Why Search for David Cerny’s Art?

David Cerny is known for challenging the status quo. His sculptures often spark debate among locals and tourists. Some pieces are huge and impossible to miss. Others are small and require a keen eye to spot. Hunting for these statues is one of the best offbeat and hidden gems in Prague.

Most of his public art is free to view. This makes it perfect for budget travelers. Each piece tells a story about Czech history or modern society. You will see themes of rebellion, humor, and even dark irony. His work provides a sharp contrast to the city's Gothic and Baroque architecture.

Many of these sites are near other major landmarks. You can easily add them to your daily walks. For example, some are located near the Old Town Square historical sites. Seeing these statues gives you a deeper look into the local culture. It shows that Prague is a living, breathing center for modern art.

Identifying David Cerny Sculptures Across Prague: Top 10

Here is a list of the most essential pieces to find. These items represent the best of Cerny's creative vision. Most are outdoors and accessible 24 hours a day. Use this list to start identifying David Cerny sculptures across Prague on your next visit.

• Quick picks:
• Best for Photos: Franz Kafka’s Head
• Best for Families: Kampa Park Babies
• Best Hidden Gem: The Embryo
• Best Free Experience: Hanging Man

1. Name: Rotating Franz Kafka Head Type: kinetic sculpture Why go: This massive mirrored head consists of 42 rotating layers. It is a mesmerizing sight that reflects Kafka's complex mind. Best for: photography fans. Where: Outside Quadrio Shopping Center (New Town). Time: 15-20 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Take Metro Line B to Narodni trida. Tip: The layers usually move at the top of the hour.
2. Name: Tower Babies (Miminka) Type: sight Why go: Ten giant, faceless babies are seen crawling up the Zizkov TV Tower. They turned an ugly structure into a world-famous art piece. Best for: viewpoint lovers. Where: Zizkov Television Tower. Time: 10 minutes (from street level). Cost: Free to see from below. Getting there: Metro Line A to Jiriho z Podebrad. Tip: Use binoculars for a better view of their barcoded faces.
3. Name: Crawling Babies Type: experience Why go: These are bronze versions of the tower babies. You can touch them and see the strange slot-machine faces up close. Best for: families and kids. Where: Kampa Park, near the Kampa Museum. Time: 15 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk across Charles Bridge toward Mala Strana. Tip: This is a great spot for a quirky group photo.
4. Name: Piss (Čůrající postavy) Type: experience Why go: Two mechanical men pee into a pond shaped like the Czech Republic. They move to spell out local literary quotes. Best for: those who like dark humor. Where: Courtyard of the Franz Kafka Museum. Time: 10 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: A short walk from Malostranska metro station. Tip: You can send a text message to a number nearby to make them spell your name.
5. Name: Hanging Out (Viselec) Type: sight Why go: A statue of Sigmund Freud hangs by one hand from a roof. It represents the intellectual's struggle with the end of the millennium. Best for: urban explorers. Where: Husova Street in Old Town. Time: 5 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk from Old Town Square toward Bethlehem Chapel. Tip: Remember to look up, or you will walk right past it.
6. Name: Horse (Kůň) Type: indoor sight Why go: This is a parody of the St. Wenceslas statue in Wenceslas Square. Here, the saint sits on the belly of a dead, upside-down horse. Best for: history buffs. Where: Lucerna Passage near Wenceslas Square. Time: 10 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Metro Line A or B to Mustek. Tip: Grab a coffee in the beautiful Art Nouveau Lucerna Café nearby.
7. Name: Brown-Nosers (Hnědoři) Type: experience Why go: You must climb a ladder and look into the backsides of two giant statues. Inside, a video plays showing local politicians eating mash. Best for: brave art lovers. Where: Futura Gallery (Smichov). Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Usually free or small gallery fee. Getting there: Tram to Svandovo divadlo. Tip: Check gallery opening hours before you go.
8. Name: Embryo Type: hidden gem Why go: This small, pink embryo is attached to a drainpipe. It glows at night, making it look like it is alive inside the pipe. Best for: night walks. Where: Na Zabradli Theatre facade. Time: 5 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk along the river near Charles Bridge. Tip: It is much easier to see after the sun goes down.
9. Name: Quo Vadis Type: sight Why go: A Trabant car on four giant legs. It commemorates the East German refugees who fled to Prague in 1989. Best for: history fans. Where: Garden of the German Embassy (Mala Strana). Time: 10 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk from Malostranske namesti. Tip: You can view it through the fence of the embassy garden.
10. Name: Trifot Type: sight Why go: A giant walking creature made of cameras. It watches people as they walk by, reflecting our modern surveillance society. Best for: tech enthusiasts. Where: Near Nove Butovice metro station. Time: 15 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Metro Line B to Nove Butovice. Tip: Visit the nearby Czech Photo Centre while you are there.

Planning Your David Cerny Art Route

Most of these sculptures are in the city center. You can see many of them on foot. Start in Old Town to see the Hanging Man. Then walk to the Lucerna Passage for the Upside-Down Horse. These are some of the most popular places to visit in Prague.

For the Zizkov Tower Babies, use the metro. The public transport system is excellent and cheap. You can check schedules on the official Prague tourism portal. This will save you a lot of time. Many statues are located near other attractions, like the John Lennon Wall in Mala Strana.

Wear comfortable shoes for your walk. Prague has many cobblestone streets. These can be hard on your feet after a few hours. Bring a camera with a good zoom. Some statues, like the one on the TV tower, are high up. Seeing these works is a great way to explore different neighborhoods.