Statue of a boy in Prague. Prague "Manneken Pis" and Franz Kafka - moved (travel notes)

The Czech Republic is home to some of the strangest statues in the world. Not surprising, since Prague is the birthplace of the infamous sculptor David Cerný. His provocative works have gained recognition throughout the world. Besides Czerny's breathtaking masterpieces, the Czech Republic is full of quirky statues that are sure to make you stop and think.

1. Hanging Man, Prague

2. Babies on the Žižkov TV Tower, Prague

3. “Pissing Men”, Prague

Czerny's sense of humor was most evident in his sculpture of men peeing at the Franz Kafka Museum in Prague. The sculpture consists of two bronze men. Their hips are robotic and move so that words or entire phrases are spelled out with a stream of water. Anyone can send an SMS, which will be written in sculptures.

4. Statue of St. Wenceslas on a dead horse, Prague

5. Statue of St. Vilgefortis, Prague

6. Devil's heads, Zhelizy

7. Column of the Holy Trinity, Olomouc

The work of progressive sculptors such as David Czerny is popular all over the world, best known.

The Czech Republic is home to some of the strangest statues in the world. Not surprising, since Prague is the birthplace of the infamous sculptor David Cerný. His provocative works have gained recognition throughout the world. Besides Czerny's breathtaking masterpieces, the Czech Republic is full of quirky statues that are sure to make you stop and think.

1. Hanging Man, Prague

2. Babies on the Žižkov TV Tower, Prague

3. “Pissing Men”, Prague

Czerny's sense of humor was most evident in his sculpture of men peeing at the Franz Kafka Museum in Prague. The sculpture consists of two bronze men. Their hips are robotic and move so that words or entire phrases are spelled out with a stream of water. Anyone can send an SMS, which will be written in sculptures.

4. Statue of St. Wenceslas on a dead horse, Prague

5. Statue of St. Vilgefortis, Prague

6. Devil's heads, Zhelizy

7. Column of the Holy Trinity, Olomouc

The monument to Charles IV is erected on Křizovnice Square, near Charles Bridge, in Prague. It was erected in honor of the quincentenary of Charles University in 1848. This four-meter bronze monument is made in the neo-Gothic style. It is decorated with allegories of four university faculties: Arnošt Pardubicki, Jan Oczek Vlasimski, Benes Kolowratski and Mathieu Arras - famous associates of the king.

Charles IV is depicted holding a sword - a symbol of his military victories and the statute of the university. It is worth noting that Charles University, which is the main university in the country, the oldest in Central Europe, and also one of the oldest in the world, was founded by the emperor in 1348.

Coordinates: 50.08636300,14.41389100

TGM Monument

On Prague's Hradcany Square there is a bronze monument to the first president of Czechoslovakia, Tomas Garrigue Masaryk.

The three-meter figure of Tomas Masaryk rises on a granite pedestal in the very center of Prague's historical Hradcany district.

The monument was made by sculptors Josef Weitz and Jan Bartosz, based on the model of the master Otakar Spaniel, enlarging the original model three times. The prototype of the sculpture was created in 1931 and is now housed in the Prague Pantheon of the National Museum. The architect Jiří Ratouski gave the original model a modern look.

After the installation of the monument in Hradcany Square, a copy of the statue was also made, which was then taken and placed in Mexico City on the main avenue named after Masaryk. He is so well known in his country that the authors limited themselves to the laconic inscription “TGM” on the monument, without deciphering the full name of the first president.

Coordinates: 50.08952700,14.39648800

Monument to Sigmund Freud "Hanging Man"

The Hanging Man monument to Sigmund Freud is located on the protruding part of the roof of one of the houses in Prague. The figure of the famous scientist “hangs”, clinging to a beam with one hand. The author of such an unusual creation is the notorious Prague sculptor David Černý. The monument was created in 1996 and was a stunning success, and therefore the sculpture was hung in Prague, Chicago, and London.

They say that from a distance at dusk, the suspended figure of Freud resembles a hanged man or a person in trouble and often frightens passers-by. Some even see similarities with Vladimir Lenin and political implications in the sculpture. But according to the author’s plan, the monument should personify the isolation of the intelligentsia from the people.

Coordinates: 50.08723700,14.41734000

Monument to Berjikh Smetana

The monument to Bedřich Smetana is erected in front of the entrance to the composer's museum. The site where the monument is installed offers a beautiful view of the Vltava River, Charles Bridge and Prague Castle.

