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David Cerny Sculptures Walking Tour: A 1-Day Prague Guide

Follow our David Cerny sculptures walking tour to see Prague's best modern art. Explore the Kafka Head, Babies, and more in this 1-day guide. Plan your trip now!

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David Cerny Sculptures Walking Tour: A 1-Day Prague Guide
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The Ultimate David Cerny Sculptures Walking Tour in Prague

Prague is famous for its Gothic spires and Baroque bridges. However, the city also hides a rebellious spirit. This is best seen through a David Cerny sculptures walking tour. David Černý is the most famous modern artist in the Czech Republic today. His work is often funny, shocking, and deeply political.

You will find his giant bronze babies and rotating heads scattered across the city. Many of these pieces are hidden in plain sight. This guide provides a clear route to see them all in one day. You will walk through ancient alleys and modern shopping districts. It is the perfect way to see a different side of the capital.

Prague is very walkable, making this tour easy for most travelers. You will need a good pair of shoes and a camera. Get ready to discover the weird and wonderful world of Czech contemporary art. Let's begin your artistic adventure through the streets of Prague.

Planning Your David Cerny Sculptures Walking Tour

Before you start your David Cerny sculptures walking tour, you need a plan. Most of these artworks are located in the city center. You can reach them easily on foot or by tram. We recommend starting your journey at 9:00 AM. This helps you beat the crowds at the most popular spots.

At a glance:

  • Morning: Old Town and New Town (Man Hanging Out, Kafka Head, Lucerna Horse).
  • Afternoon: Malá Strana and Kampa (Pissing Statues, Bronze Babies).
  • Evening: Smíchov (MeetFactory, Brown-Nosers).

Prague has an excellent public transport system. You can buy a 24-hour pass at any metro station. Check the Prague official tourism portal for current transit maps. Wear comfortable walking shoes as the cobblestones can be uneven. Bring a small bottle of water and a charged phone for navigation.

Logistics tip: Many sculptures are outdoors and free to view. However, some are located inside galleries or passages. Always check the opening times for Lucerna Gallery and Futura Gallery before you go. This ensures you do not miss the indoor pieces on your route.

Morning: Old Town and New Town Masterpieces

Start your morning in the heart of the city. Begin at Husova Street in the Old Town. Look up to find the "Man Hanging Out" sculpture. It depicts Sigmund Freud clinging to a pole high above the street. This piece often surprises tourists who forget to look at the sky. It is one of the many hidden gems in Prague Old Town that you should see.

Morning Schedule:

  • 09:00 - 09:30: Sigmund Freud (Man Hanging Out) at Husova 352.
  • 10:00 - 10:45: Rotating Kafka Head behind the Quadrio shopping center.
  • 11:00 - 11:45: Upside Down Horse in the Lucerna Passage.

Next, walk toward the Quadrio shopping mall. Here you will find the massive "K on Sun" or the rotating Kafka Head. This sculpture consists of 42 moving layers of stainless steel. It reflects the tortured mind of the famous writer Franz Kafka. It is a true marvel of modern engineering and art.

Finish your morning by walking to the Lucerna Palace. Inside, you will find the "Upside Down Horse" sculpture. This piece mocks the famous statue of St. Wenceslas in the main square. It hangs from the ceiling in one of the most historic passages and arcades in Prague. Grab a quick coffee at the Lucerna Cafe before heading toward the river.

Afternoon: Malá Strana and Riverside Provocations

Cross the Charles Bridge to reach the Malá Strana district. This area is full of charm and narrow streets. Your first stop is the Franz Kafka Museum courtyard. Here you will find "Piss," a sculpture of two bronze men urinating into a fountain shaped like the Czech Republic. You can even send a text message to make them move. This is definitely one of the most unique places in Prague to visit.

Afternoon Schedule:

  • 13:00 - 14:00: Pissing Statues at the Kafka Museum.
  • 14:30 - 15:30: Giant Bronze Babies at Kampa Park.
  • 16:00 - 16:30: View the Žižkov Tower Babies from the riverbank.

