Top Bizarre And Strange Statues in Prague

Žižkov’s Giant Babies by David Černý

Many of the statues in this list and many of the most famous statues in Prague are by the controversial Czech sculptor David Černý. Perhaps one of his most famous (yet perhaps not immediately obvious) are the giant bronze babies that can be found crawling up the side of the TV tower in Žižkov Prague 3.

Instead of looking like a cute baby, they have weird money slots in their faces making them appear more robot like. At night the Žižkov tower lights up in the colours of the Czech flag, making it (in my opinion) even more freaky with the smushed mechanical faces of the lower babies look like devils in the red light.

Where to find: Zizkov Tower in Prague 3. Mahlerovy sady 1, 130 00 Praha 3-Žižkov

Il Commendatore (The Cloak of Conscience) by Anna Chromy

The first time I walked past this statue it didn’t even occur to me that it was, in fact, a statue. I think my mind was so used to seeing poor homeless people on the streets that I just passed it without a second glimpse. However, the second time I walked past I noticed a large group of tourists huddled around it taking pictures.

Created by Czech-born, Austrian-raised artist Anna Chromy the spooky statue with a hollow inside sits outside the Estates Theater, where W.A. Mozart conducted the 1787 premiere of his opera Don Giovanni. Local legend says that if you take a picture of it with a flash, an image of a face appears in the photo despite there being no facial features of any kind on the statue….freaky!

Where to find: Next to the Estates Theatre in the Old Town. Železná, 110 00 Staré Město

The Broken Men by Olbram Zoubek

Located on Újezd street at the foot of Petřín Hill, one can find a monument by sculptor Olbram Zoubek. Most tourists that walk past this simply end up taking candid pictures of various poses next to the men…completely unaware of the deep meaning of the monument.

Unveiled in 2002, this monument is, in fact, a Memorial to the Victims of Communism. It shows seven bronze figures descending a flight of stairs. The statues appear more “decayed” the further away they are from you - losing limbs and their bodies breaking open. It symbolizes how political prisoners were affected by Communism.

There is also a bronze strip that runs along the centre of the memorial, showing estimated numbers of those impacted by communism:

• 205,486 arrested
• 170,938 forced into exile
• 4,500 died in prison
• 327 shot trying to escape
• 248 executed

The bronze plaque nearby reads: “The memorial to the victims of communism is dedicated to all victims not only those who were jailed or executed but also those whose lives were ruined by totalitarian despotism”.

Where to find: Close to the Ujezd tram stop at the bottom of Petrin Hill Mala Strana. Újezd 420/14, 118 00 Malá Strana

Franz Kafka Statue Prague by Jaroslav Róna

Located next to the Spanish Synagogue in the Jewish quarter of Prague, this interesting metal statue by sculptor Jaroslav Rona is one of the most peculiar ones and for sure you’ll see it on your explorations of Prague. The Franz Kafka Statue has become one of the most famous statues in Prague and often a landmark used as a starting point for organised tours of the Jewish Quarter.

Apparently, the statue is based on a vivid description that appears in Franz Kafka’s early short story “Description of a Struggle.” Kafka wrote of a young man riding on another man’s shoulders through the streets of Prague. In Rona’s work, that figure is Kafka himself sitting astride a headless man.

Where to find : In the Jewish Quarter - Dušní, 110 00 Staré Město

“Piss” Peeing Statue Prague by David Černý

I’m being serious when I say that “Piss” is the actual name of this bizarre sculpture, another of David Černý’s masterpieces that can be found in Malá Straná, on the small plaza at Cihelná 2b where the Kafka Museum is situated.

While most simply observe the unusual fountain as two men peeing, very few actually notice the bronze shape of the basin below. If you look carefully you’ll actually see its the shape of the Czech Republic, so the men appear to be urinating into the country. Controversial or just amazing?

What’s also cool is visitors can interrupt them peeing by sending SMS message from mobile phone to a number, displayed next to the sculptures. The living statue then moves and ‘writes’ the text of the message, before carrying on as before. Cool huh?!

Where to find : Cihelná 2b next to the Kafka Museum in Mala Strana

Hanging Man Statue Prague by David Černý

I must admit when I first saw this statue it alarmed me a little. Stopping in my tracks I tried to focus my eyes on whether it was a statue or a suicide. And I’m not the only one! Apparently while exhibited in Chicago bystanders were convinced it was also a person attempting suicide and called the fire-brigade to the bronze man’s aid! Oops!

Another of David Cerny’s sculptures this one portrays a 220-centimeter Sigmund Freud hanging by one hand onto a roof. Many people say he is hanging by one hand perhaps hinting at the man’s hopelessness and powerlessness in the modern world or on the other hand, highlighting the possibility of the man saving his life by pulling himself back onto the roof.

Where to find : Husova Street between The Old Town Square and Charles Bridge.

Franz Kafka Head Statue Prague by David Černý

The Franz Kafka head statue in Národní třída has become a permanent landmark and beloved statue in Prague. With 42 moving layers that align to look like Franz Kafka’s head, it is one of David Cerny’s more subtle statues made from steel.

This modern installation has turned the back courtyard of the relatively “new” shopping centre into a pleasant spot to enjoy lunch or a coffee.

Where to find : In front (or behind if you’re coming from the tram street) of the Quadrio shopping centre in Národní třída. To get there by tram, take the tram route 22 and get off at Národní třída stop. Or take the yellow metro line to Národní třída.

Statue of King Wenceslas Riding an Upside-Down Dead Horse by David Černý

You’ll have to go searching for this obscure statue as you won’t see it from the street. Located inside the Lucerna Palace in Wenceslas Square, the “Dead Horse” statue is one of the most unique statues you’ll ever find of the late King Wenceslas.

The dead horse is upside down hanging in the air like a chandelier, with King Wenceslas riding him upright.

According to locals, it is a mocking reference to the large statue of Wenceslas riding a horse in front of the National Museum at the top of Wenceslas Square.

Where to find: There are three entrances to the Lucerna Passage but you’ll find it easily if you enter from Vodickova street (the main street where the tram lines run).