Bedřich Smetana (1824-1884) was a famous Czech composer, chief conductor of the Czech National Opera and pianist. His name is associated with the national school of composition. In his works he used Czech subjects and folk motifs. He owns the work “The Brandenburgers in the Czech Republic,” which became the first opera in history in the Czech language. His symphonic poem “Vltava” is considered the unofficial Czech anthem. Smetana was buried at the Visegrad cemetery.

Coordinates: 50.08566100,14.41294300

Monument to Jan Hus

The monument to Jan Hus is located in the northern part of the square and with all its grandeur demonstrates a symbol of national unity. The philosopher, preacher and reformer, who fought for the freedom of the Czechs, was recognized as a heretic in 1414, and a year later he was sentenced by the Catholic Church to execution by burning.

Monument to Wenceslas on an inverted horse

The monument to Wenceslas on an inverted horse is an ironic version of the famous classical monument to Saint Wenceslas. This unusual monument was made by the very scandalous sculptor David Cherny.

This version is in no way inferior to the original in popularity: a horse, tied by its legs, hangs upside down with its tongue hanging out, and the Czech King Wenceslas sits on its belly.

At first, it was decided to erect the monument, although close to the original, but on the other side of the square. However, the residents of the city did not like this creation of the sculpture and caused a whole storm of discontent. Therefore, it was decided to move the monument to another place.

Today it can be seen in the atrium of the Lucerne Passage. There, the monument is suspended from the ceiling on iron cables, and there are always a lot of tourists around it.

Coordinates: 50.08093000,14.42632600

Monument to the city tramp

The City Tramp Monument is a modern, original monument to the Czech homeless man, located in the heart of the capital of the Czech Republic. It represents a seated statue of a man on a blue bench - a barefoot, middle-aged man in a hat and loose cloak.

The monument to the tramp is located on a small street in the historical center of the Czech Republic, between Wenceslas and Old Town Squares. This is a small human-sized statue, around which tourists enjoy relaxing and taking pictures. The monument is cast from bronze. Vacationers in Prague love to shake his hand, rub his nose or the edge of his coat for good luck.

Coordinates: 50.08469700,14.42238600

Monument to Antonin Dvorak

The monument to Antonin Dvořák was erected on Jan Palach Square in front of the famous Rudolfinium, the palace of music and arts.

Antonin Dvořák is a world-famous Czech composer whose works have brought glory to his native country. His work reflected the musical traditions of Bohemia and Moravia, folk music and the melodies of his native land. In the last years of his life, Dvořák was director of the Prague Conservatory, which at that time was located in the Rudolfinium, a palace in the heart of the city.

After World War II, a bronze monument to Antonin Dvorak was erected on the square in front of the residence of the Czech Symphony Orchestra.

Coordinates: 50.08923000,14.41524300

Monument on Biloya Gora

The monument on Biloya Gora is a stone mound with a memorial plaque. It was erected in memory of those killed during a short battle that took place on Bila Gora on November 8, 1620 as part of the Thirty Years' War. On this day, the Habsburg Catholic army defeated the Czech Protestants, which sealed the fate of the Czech state for the next three centuries.

Bila Gora, 381 meters high, is one of the districts of Prague and is located on its western outskirts. The monument to the fallen Czech Protestants is located in the middle of the field on the hill where the meeting of the troops took place in 1620.

Coordinates: 50.07861100,14.31944400

Monument to firefighters

The Firefighters Monument is a monument dedicated to the 343 New York City firefighters who died responding to rescue efforts in New York City on September 11, 2001, a terrorist attack. This monument was unveiled on the island of Kampa. in Prague. The monument is a granite monument that depicts a fireman's helmet with the number 114.

The words on the pedestal read: “A firefighter is a person who lives in the world twice: for himself and for others. And that is why the life of a firefighter serves as a true example of a true understanding of human life.”

The opening of the monument was attended by the mayor of the capital, Bohuslav Svoboda, and representatives of the US Embassy. After the national anthem ended, members of the Prague Volunteer Firefighters Corps laid wreaths on the granite monument.

Coordinates: 50.08389200,14.40787400

Monument to Palakh and Zaits

On January 16, 1969, Jan Palach self-immolated on Wenceslas Square, protesting against the occupation of the Czechoslovak Republic by Soviet troops. Jan Palach was a twenty-year-old student who, seeing around him the passivity in the actions of his compatriots in front of the troops that occupied Czechoslovakia, out of despair, fearing that the country might forever remain a totalitarian state, committed an act of self-immolation. Jan Zaitz followed suit.

