Museum. Time: 15 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk across Charles Bridge. Tip: You can learn where to find the pissing statue in Prague easily near the river.
Name: Miminka (Babies) Type: sight Why go: Giant, faceless babies with barcodes for faces. Best for: Surrealism lovers. Where: Kampa Park (and climbing the Žižkov TV Tower). Time: 20 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Tram to Hellichova. Tip: The park versions are great for close-up photos.
Name: Head of Franz Kafka Type: sight Why go: A massive, rotating mirrored head made of stainless steel. Best for: Modern art fans. Where: Quadrio Shopping Center. Time: 15 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Metro station Národní třída. Tip: The head rotates on the hour for several minutes.
Name: Horse (St. Wenceslas) Type: sight Why go: An upside-down version of the famous statue in Wenceslas Square. Best for: Cultural irony. Where: Lucerna Palace Gallery. Time: 10 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Near Můstek metro. Tip: Visit the Lucerna Cafe nearby for a vintage vibe.
Name: Brown-Nosers Type: experience Why go: You can climb a ladder and look into the backsides of giant statues. Best for: Bold travelers. Where: Futura Gallery, Smíchov. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Free (check gallery hours). Getting there: Tram to Bertramka. Tip: There is a video playing inside the statues.
Name: Embryo Type: sight Why go: A glowing fetus attached to a drainpipe. Best for: Night walks. Where: Divadlo Na Zábradlí. Time: 5 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Near Smetanovo nábřeží. Tip: It looks much better when illuminated at night.
Name: Quo Vadis (Trabant on Legs) Type: sight Why go: A tribute to East German refugees in 1989. Best for: History enthusiasts. Where: German Embassy Garden (visible through the fence). Time: 10 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk from Malostranské náměstí. Tip: You can see it clearly from the Petřín Hill path.
Name: London Booster Type: sight Why go: A red double-decker bus doing push-ups. Best for: Engineering fans. Where: Chodov (outside Agrofert building). Time: 15 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Metro C to Chodov. Tip: Check the Visit Czechia site for transport updates.

How to Plan Your David Cerny Art Walk

Most of these statues are in the historic center. You can see the main five in about three hours. Start at Husova Street to see Freud. Then walk toward the Kafka Museum in Malá Strana. Use a map of David Cerny statues in Prague to stay on track.

Prague is very walkable, but trams are efficient. Use the Prague.eu portal for route planning. Wear comfortable shoes as many streets are cobbled. The best time to visit is early morning. This helps you avoid the largest tour groups.

Public transport is affordable and reliable. You can buy tickets via the PID Lítačka app. Most statues are outdoors and accessible 24/7. This makes them perfect for budget-conscious travelers. Always respect the local residents while exploring quiet neighborhoods.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the meaning behind the hanging man statue Prague?

The statue represents Sigmund Freud and symbolizes the uncertainty of intellectuals in the modern era. It captures the tension between holding on to life and letting go. Artist David Cerny created it to provoke thought about human existence at the turn of the millennium.

Where is the Sigmund Freud statue in Prague?

You can find the statue on Husova Street in Prague's Old Town. It hangs from the roof of a building near the intersection with Betlémské náměstí. Look up carefully, as it is easy to miss while walking at street level.

Who is the artist behind the hanging man in Prague?

The artist is David Cerny, a famous Czech sculptor. He is well-known for his provocative and often political public art. His works are scattered throughout Prague and have become major tourist attractions for those seeking modern culture.

The meaning behind the hanging man statue Prague offers a glimpse into the city's complex soul. David Cerny's work challenges us to look closer at our surroundings. Whether you are exploring Old Town or Malá Strana, these sculptures add a unique layer to your trip. Don't forget to look up and stay curious. For more planning help, view our David Cerny sculptures tour guide today.

Official resources

Use these sources for official schedules, tickets, routes, and updates.

Prague.eu — Official city tourism portal; unverified.
Praha.eu — Official municipal government portal; unverified.
Visit Czechia — National tourism board; unverified.
UNESCO World Heritage Centre — Official UNESCO heritage listing; unverified.
Prague Castle — Official landmark domain; unverified.