Locating the Famous Hanging Man Statue

The Hanging Man is one of the most photographed pieces of street art in the Czech Republic. Created by the provocative artist David Černý in 1996, it represents the intellectual Sigmund Freud. The figure appears to be contemplating whether to hold on or let go. This striking visual serves as a commentary on the state of psychoanalysis and the new millennium.

You will find this masterpiece suspended high above the narrow cobblestone streets of the Old Town district. It is not located in a museum or a gated gallery. Instead, it is part of the public landscape, accessible to everyone for free. For more official information on city landmarks, visit the Prague.eu tourism portal.

The statue has traveled to many cities around the world, including London and Chicago. However, its permanent home remains here in the heart of Prague. Many locals are used to seeing tourists staring up at the sky in confusion. It is a vital stop on any David Černý sculptures Prague map tour.

Step-by-Step Guide to Finding the Sculpture

Finding this specific artwork requires a bit of navigation through the winding alleys of the city center. Follow these steps to ensure you do not miss the figure hanging above you. The walk is short but requires your full attention to the rooftops.

1. Navigate to Old Town Square: Start at the Jan Hus Memorial in the center of the square. (Time: 5 mins, Cost: Free, Where: Staroměstské náměstí, Mistake: Starting at the wrong square).
2. Walk toward Karlova Street: Head west toward the street that leads to the Charles Bridge. (Time: 5 mins, Cost: Free, Where: Karlova Street, Mistake: Getting distracted by the souvenir shops).
3. Turn onto Husova Street: Look for the intersection where Karlova meets Husova and turn left heading south. (Time: 3 mins, Cost: Free, Where: Husova Street, Mistake: Walking too far toward the river).
4. Look up at the intersection: Stop when you reach the corner of Husova and Skořepka. (Time: 2 mins, Cost: Free, Where: Intersection of Husova and Skořepka, Mistake: Looking at eye level instead of at the roofline).

If you are coming from the Jewish Quarter, simply walk south through the narrow passages until you hit Husova. The walk is flat and paved with traditional stones. Always watch your step while looking upward to avoid tripping on the uneven ground.

Preparation Checklist for Your Visit

Before you set out to find the Hanging Man, make sure you are prepared for the walk. Prague is a very walkable city, but a little planning goes a long way. Check the weather forecast on the Visit Czechia website before leaving your hotel. In 2026, the area remains popular, so early morning visits are best for photos.

• Comfortable Shoes: The Old Town streets are made of historic cobblestones that can be slippery.
• Offline Maps: Download a map of the city center in case you lose mobile signal.
• Camera with Zoom: The statue is high up, so a good lens helps capture the details of Freud's face.
• Water Bottle: There are few public fountains in this specific alleyway.

Decision Guide: If you are already in the Old Town, walk to Husova Street on foot. If you are staying further away, take the Metro Line A to the Staroměstská station. From there, it is a simple seven-minute walk to the statue location. If it is raining heavily, consider visiting a nearby indoor museum first.

Part of the David Černý Sculptures Prague Map

The Hanging Man is just one piece of a much larger puzzle of urban art. David Černý has several other famous installations scattered throughout the city. After seeing Freud, you should check the Franz Kafka rotating head statue schedule for its next movement. It is located only a short walk away near the Quadrio shopping center.

Another famous stop includes the giant crawling infants. You can find the babies sculpture Kampa Park location by crossing the Charles Bridge. These sculptures are much larger and allow for more interactive photography. Seeing all these works gives you a deep look into the modern soul of the city.

Most of these statues are within walking distance of each other. You can easily create a half-day itinerary focused solely on Černý's work. Start with the Hanging Man, move to the Kafka head, and end at the Vltava river. This route takes you through some of the most beautiful parts of Prague.

Troubleshooting Common Navigation Issues

Even with a map, some travelers struggle to spot the Hanging Man on their first try. The statue is designed to be somewhat hidden and surprising. Use these tips to overcome common obstacles during your search in the Old Town.

• Poor Lighting: The statue is not heavily spotlighted at night, so visit during daylight hours.
• Neck Strain: Remember to look very high up; the figure hangs from a pole extending from the roof.
• Scaffolding: Check for local construction, as buildings in this area often undergo renovation.
• Wrong Intersection: Ensure you are at Skořepka and Husova, not just anywhere on Husova Street.
• Mistaking it for a Person: Do not be alarmed; many people call the police thinking it is a real suicide attempt.
• Crowds: If a large tour group is standing in the street, they are likely looking at the statue.
• GPS Lag: High buildings can sometimes interfere with your phone's GPS accuracy in narrow alleys.