Monument to the Victims of Communism

The Monument to the Victims of Communism is a multi-sculptural allegorical composition located at the foot of Petřín Hill in Prague's Lesser Castle. This memorial was erected in honor of victims of the totalitarian regime of 1948-1988. The monument was opened in 2002, its authors are sculptor Olbram Zubek and architects Zdenek Holzel and Jan Kerel.

The sculptural composition consists of 7 bronze figures, which are depicted going down the stairs. Each subsequent statue is more “destroyed” than the previous one: first, limbs are “lost,” then fractures appear in the bodies, and in the end it seems that the person has gradually dissolved. According to the authors, the monument symbolizes the suffering of political prisoners during the period of communist rule. In the center there is an inscription indicating how many people were arrested, deported, died in prison, killed while escaping, or executed during those years. And on the bronze plaque placed nearby it is explained to whom this monument is dedicated.

Coordinates: 50.08336200,14.40311900

Monument to John of Nepomuk

Monument to John of Nepomuk - a statue depicting the famous Czech saint and martyr, installed on the Charles Bridge in Prague. It is believed that touching the statue brings good luck and happiness.

The first monument to John of Nepomuk was erected on the Charles Bridge at the beginning of the 17th century, and the modern bronze sculpture appeared in 1863. Its author was the famous sculptor Wolfgang Gerolt, and the pedestal was made by Jean Baptiste Matei. The monument turned out to be very beautiful and majestic, and it quickly became a model for many other sculptures depicting John of Nepomuk.

And even today this statue is considered the most beautiful decoration of the Charles Bridge and one of the most famous attractions of Prague.

Coordinates: 50.08649900,14.41131900

Monument to Franz Kafka

Between the Spanish Synagogue and the Church of the Holy Spirit in the Old Town there is an unusual monument - a monument to the famous Austro-Hungarian writer Franz Kafka.

The bronze sculpture, designed by Jaroslav Rona, appeared in Prague in 2003. The Kafka monument is 3.75 meters high and weighs 700 kilograms. The monument depicts the writer on the shoulders of a gigantic suit, in which the one who should wear it is missing. The monument refers to one of Kafka’s works, “The Story of a Struggle.” This is the story of a man who rides on the shoulders of another man through the streets of Prague.

Coordinates: 50.09053500,14.42077900

Monument "Přemysl and Libuše"

The legend about the founding of Prague says that after the death of Cech, who led the Czech people to the Czech Republic, his son, Voivode Krok, founded the city on a rock above the Vltava and named it Vysehrad due to its high location. When Krok died, the Czechs chose his youngest daughter, Libuše, as princess. Deciding to move the capital, she sent servants to look for a place on the left bank of the Vltava. The servants met woodcutters who were cutting down a tree. "What are you doing?" - asked the servants of Libuse. “We’re cutting the threshold,” the woodcutters answered. When the servants returned, they reported everything to the princess. “On this threshold the new city will be called Prague, and the glory of its stars will reach!” - commanded the impressionable Libushe.

It is believed that the monument in Visegrad was erected on the spot where Libuše said these words.

Monument to Jan Hus

In the Czech Republic, Jan Hus is a national hero, a great thinker and ideologist of the Czech Reformation. He spoke out against corruption, hypocrisy and extortions of the Catholic Church.

A complex multi-figure composition on a huge stone pedestal is inscribed into the ensemble of the square in such a way that the tall figure of the courageous preacher-reformer Jan Hus appears in the geometric center of the square.

There is an inscription on the monument that expresses the basic philosophy of the great Czech reformer: “Love people.”

The sculptural groups surrounding it personify the dramatic fate of the Czech Republic: the Hussite wars go into exile, a mother and child symbolize the hope for national revival.

The monument is undoubtedly one of the most significant works of the early 20th century Czech sculptor Ladislav Šaloun.

Old Town Square is a pedestrian zone; there are always a lot of Prague residents and tourists walking here.

Coordinates: 50.08773500,14.42113800

Monument to Saint Wenceslas

In 1912, one of the landmarks of Prague, a monument to St. Wenceslas by Joseph Vaclav Myslbek, was erected in front of the building of the National Museum.

Ghost Monument

Prague residents truly respect their ghosts. And even a monument was erected to one of them! This is Iron Man, whose statue you will find on the corner of the New Town Hall building.

