Franz Kafka Rotating Head Statue Schedule & David Černý Art Map
Prague is a city of history and mystery. It is also home to provocative modern art. The most famous piece is the massive kinetic bust of a local legend. Knowing the Franz Kafka rotating head statue schedule is vital for your visit. This 11-meter-tall masterpiece consists of 42 moving stainless steel layers. It represents the writer's inner torment and changing face. To see it in motion, you must arrive at the right time. This guide helps you find the best David Černý sculptures Prague map locations for your 2026 trip.
Franz Kafka Rotating Head Statue Schedule and Details
The Franz Kafka head is a marvel of engineering. It weighs 39 tons and uses complex motors. The statue usually rotates every hour on the hour. These performances begin at 8:00 AM and end at 7:00 PM. Each show lasts for approximately 15 minutes. During this time, the layers spin independently to create a mesmerizing effect.
You can find the statue behind the Quadrio shopping center. This area is near the Národní třída metro station. It is a busy spot, so arrive five minutes early. For the most up-to-date timings, check the official Prague tourism portal. Maintenance can occasionally change the schedule. Seeing the face align perfectly at the end is a highlight for many visitors.
Top 10 David Černý Sculptures in Prague
Prague is an open-air gallery for David Černý. His works are often funny or political. Use this list to plan your walk. These items cover the most iconic and hidden pieces in the city.
- Quick picks: Best overall is the Kafka Head. Best for families is Kampa Park. Best free activity is the Lucerna Horse.
- Name: K. (Franz Kafka Head) Type: Kinetic Sculpture Why go: It is the city's most famous modern landmark. Best for: Photography and engineering fans. Where: Quadrio, New Town. Time: 20 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Metro Line B to Národní třída. Tip: Stand near the back for the best wide-angle shots.
- Name: Hanging Man (Sigmund Freud) Type: Sight Why go: It looks like a real person dangling from a roof. Best for: Surprising your friends. Where: Husova Street, Old Town. Time: 5 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Short walk from Old Town Square. Tip: Read more on where to find the hanging man statue to avoid missing it.
- Name: Miminka (Babies) Type: Experience Why go: Giant faceless babies crawling on the grass. Best for: Families and quirky art lovers. Where: Kampa Park. Time: 15 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk across Charles Bridge. Tip: Visit the babies sculpture Kampa Park location at sunset for great light.
- Name: Proudy (Piss) Type: Kinetic Sculpture Why go: Two bronze men peeing into a map of the Czech Republic. Best for: A good laugh and interactive fun. Where: Kafka Museum Courtyard, Malá Strana. Time: 10 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Tram 12, 15, or 22 to Malostranská. Tip: You can send an SMS to a number nearby to make them "write" your message.
- Name: Saint Wenceslas (Upside-Down Horse) Type: Indoor Sight Why go: A parody of the famous statue in Wenceslas Square. Best for: Rainy days. Where: Lucerna Palace Passage. Time: 10 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Near Můstek metro station. Tip: Grab a coffee at the nearby Lucerna Café.
- Name: Embryo Type: Unique Experience Why go: A glowing sculpture attached to a drainpipe. Best for: Night walks. Where: Na Zábradlí Theatre. Time: 5 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk along the river from Charles Bridge. Tip: It looks best after dark when it lights up.
- Name: Brown-Nosers Type: Experience Why go: You can climb a ladder and look into giant bottoms. Best for: Adventurous travelers. Where: Futura Gallery, Smíchov. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Small gallery fee may apply. Getting there: Tram 9 to Švandovo divadlo. Tip: Check gallery opening hours before you go.
- Name: Quo Vadis (Walking Trabant) Type: Sight Why go: A classic East German car on four legs. Best for: History buffs. Where: German Embassy Garden. Time: 5 minutes. Cost: Free (viewable through the fence). Getting there: Walk from Petřín Hill. Tip: You can see it clearly from the back of the embassy garden.
- Name: Beetle (Brouk) Type: Kinetic Sculpture Why go: A massive Porsche 911 pinned like a beetle. Best for: Car enthusiasts. Where: BB Centrum, Prague 4. Time: 15 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Metro Line C to Budějovická. Tip: It is slightly outside the center but worth the trip.
- Name: MeetFactory Type: Arts Center Why go: An industrial space founded by Černý himself. Best for: Alternative culture. Where: Smíchov. Time: 1-2 hours. Cost: Varies by event. Getting there: Tram 12 to Lihovar. Tip: Look for the red cars hanging on the side of the building.
Planning Your David Černý Sculptures Prague Map Route
Most of these statues are in the city center. You can see many on foot. Start at the Upside-Down Horse in Lucerna. Then, walk to the Franz Kafka head for the next rotation. From there, head toward the river to see the Hanging Man. Cross the bridge to reach the Babies and the Piss statue. This route takes about two to three hours.
For statues further out, use the tram system. Prague has excellent public transport. You can buy tickets via the PID Lítačka app. This makes reaching the Beetle or MeetFactory very easy. Consult the Visit Czechia website for regional travel ideas. Combining these sights with local cafes is a great way to explore.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Franz Kafka rotating head statue schedule?
The statue typically rotates every hour on the hour from 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM. Each rotation sequence lasts about 15 minutes. It is best to arrive a few minutes early to secure a good viewing spot near the Quadrio shopping center.
Is the Kafka head statue free to visit?
Yes, the statue is located in a public space and is free to view at any time. You do not need a ticket to watch the rotation. It is one of the most accessible modern art pieces in Prague's New Town area.
Where are the David Černý babies located?
There are two main locations for the bronze babies. You can find three of them on the ground in Kampa Park near the Kampa Museum. Others are seen climbing the Žižkov Television Tower, which is visible from many parts of the city.
Prague offers a unique blend of old-world charm and modern rebellion. Following the Franz Kafka rotating head statue schedule ensures you see the city's kinetic heart in motion. From the faceless babies to the hanging Freud, these works define the city's creative spirit. Be sure to explore other hidden gems in Prague during your walk. Enjoy the hunt for these iconic sculptures in 2026!
Official resources
Use these sources for official schedules, tickets, routes, and updates.
- Prague.eu — Official city tourism portal; unverified.
- Praha.eu — Official municipal government portal; unverified.
- Visit Czechia — National tourism board; unverified.
- UNESCO World Heritage Centre — Official UNESCO heritage listing; unverified.
- Prague Castle — Official landmark domain; unverified.
