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Franz Kafka Rotating Head Statute Moving Schedule & Tour

Check the Franz Kafka rotating head statute moving schedule for 2026. Plan your David Cerny sculptures walking tour with our expert Prague guide and map.

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Franz Kafka Rotating Head Statute Moving Schedule & Tour
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See the Franz Kafka Rotating Head Statute Moving Schedule

Prague is a city of history and modern art. One of its most famous sights is the giant kinetic head of a local writer. To see it move, you must know the Franz Kafka rotating head statute moving schedule. This 42-layer masterpiece by David Cerny is a highlight of any trip. It sits right in the heart of the New Town area. Many visitors include it in a David Cerny sculptures walking tour to see the city's edgy side.

The Franz Kafka Rotating Head Statute Moving Schedule

The sculpture is located outside the Quadrio shopping center. It consists of forty-two separate layers of stainless steel. These layers rotate independently to transform the face. Seeing the movement is essential for the full experience. You should check the official Prague tourism portal for any temporary maintenance updates.

The Franz Kafka rotating head statute moving schedule usually follows a strict hourly pattern. The head typically begins to move at the top of every hour. The performance lasts for approximately 15 minutes. It is a mesmerizing sight to watch the face deconstruct and rebuild. This happens throughout the day from morning until early evening.

For 2026, the standard hours are from 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM. During peak summer months, the schedule may extend until 9:00 PM. Arrive at least five minutes early to secure a good spot. The area can get crowded with tourists and shoppers. Standing near the Quadrio entrance offers the best angle for photos.

Top Stops on a David Cerny Sculptures Walking Tour

Prague is home to many provocative works by David Cerny. A walking tour is the best way to see them all. These pieces are spread across different neighborhoods. Some are hidden in plain sight, while others dominate the skyline. You will find that these authentic experiences in Prague reveal a unique local perspective.

  • Best overall: Franz Kafka Rotating Head
  • Best for families: The Babies at Kampa Park
  • Best rainy-day: Upside-Down Horse in Lucerna Gallery
  • Best free: The Hanging Man
  1. Name: Franz Kafka Rotating Head Type: sight Why go: It is the most famous kinetic sculpture in the city. Best for: Modern art fans. Where: Quadrio Shopping Center, New Town. Time: 20 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Metro line B to Můstek. Tip: Visit at the top of the hour to see it move.
  2. Name: The Hanging Man Type: sight Why go: This sculpture of Sigmund Freud hangs high above a narrow street. Best for: Photographers. Where: Husova Street, Old Town. Time: 10 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk 5 minutes from Old Town Square. Tip: Look up or you will miss it! Check our guide on where to find the hanging man statue for more details.
  3. Name: Piss (Čůrající postavy) Type: experience Why go: Two mechanical men pee into a pond shaped like the Czech Republic. Best for: Those with a sense of humor. Where: Franz Kafka Museum courtyard, Malá Strana. Time: 15 minutes. Cost: Free to view. Getting there: Walk from Charles Bridge. Tip: You can send a text message to the statues to make them spell words.
  4. Name: The Babies (Miminka) Type: sight Why go: Giant, faceless babies with barcodes for faces crawl near the river. Best for: Families and quirky art lovers. Where: Kampa Park. Time: 20 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk along the river from Malá Strana. Tip: You can touch these sculptures and take close-up photos.
  5. Name: Upside-Down Horse (Kůň) Type: sight Why go: A parody of the St. Wenceslas monument in Wenceslas Square. Best for: History buffs. Where: Lucerna Palace Gallery. Time: 15 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Near Můstek or Muzeum metro stations. Tip: Visit the nearby Lucerna Cafe for a coffee after viewing.
  6. Name: Embryo Type: sight Why go: A glowing embryo attached to a drainpipe that lights up at night. Best for: Evening walkers. Where: Na Zábradlí Theatre. Time: 5 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Near the Smetana Embankment. Tip: It looks much better after the sun goes down.
  7. Name: Quo Vadis Type: sight Why go: A Trabant car on four giant legs, symbolizing East German refugees. Best for: History enthusiasts. Where: German Embassy garden (visible from the back). Time: 10 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk up from Petřín Hill. Tip: You can see it through the fence on Vlašská street.
  8. Name: Brown-Nosers Type: experience Why go: Giant lower halves of bodies where you can climb a ladder to look inside. Best for: Bold travelers. Where: Futura Gallery, Smíchov. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Free/Small gallery donation. Getting there: Tram to Švandovo divadlo. Tip: Check gallery opening hours before you travel.
  9. Name: In Utero Type: sight Why go: A large, shiny sculpture of a pregnant woman that you can step inside. Best for: Interactive art fans. Where: Often located near Dlouhá street (check current location). Time: 10 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Near Old Town Square. Tip: The polished surface makes for great distorted selfies.
  10. Name: London Booster Type: sight Why go: A classic red London bus that does push-ups with mechanical arms. Best for: Engineering fans. Where: Chodov (outside Agrofert building). Time: 15 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Metro line C to Chodov. Tip: It is a bit far from the center, so plan accordingly.

Essential Tips for Your David Cerny Sculptures Walking Tour

Prague is a very walkable city, but some sculptures are spread out. You should use the efficient tram and metro system to save time. Most of these artworks are located in public spaces and are free to enjoy. According to Wikipedia, the city's art scene is constantly evolving. Always wear comfortable shoes as the cobblestones can be rough on your feet.

Combine your art tour with a visit to some historic literary cafes in Prague. Many are located near the sculpture stops in the Old Town. This allows you to rest while soaking in the city's rich intellectual history. It is a great way to balance modern art with traditional Czech culture.

Keep an eye on the weather when planning your route. Outdoor sculptures like the Babies or the Hanging Man are best seen in daylight. However, pieces like the Embryo are more impressive in the dark. Most statues are accessible 24/7, except for those inside galleries or private courtyards. Always respect the local residents and keep noise levels down.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Franz Kafka rotating head statute moving schedule in Prague?

The Franz Kafka rotating head statute moving schedule generally follows an hourly routine. The sculpture rotates at the top of every hour for about 15 minutes. It typically operates daily between 8:00 AM and 7:00 PM. Always check for local maintenance updates during your visit.

Is the Franz Kafka head free to visit?

Yes, the sculpture is located in a public plaza outside the Quadrio shopping center. There is no cost to view the movement. It is one of the most popular free attractions in Prague's New Town district.

How long does the David Cerny sculptures walking tour take?

A full tour of the most central sculptures takes about 3 to 4 hours. This includes the Kafka Head, the Hanging Man, and the Lucerna Horse. If you visit outlying pieces like the London Booster, allow for a full day.

Seeing the Franz Kafka rotating head statute moving schedule in person is a Prague must-do. It perfectly captures the city's blend of literary history and modern innovation. By following a David Cerny sculptures walking tour, you will see parts of the city most tourists miss. Don't forget to stop at one of the historic literary cafes in Prague to finish your day. Enjoy the creative spirit of the Czech capital!

Official resources

Use these sources for official schedules, tickets, routes, and updates.