The spirit of Jachim Berka is justly paying for his sins. Returning home from the war, he believed the gossip and rejected his bride. Only after marrying a neighbor's girl did he find out what a mistake he had made. Not only did the rejected girl and her father take their own lives, but his wife also turned into a lazy drunkard.

He made a man's decision: he strangled his wife and hanged himself in the basement. But even then he did not find peace. His spirit wanders along Platnerzhskaya Street, hoping for deliverance. Once every hundred years he can talk to a pure girl. However, today the cat made such people cry, and chatting with life-worn girls will not help Yahim.

Fountain-monument to pissing men

A fountain-monument to men pissing is installed in the courtyard in front of the house-museum of Franz Kafka. The museum is located in Mala Strana, about 50 meters from Charles Bridge. The museum houses the writer's published books, his diary, letters, photographs, sketches and many other things related to his life.

In front of the museum there is an extraordinary sculpture, which is a fountain composition made by David Cherny. Two bronze men stand opposite each other, relieving themselves in a shallow tank, shaped to recreate the borders of the Czech Republic. The author-creator was inspired for this sculptural work by the statue of a boy peeing, located in Brussels.

Coordinates: 50.08835800,14.41009000

Monument to Bozhena Nemtsova

The monument to Bozena Nemcova is located on Slovan Island, which is located in the center of Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic. The monument has become one of the symbols of the park in which it is located. The monument in Prague was created in collaboration between the People's Artist of the Czech Republic, sculptor Karel Pokorny, and the architect Jaroslav Fragner, who designed the superb pedestal.

Bozena Nemcova occupies a special place in Czech literature. She is often called the founder of modern Czech prose. Having practically no means of subsistence at the end of her life, the writer received due recognition and national fame only after her death. The bronze sculpture is filled with emotion and true human drama. The monument to Bozena Nemcova in Prague is considered one of the best monuments to this outstanding Czech writer.

Coordinates: 50.07978300,14.41238000

Monument to Rabindranath Tagore

The Rabindranath Tagore monument is located in the historical district of Prague 6, near the Dejvicka metro station, in the capital of the Czech Republic. This is a monument in honor of the outstanding Indian writer and poet, composer and performer, political figure, who also had a positive influence on individual cultural figures of the Czech Republic. The Tagore monument is made in the form of a bust of the writer on a high pedestal and is located in the middle of a small square.

Coordinates: 50.07553800,14.43780000

Monument to Jaroslav Hasek

The monument to Jaroslav Hasek, located in Prague, is made in the Art Nouveau style. The monument is a kind of hybrid of a horse with a bar counter. In the center of it there is a small pedestal with a bust of the writer himself. The horse is made of bronze, the stele and bust of the writer are made of stone. There is a huge hole made inside the horse. According to the original idea, a beer barrel should have been located in this place.

The author of the monument was the famous Czech sculptor Neprash Karel. However, the author himself did not live three years before its discovery. The monument to Jaroslav Hasek was opened in 2005. Its opening was like a national holiday. During this event, the best Czech choreographic groups performed. On the same day, soldiers fired their weapons and sang the national anthem.

By the way, the monument cost the Czech treasury one hundred and forty thousand dollars.

Coordinates: 50.08534400,14.44084200

Prague metronome

The Prague metronome above the Vltava is a unique monument in its own way. On the one hand, it is absurd and, as they say, closes a kind of emptiness that formed in this place during historical events. On the other hand, impartially counting hours, minutes, moments, the metronome is an impeccable and powerful symbol of independent, passing time. Rising above the center of beautiful Prague, this awkward structure breaks stereotypes and often leads to existential experiences.

The monument was built in 1991 on the site of the former monument to Stalin. History decreed that the huge monument to the leader of the peoples was erected at the wrong time, in 1955. Several years later it was dismantled, and the resulting hole was eventually “plugged” with a metronome, a kind of example of modern art. At first, the monument temporarily placed here took root and has been steadily and steadily swinging its pendulum for the third decade. And it seems that this process will never stop.

Coordinates: 50.09496700,14.41603300

Monument "Pieta" on Charles Bridge

The Pieta monument is located on the Charles Bridge in Prague. This sculptural group was created in 1859 by sculptor Emanuel Max, who captured the scene of the mourning of Jesus Christ. Translated from Italian, “Pieta” means mercy and piety.

