Why Brno is Famous for Odd Art

Brno has spent the last decade investing in unique public sculptures. The city council wants to spark conversation and debate. Some pieces celebrate local history, while others are purely experimental. This creative spirit makes the city feel young and energetic. It is a refreshing change from more traditional European capitals.

Many of these statues are located in the main pedestrian zones. This makes them very accessible for every visitor. You do not need a museum ticket to see world-class art here. Most of these installations are free and open to the public 24/7. You can find more details on the Go To Brno official tourism portal.

The local humor is often dry and self-deprecating. This is reflected in the "indecent" or "ugly" nature of some works. Brňáci, as the locals are called, embrace these oddities. They use them as meeting points or backdrops for photos. Seeing these statues is a great way to understand the local culture.

12 Best Brno Quirky Statues and Art to See

Here are the top picks for your self-guided art tour. These items are listed in a logical walking order starting from the main square. Each one offers a unique photo opportunity and a bit of local lore.

• Best overall: The Courageous Knight (Jobst of Moravia)
• Best for families: The Brno Dragon
• Best rainy-day: The Old Town Hall Interiors
• Best free: The Astronomical Clock

1. Name: Jobst of Moravia (The Courageous Knight) Type: sight Why go: This giant bronze horse has incredibly long legs. If you stand directly underneath it and look up, the view is quite scandalous. Best for: Funny photos Where: Moravské náměstí Time: 10 minutes Cost: Free Getting there: Walk 5 minutes north from the main square. Tip: Stand between the front legs for the famous "secret" view.
2. Name: The Brno Dragon Type: sight Why go: It is actually a preserved crocodile hanging from the ceiling. It is the city's most famous legend and a symbol of Brno. Best for: Kids and history fans Where: Old Town Hall Time: 15 minutes Cost: Free to see the dragon Getting there: Located in the passage of the Old Town Hall. Tip: Check out the crooked Gothic turret on the building's exterior too.
3. Name: The Indecent Little Man Type: sight Why go: A tiny stone figure on the church wall is flashing his bare bottom at the cathedral. It was a prank by a medieval mason. Best for: Hidden detail hunters Where: St. James Church (Kostel sv. Jakuba) Time: 5 minutes Cost: Free Getting there: Walk to the north side of the church near the St. James Ossuary. Tip: Look high up on the window arch to spot him.
4. Name: The Brno Astronomical Clock Type: sight Why go: This black stone monument looks like a bullet or a phallic symbol. Every day at 11:00 AM, it releases a glass marble. Best for: Unique experiences Where: Náměstí Svobody (Freedom Square) Time: 20 minutes (if waiting for the marble) Cost: Free Getting there: It is in the center of the main square. Tip: Arrive 15 minutes early if you want to catch a marble.
5. Name: The Mozart Statue Type: sight Why go: It depicts a naked, winged Mozart standing on a harpsichord. It commemorates his performance in Brno at age 11. Best for: Music lovers Where: Zelný trh (Cabbage Market) Time: 10 minutes Cost: Free Getting there: Walk south from the main square to the market. Tip: The statue is in front of the Reduta Theatre.
6. Name: The Statue of Justice Type: sight Why go: A man is struggling to lift a heavy block of stone. It represents the weight of the law and justice. Best for: Thoughtful art Where: Moravské náměstí (in front of the court) Time: 5 minutes Cost: Free Getting there: Located near the Jobst statue. Tip: On hot days, kids often play in the water feature surrounding it.
7. Name: The Edison Bulbs Type: sight Why go: Four massive, tangled lightbulbs made of steel. They honor Thomas Edison, who designed the lighting for the nearby theater. Best for: Night photography Where: Malinovského náměstí Time: 10 minutes Cost: Free Getting there: Take any tram to the Malinovského náměstí stop. Tip: These look best when illuminated after dark.
8. Name: The Brno Wheel Type: sight Why go: A wooden wheel that was supposedly made and rolled from Lednice to Brno in one day. It hangs next to the Dragon. Best for: Folklore fans Where: Old Town Hall passage Time: 5 minutes Cost: Free Getting there: Right next to the Brno Dragon. Tip: Read the plaque nearby to learn the full legend of the bet.
9. Name: Bronze Model of Brno Type: sight Why go: A detailed 3D map showing how the city looked during the Swedish siege in 1645. It is great for orientation. Best for: History buffs Where: Náměstí Svobody Time: 10 minutes Cost: Free Getting there: Located on the edge of the main square. Tip: Try to find the different churches and gates that still exist today.
10. Name: Statue of Leoš Janáček Type: sight Why go: A modern, stylized sculpture of the famous Czech composer. It captures his dynamic energy. Best for: Culture seekers Where: Near the Janáček Theatre Time: 5 minutes Cost: Free Getting there: Walk through the park north of the center. Tip: The theater nearby is a great example of mid-century architecture.
11. Name: Street Art at Cejl Type: experience Why go: Large-scale murals painted by local and international artists. It shows a grittier, more colorful side of Brno. Best for: Urban explorers Where: Cejl District (The "Bronx") Time: 1 hour Cost: Free Getting there: Take tram 2, 4, or 11 from the center. Tip: Be respectful as this is a residential neighborhood.
12. Name: The Bench of Václav Havel Type: sight Why go: Two chairs and a table built around a tree. It is a place for dialogue and reflection dedicated to the former president. Best for: Quiet moments Where: Denis Gardens (Petrov) Time: 15 minutes Cost: Free Getting there: Walk up the hill toward the Cathedral. Tip: The view of the city from here is one of the best.

Planning Your Brno Art Walking Tour

Most of the Brno quirky statues and art are within the compact city center. You can see almost everything on this list by walking. Wear comfortable shoes as many streets are cobbled. If you need to go further, use the excellent Brno Public Transport system. Trams run frequently and are very easy to use.

For those interested in building design, consider a Brno functionalist architecture walking route. Many statues are located near these famous buildings. This allows you to combine art and architecture in one trip. The city is generally very safe for walking at any time of day.

You should also consider the weather. Most of these statues are outdoors. If it rains, the Old Town Hall and the Moravian Gallery are good alternatives. You can find more travel inspiration on the Visit Czechia website. Always keep a map or GPS handy to find the smaller hidden pieces.

More Hidden Gems and Street Art in Brno

Beyond the bronze statues, Brno has a growing street art scene. The Cejl district is the heart of this movement. You will find massive murals covering entire apartment blocks. These works often deal with social themes and local history. It is a vibrant contrast to the historic center.

If you want to see a different kind of art, visit the Kamenna colony Brno hidden gem. This former workers' settlement is now home to many artists. The narrow lanes are filled with small sculptures and colorful decorations. It feels like a small village tucked away in the city.

Local galleries also host temporary installations throughout the year. Keep an eye out for pop-up art in public squares. Brno is a city that constantly evolves. You might discover a new piece of art that was not there last year. This sense of discovery is what makes the city so special.