At a Glance: David Cerny Art Highlights

This walking route covers the most iconic works by David Cerny. You can complete the main city center loop in about four hours. Adding the outer districts requires a full day. The route is mostly flat but involves cobblestones.

• Morning: Mala Strana (Peeing Statues, Kampa Babies).
• Afternoon: Old Town & New Town (Hanging Man, Kafka Head, Upside-down Horse).
• Evening: Zizkov and Smichov (Tower Babies, MeetFactory).
• Total Distance: Approximately 8-10 kilometers if walking.

Start your day at the Malostranska metro station. This is the green line (Line A). From here, you are a short walk from the first major installation. Check the Prague official tourism portal for any temporary closures or events.

Morning: Mala Strana and the Riverbank

Begin your morning in the historic Mala Strana district. Head toward the Franz Kafka Museum. In the courtyard, you will find "Proudy." This sculpture features two bronze men peeing into a pool shaped like the Czech Republic. They move and spell out literary quotes in the water.

Next, walk toward the river to Kampa Park. Here, you will see three giant bronze "Crawling Babies." These figures have barcodes instead of faces. They are part of a series that also appears on the Zizkov TV Tower. They represent the dehumanizing effects of technology and the future.

Day 1: Morning (09:00 - 12:00). Start at Malostranska. Walk to the Kafka Museum (30 mins). Continue to Kampa Park (45 mins). Take a break at a riverside cafe. This area is full of hidden gardens in Prague that offer great views. Use the public toilets near the museum if needed.

Logistics tip: The Kafka Museum courtyard is free to enter. You do not need a museum ticket to see the pee statues. However, the museum itself is one of the unusual museums in Prague worth visiting if you have time.

Afternoon: Old Town and New Town Route

Cross the Charles Bridge or the Legion Bridge to reach the Old Town side. Your first stop is Husova Street. Look up to see "Viselec," also known as the Hanging Man. It depicts Sigmund Freud hanging by one hand from a roof beam. This piece explores the struggle between life and death.

Continue walking toward the Quadrio shopping center. Here you will find the massive Franz Kafka rotating head statue. It consists of 42 moving layers of stainless steel. The layers rotate independently to create a mesmerizing effect. It represents Kafka's internal struggles and the complexity of his mind.

Day 1: Afternoon (13:00 - 16:00). Walk from Kampa to Husova Street (20 mins). Find the Hanging Man statue near Bethlehem Square. Walk to the Kafka Head at Narodni trida (10 mins). End at Lucerna Palace near Wenceslas Square.

In Lucerna Palace, you will see "Kun." This is an upside-down horse with St. Wenceslas sitting on its belly. It is a parody of the famous statue in Wenceslas Square. This area is famous for its secret passages and courtyards. Explore the Lucerna passage for its unique atmosphere and historic cinema.

Evening: Zizkov and Smichov Sculptures

For the final leg, you need to use public transport. Take a tram to the Zizkov Television Tower. You will see ten more giant babies crawling up the sides of the tower. This is the tallest building in Prague. The contrast between the high-tech tower and the crawling figures is striking.

Next, travel to the Smichov district. Visit MeetFactory, an international center for contemporary art founded by Cerny. You can see two red cars hanging from the side of the building like laundry. This industrial space often hosts concerts and exhibitions. It is a hub for the local creative community.

Day 1: Evening (17:00 - 20:00). Take tram 9 or 15 from the center to Zizkov. After viewing the tower, take a tram toward Smichovske nadrazi. Visit MeetFactory. If you have energy, head to the Futura Gallery to see the "Brown-nosers" sculpture. This involves climbing a ladder to look into the rear of giant figures.

Logistics tip: Zizkov is also home to the Olsany Cemeteries and Kafka's grave. You can combine these stops if you start your evening early. Use a 24-hour transport pass to make moving between these districts easy and affordable.

Best Base for Your Art Walking Tour

Choosing the right neighborhood makes this David Cerny sculptures walking route easier. Mala Strana is perfect for those who want a romantic, historic feel. You will be close to the river and the first morning stops. It is quieter at night but more expensive.

New Town (Nove Mesto) is the most practical choice. It is near the rotating Kafka head and Lucerna Palace. You will have excellent access to all metro lines. This area has many hotels ranging from budget to luxury. It is the heart of the city's transport network.

Smichov is a great alternative for a more modern experience. It is close to MeetFactory and the Futura Gallery. This district is becoming very popular with foodies and art lovers. You can find many trendy apartments here. It offers a more authentic Prague experience away from the heaviest crowds.

Practical Tips for Your Walking Route

Prague is a very walkable city, but its cobblestones are tough on feet. Wear sturdy sneakers or walking shoes. Avoid high heels or thin-soled sandals. Many of the sculptures are in public spaces and free to view at any time.

Use the PID Litacka app for public transport. You can buy tickets and check schedules in real-time. A 24-hour pass is usually the best value for this itinerary. It covers all trams, buses, and the metro. Visit the Visit Czechia website for more travel advice.

The best time to photograph the rotating Kafka head is during the day. It usually rotates every hour on the hour. However, the schedule can change for maintenance. Evening light is best for the Zizkov TV Tower babies. The tower is often illuminated with the colors of the Czech flag.