In addition to the usual Virgin Mary and Mary Magdalene in this iconographic plot, the Apostle John the Theologian also mourns the Savior on the Charles Bridge.

This is not the first Pieta erected on this site. Previously, there was a Pietà hand carved from stone in 1695 by the sculptor Jan Brokoff, which was later moved to the garden of the Monastery of the Merciful Sisters. And in an earlier time, namely in the 15th century, on the site of modern Pieta there was an image of the Crucifixion, demolished by a powerful flood in 1496.

In addition to the Pieta, today there are 29 more sculptural groups on the Charles Bridge, dedicated to Catholic saints and having their own unique history.

Coordinates: 50.08648000,14.41146000

Monument to Josef Manes

The monument to Josef Manes stands on the Prague embankment at the base of the bridge, named after the outstanding Czech artist of the 19th century.

Josef Manes is a leading Czech painter of the 19th century. His works in the style of romanticism were a vivid continuation of the European artistic tradition.

The monument to the artist was erected at the end of the 19th century on the embankment, near the Rudolfinum hall, where the Prague National Orchestra is located.

The figure of Manes, who holds an easel in his hands, complements the architectural ensemble of the square, echoing the monument to another great Czech - Antonin Dvorak, whose sculpture is installed opposite.

Coordinates: 50.08954400,14.41451800

Monument to Jan Zizka

Monument to Jan Žižka is an equestrian statue of Jan Žižka, erected on Vitkov Hill in 1950. It symbolizes the memory of the national hero of the Czech Republic - Jan Žižka, who at this place in 1420 with four thousand people defended Prague from the army of thousands of crusaders.

The National Monument to Jan Žižka is located in the center of Vitkov Park, on top of the hill of the same name, almost in the center of Prague. The magnificent statue of the national hero of the Czech Republic is nine meters high without a pedestal and weighs almost 17 tons. It consists of 120 bronze parts and five thousand bolts. The statue of Jan Zizka is the world's largest bronze equestrian monument. It was designed by the Czech sculptor Bohumil Kafka, influenced by the works of Auguste Rodin, but the master himself did not see his own creation, since he died in the Second World War.

Coordinates: 50.08855400,14.45003100

The monument to Soviet soldiers was erected at the Olsany military burial ground in Prague in the Zizkov district. Next to the monument to the soldiers who fell during the liberation of Prague from the German occupiers, there are identical tombstones in the form of a stone pillar with a five-pointed star. In total, 426 people are buried here. Architect Karel Benes and sculptor Jaroslav Brugi worked on the design of the monument. The monument is a tall gray slab, in front of which stands a bronze soldier with a rifle in his hands. A five-pointed star with Soviet symbols: a hammer and sickle rises above the slab. The monument is accompanied by a memorial plaque.

Coordinates: 50.08055600,14.47055600

Sights of Prague

Sculpture of Kaburek

Urban sculpture is an integral part of any big city. In Prague it is very different: from monumental monuments to funny small sculptures. One of the latest is a sculpture of Kaburek, a Czech merman on the island of Kampa.

Kaburek has its own special place in the legends of old Prague. He differs from, for example, the Russian merman, who, as the master of the waters, rarely appeared on land and often dragged someone into his underwater kingdom for his own entertainment. Kaburek is a good water type. More than anything else, he loves beer and beautiful girls, and prefers bottled beer.

The legend says that in life the merman was an ordinary city dweller. Like all working people, Kaburek loved to have a glass or two of beer in the evening after a hard day. Returning home, he fell into the waters of the Devil’s River and drowned. Since then, a peace-loving evil spirit has been wandering around Kampa, entering Prague pubs and spending time among the townspeople.

In his free time from visiting pubs, Kaburek collects the souls of drowned people in clay pots at the bottom of his abode. By the way, the potter from whom Kaburek takes the pots also enjoyed good fame.

Kaburek loves good beer, and if he appears in a pub often, then this is a great honor for the owner: Kaburek will not go to a bad establishment. In order for the merman to feel comfortable in the establishment, the owner placed a tub of water in the corner: Kaburek always had to have his feet and coat tails in the water.

The gifts of civilization and technological progress frightened him away. As soon as gramophones, then stereos, or, even worse, televisions began to appear in Prague pubs, Kaburek stopped appearing here. Sometimes a man in a damp frock coat wanders around Kampa, asking passers-by for a bottle of beer and giving them fresh fish in gratitude.