From the museum, walk toward Kampa Island. In front of the Kampa Museum, you will see three giant bronze babies. They have barcodes instead of faces. These sculptures were originally designed for the Žižkov Television Tower. You can still see the fiberglass versions crawling up the tower in the distance. Kampa is also home to several secret gardens and parks in Prague that offer great views.

Practical tip: The Kampa babies are very popular for photos. Try to visit them during the late afternoon for the best light. The area around the river is perfect for a relaxing stroll. You can see the yellow penguins on the pier nearby as well. These are not by Cerny, but they fit the artistic vibe of the park perfectly.

Evening: Smíchov and Modern Art Hubs

For the final part of your tour, take a tram to Smíchov. This district is more industrial and less touristy. It is the home of MeetFactory, an international center for contemporary art founded by Černý. Outside the building, you will see two red cars hanging on hooks like pieces of meat. This location is listed among the weird and unusual museums in Prague for its edgy exhibits.

Evening Schedule:

  • 17:00 - 18:00: Meat sculptures at MeetFactory (Ke Sklárně 15).
  • 18:30 - 19:30: Brown-Nosers at Futura Gallery (Holečkova 49).
  • 20:00+: Dinner and drinks in the Smíchov neighborhood.

If you have time, visit the Futura Gallery to see the "Brown-Nosers." To see this art, you must climb a ladder and look into the backsides of two giant statues. It is a bold political statement that Černý is famous for. After the gallery, explore the local food scene. There are many unique themed bars in Prague located in this district.

Logistics tip: Futura Gallery is only open Wednesday through Sunday. Be sure to check their website before traveling to Smíchov. If they are closed, you can spend more time exploring the street art near the Anděl metro station. Smíchov offers a great look at the local life away from the Old Town crowds.

Where to Stay for Art Lovers in Prague

Choosing the right base is important for your David Cerny sculptures walking tour. If you want to be close to everything, stay in the Old Town. This puts you within walking distance of the Hanging Man and the Kafka Head. However, hotels here can be more expensive. You will be surrounded by history and many tourist attractions.

For a more local and artistic feel, consider staying in Smíchov or Vinohrady. Smíchov is close to the MeetFactory and has great transport links. Vinohrady is known for its beautiful parks and trendy cafes. Both neighborhoods offer a more authentic Prague experience. You can find many boutique hotels that cater to art lovers in these areas.

If you enjoy a mix of history and quiet streets, look near Malá Strana. It is close to the Kampa Babies and the riverside. For those who want to see even more history, you might explore the Vysehrad fortress hidden gems nearby. No matter where you stay, the city's trams make it easy to reach any David Černý sculpture in minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the David Cerny sculptures walking tour take?

The full tour takes approximately 6 to 8 hours. This includes time for walking, taking photos, and stopping for lunch. You can shorten the tour by using trams between the major districts like Old Town and Smíchov.

Are the David Cerny sculptures free to see?

Most of the sculptures are located in public spaces and are free to view. However, some pieces are inside private galleries like Futura. These may have small entry fees or specific opening hours that you should check in advance.

What is the best way to get around for this tour?

Walking is the best way to see the central sculptures. For further locations like Smíchov or the Žižkov Tower, use the city's trams or metro. The public transport system is reliable, affordable, and easy to navigate for tourists.

A David Cerny sculptures walking tour is the best way to experience Prague's modern soul. You will see art that is bold, funny, and thought-provoking. From the rotating Kafka Head to the crawling babies, these works define the city's contemporary identity. This itinerary helps you navigate the streets like a local expert.

Remember to wear comfortable shoes and keep your eyes open. Many of Černý’s works are hidden in corners you might otherwise miss. After your tour, why not explore more of the unique places in Prague? The city always has more secrets to reveal to those who look closely. Enjoy your artistic journey through this beautiful capital.

Official resources

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