The Best Quirky Statues and Public Art Brno Offers
Brno is a city that does not take itself too seriously. You will find quirky statues and public art Brno locals love and tourists find baffling. From a giant bronze horse to a phallic clock, the streets are an open-air gallery.
Many of these pieces represent local legends or historical figures. However, they often use a very modern and humorous style. Exploring these spots is one of the best hidden spots in Brno activities.
In this guide, we will look at 11 essential pieces of public art. You can see most of them in a single afternoon walk. Get ready to see the weirder side of the Moravian capital.
Quick Picks for Public Art in Brno
If you are short on time, here are the top highlights. These picks cover the most famous and unusual pieces in the city center. Most are located within a ten-minute walk of each other.
- Best Overall: Courage (The Giant Horse) at Moravian Square.
- Best for Families: The Brno Dragon at the Old Town Hall.
- Best Free Activity: The Brno Astronomical Clock at Freedom Square.
- Best Hidden Gem: The Indecorous Little Man at St. James Church.
Each of these pieces tells a unique story about Brno. They are perfect for quick photos while you explore the city. You can find more unique locations in our offbeat and unique museums Brno guide.
11 Quirky Statues and Public Art Brno Spots
Brno is famous for its unconventional approach to monuments. You will see art that challenges your perspective and makes you smile. Here are the 11 best quirky statues and public art Brno features today.
- Name: Courage (Odvaha) Type: Sight Why go: This giant knight on a horse has incredibly long legs. If you stand underneath it, the view is quite surprising and humorous. Best for: Photographers and humor seekers. Where: Moravian Square (Moravské náměstí). Time: 10 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Take any tram to Moravské náměstí. Tip: Look up from between the horse's front legs for the famous "quirky" view.
- Name: The Brno Astronomical Clock Type: Sight Why go: This black stone monument looks like a giant bullet or a phallic symbol. It releases a glass marble every day at 11:00 AM. Best for: Souvenir hunters. Where: Freedom Square (Náměstí Svobody). Time: 15 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk 5 minutes from the main train station. Tip: Arrive at 10:30 AM to secure a spot at one of the marble holes.
- Name: The Indecorous Little Man (Nehanba) Type: Experience Why go: This tiny statue is hidden on the windows of St. James Church. He is showing his bare bottom to the Cathedral. Best for: Fans of local legends. Where: St. James Church (Jakubské náměstí). Time: 5 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: A short walk from Freedom Square. Tip: Look high up on the stone arches of the church windows. It is easier to see if you visit the St. James Ossuary nearby.
- Name: The Brno Dragon Type: Sight Why go: It is actually a stuffed crocodile hanging from the ceiling. It is the most famous legendary creature in the city. Best for: Families and kids. Where: Old Town Hall entrance. Time: 10 minutes. Cost: Free to see the dragon. Getting there: Walk to Radnická street in the center. Tip: Read the legend on the wall nearby to understand why it is called a dragon. This is a classic part of dark legends and haunted Brno tours.
- Name: The Brno Wheel Type: Sight Why go: This wooden wheel hangs next to the dragon. A local carpenter allegedly made it and rolled it to Brno in one day. Best for: History buffs. Where: Old Town Hall. Time: 5 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Same location as the Brno Dragon. Tip: Check the craftsmanship of the wheel; it was made without nails.
- Name: Statue of Justice Type: Sight Why go: It depicts a man struggling to lift a heavy block. Many locals think it looks like a man moving a heavy washing machine. Best for: Modern art fans. Where: In front of the Supreme Administrative Court. Time: 10 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk from Moravian Square. Tip: The water feature around it is very refreshing during the summer.
- Name: Mozart Statue Type: Sight Why go: It shows a naked Mozart with one wing, standing on a harpsichord. It commemorates his concert in Brno as a child. Best for: Music lovers. Where: Cabbage Market (Zelný trh). Time: 10 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk to the center of the Cabbage Market. Tip: Visit the market in the morning to see local vendors selling flowers and fruit.
- Name: Jan Skácel Face Type: Sight Why go: This giant face of a famous poet is made from thousands of stainless steel pipes. You can see through it from certain angles. Best for: Viewpoints. Where: Špilberk Park (South slope). Time: 20 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk up the hill toward Špilberk Castle. Tip: The view of the city from this statue is one of the best in Brno.
- Name: Bench of Václav Havel Type: Experience Why go: It consists of two chairs and a table around a lime tree. It is a place for dialogue and reflection. Best for: A quiet break. Where: Near the Reduta Theatre. Time: 15 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Located at the corner of the Cabbage Market. Tip: Sit for a moment and enjoy the atmosphere of the historic square.
- Name: The Edison Bulbs Type: Sight Why go: These four giant wire bulbs glow at night. They honor Thomas Edison, who designed the lighting for the nearby Mahen Theatre. Best for: Night walks. Where: Malinovského Square. Time: 10 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Take a tram to Malinovského náměstí. Tip: Visit after sunset to see the bulbs illuminated. This area also features hidden modernist architecture in Brno.
- Name: Modernist Sculptures at Central Cemetery Type: Day trip Why go: The cemetery features incredible avant-garde and modernist tombstones. It is a peaceful place full of high-quality art. Best for: Architecture and art lovers. Where: Brno Central Cemetery. Time: 1-2 hours. Cost: Free. Getting there: Take Tram 2 or 5 to the Ústřední hřbitov stop. Tip: Visit the Brno Central Cemetery official site for a map of famous graves.
Planning Your Quirky Art Walk in Brno
Most of these statues are in the pedestrian zone. You can easily walk between them in about two hours. Start at Moravian Square and end at the Cabbage Market. This route covers about 80% of the list.
For the statues further away, use the excellent public transport. You can find schedules on the DPMB - Brno Public Transport website. Trams run frequently and are very reliable in 2026. Brno is a very safe city for walking at any time of day.
If you want more information, visit the Go To Brno portal. They offer digital maps of the city's art installations. Many statues have QR codes nearby that explain their history. These codes often provide English translations for international visitors.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the weirdest statue in Brno?
Most people consider the Courage statue at Moravian Square the weirdest. It is a knight on a horse with very long legs. From a specific angle underneath, the statue looks quite different than expected. It is a favorite spot for funny tourist photos.
Why does the Brno clock release a marble at 11:00 AM?
The 11:00 AM tradition commemorates the Siege of Brno in 1645. Legend says the Swedish general would leave if he didn't win by noon. The locals rang the bells an hour early to trick him. The clock honors this clever victory every day.
Are the statues in Brno free to visit?
Yes, almost all public art and statues in Brno are free. They are located in public squares, parks, or on the walls of historic buildings. You can enjoy a full day of sightseeing without spending any money on tickets. This makes Brno a great budget destination.
Brno's public art scene is bold, funny, and full of character. Seeing these quirky statues is the best way to understand the city's spirit. Whether you love the giant horse or the hidden "Little Man," you will find something memorable. Plan your walk today and discover why Brno is the Czech Republic's capital of quirk. For more unique ideas, check out our guide to hidden spots in Brno.
Official resources
Use these sources for official schedules, tickets, routes, and updates.
- Go To Brno — Official tourism portal; unverified source.
- City of Brno — Official municipal portal; unverified source.
- UNESCO World Heritage - Villa Tugendhat — International heritage designation; unverified source.
- Lonely Planet Brno — Major editorial travel guide; unverified source.
- Visit Czechia — National tourism board; unverified source.
- Brno-Tuřany Airport — Official airport authority; unverified source.