Sculptor Josef Nalepa decided to capture the funny resident of the island and sculpted a statue of Kaburek. He sits on the wheel of an old mill in the pose of a thinker, smokes a pipe, looks attentively and thoughtfully at the water, and perhaps into eternity. Such a water-philosopher, humanly understandable, with his passions and weaknesses, in a word, with a soul.

The statue of the merman on Kampe is located near the Lovers' Bridge. Locks have recently appeared on the bridge: every couple in love considers it their duty to secure their union in this way. Because of this, Kaburek's sculpture is often not visible. Only if you look closely, you can see a little man in a hat and green frock coat, who sat down next to the river to reflect on the meaning of human life.

Sculpture “Cloak of Conscience” or “Empty Cloak”

An unusual gatekeeper awaits guests at the entrance to the ancient Prague Estates Theater. A figure wrapped in a cloak sits on a pedestal. But these are not the tricks of street performers at all! If you look closely, a shiver will creep down your spine - there is no one under the bronze folds of the cloak...

The plaque under the sculpture explains: the statue depicts the ghostly Commander, a character from Mozart's opera Don Giovanni. The premiere of the musical masterpiece took place in 1787 in this theater, and the author personally conducted the orchestra. Nowadays, this is the only theater preserved in its original form, the walls of which witnessed the great Austrian composer. There were rumors that Mozart consulted in Prague with the legendary heartthrob Giacomo Casanova, who became the prototype of Don Giovanni.

The famous drama, which began with a duel between a dissolute rake and a Seville nobleman, inspired more than one generation of cultural figures and is known to us primarily from A. S. Pushkin’s play “The Stone Guest.” The father, trying to protect his daughter's honor from desecration, fell victim to Don Juan, but returned from the other world in the form of a tombstone statue to take revenge on the murderer. The rebellious disembodied spirit of the Commander, who actively intervened in the affairs of mortals, became a source of inspiration for the Czech sculptor Anna Chromy, the author of the statue near the Estates Theater.

The author's intention is much broader and is not limited to the spirit of vengeance. Since her youth, fascinated by the work of the surrealists, Anna Chromie developed the entire concept of “Cloaks of Conscience.” She interprets the emptiness framed by the cloak as intangible traces remaining in our world after a person leaves. They can be love, creative heritage, vindictiveness, resentment... They do not exist materially, as evidenced by the emptiness under the cloak, but their impulses continue to transform reality, giving it shape, like folds of fabric over the spiritual essence of the Commander.

The creative idea was embodied in a series of identical marble sculptures near the Salzburg Cathedral, in front of the Estates Theater in Prague, in front of the medieval Church of St. Severin on the Friesland island of Silt, in the Royal Palace of the Princes of Monaco and near the National Archaeological Museum in Athens, where an exhibition was held in 2007 Chromie's works.

The project lasted from 2005 to 2011 and aroused great interest among both ordinary people and celebrities. Personal copies of “The Cloak” were purchased by Popes John Paul II and Benedict XVI, singer Andrea Bocelli, and the families of Italian businessmen Ferrero and Ferragamo.

In 2010, Chromie created a commemorative collection, “Cloak for Peace,” with statues painted in the heraldic colors of 200 countries. According to the author's idea, under the cloak were the elusive national mentality of each people and the friendly feelings that unite them into humanity.

Thus, everyone is free to fill the contents of the cloak with any emotions, which makes this sculpture a universal reflection of the boundless human soul.

Sculpture "Babies" in Prague

In 2000, a sculptural composition of huge (about 3.5 meters long) faceless babies crawling at great heights down and up the walls of this building was placed on the Žižkov television tower in Prague. The appearance of these alien babies on the boring TV tower, which is a reminder of the city's communist past, has turned it into one of Prague's most famous and popular tourist attractions.

In the winter of 2000–2001, the city authorities decided to dismantle the figures of children, since their fasteners were not designed for the additional mass of snow. But local residents have already fallen in love with the TV tower building in its new updated appearance, and therefore came to the defense of the sculpture. The city administration met the citizens halfway and, after improving the fastening system, the “Babies” returned to their place. The sculptor very carefully chose the location of each of his “wards”, but is still dissatisfied with the location of one of them.

Giant babies were conceived by David Cherny back in 1994, when he lived in New York. Initially, the composition of the sculptures was intended for the Museum of Contemporary Art in Chicago. But this museum could not find money for the installation, and therefore the figures wandered around various exhibitions for several years.

Babies in Kampa Park

In 2008, three more giant black babies with barcodes instead of faces “settled” in Kampa Park near the museum. The sculptures are cast in bronze, each, like its “Žižkov brother,” 3.5 meters long and about 2.5 meters high. Each baby weighs 100 kg. The sculptural composition “Babies” is very popular among tourists and is one of the most significant installations in the open part of the museum on Kampa.

Here everyone can take a closer look at them, take a photo and even climb on the famous babies.

All sculptural compositions of David Cherny have a hidden meaning. Here's "Babies" too. Babies without faces express the sculptor's protest against abortion.

Sculpture "Hanging Man" in Prague

A casual passer-by on Gusovaya Street may have a sudden heart skip a beat: a man is hanging from a steel mast sticking out from the roof of one of the houses! Who is this? A suicidal hangman or a person in trouble?! It also happens that worried tourists call the police or firefighters. Well, the sculptor-provocateur David Cerný was counting on such attention to his brainchild, when in 1997 he hung a sculpture of a man holding a beam with his hand on a Prague street. The work was dedicated to the exhibition “Respect 97”.

The unique sculpture, 220 cm high, is one of the many creations of the world famous Czech sculptor in Prague. Invariably shocking and often annoying his fellow citizens, Cherny nevertheless earned international recognition with his works. The sculpture of the “hanging man” (“Viselec”) has traveled the world and has been “hung” at the Czech Cultural Center in Berlin, at the National Theater and at the Embassy of the Czech Republic in London, among many others. At an exhibition in Chicago in 2007, there was even an incident with the police who came to “rescue” a potential suicide.

But was the “hanging man” really created just to cause fear? Some Czech citizens, and other representatives of the former Eastern Bloc, find a portrait similarity between the sculpture and Vladimir Lenin and see in the work a political satire on the long-lived communist paradise. However, the sculptor himself claims that the figure personifies the Austrian father of psychoanalysis, Sigmund Freud. Clutching the saving beam with one hand, the professor seemed to be hovering over the abyss of the Unconscious, into which he was one of the first to look at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries. Continuing the game with the public, Cherny offers another, more scandalous, interpretation: the sculpture symbolizes the isolation of the intelligentsia from the common people, to whom the jungle of psychoanalysis is alien. The provocation was a great success: interest in the work does not fade, and the proposed interpretations allow modern psychoanalysts to look into the hidden corners of the minds of interpreters.

Sculpture “Inverted Horse”

What epithets do well-wishers call the sculpture “Inverted Horse” and its author David Cherny. One thing is certain: this masterpiece was created by a truly unique sculptor, in whose works subtle humor, political and social satire, provocation and remarkable talent are surprisingly intertwined.

The Inverted Horse is a parody copy of the equestrian statue of St. Wenceslas, one of the most revered saints in the Czech Republic.

In 1999, a new Wenceslas was installed on Wenceslas Square, sculpted by David Černý: a sculpted saint calmly seated on an inverted dead horse suspended by its legs with its tongue hanging out of its mouth.

Initially, it was planned to install the work in the main building of the Czech post office, but the management rejected this option and the sculpture was placed on the opposite side of the square, at its lower end, opposite its prototype. After a short period of time, the monument was moved to the Lucerne shopping arcade on Vodickova Street.

The owner of the Lucerne Palace proposed the option of installing the “Horse” under the dome of the passage gallery. And until today, a huge figure of an inverted horse suspended by its legs - the height of the monument is about 5 meters, and the length is about 3 - hangs from under the dome of the shopping center.

Interestingly, the tongue hanging from the mouth of a dead horse constantly changes color. What is this connected with? It often has to be restored, because with enviable frequency the horse is left without a tongue.

It happens that local youth misbehave, showing off a torn piece to their peers - this is considered a kind of feat among young people, sometimes tourists steal a piece of a unique work as a souvenir, and it is very difficult to select material for a new language by color.

Tour guides like to bring tourists to the mall and talk about the upside down horse and the occasional tongue theft.

Sculpture “Chair on the Vlatva”

The sculpture “Chair on the Vlatva” is part of the exhibition of the Museum of Contemporary Art, located on the island of Kampa. The sculpture is a truly huge chair with a bent leg. By the way, the sculptor’s ideological plan is still unknown. There is a lot of controversy about this and there is a lot of speculation; everyone can put forward their own version, no matter how crazy it may seem.

In the 1980s, Czech sculptor Magdalena Etelova created a four-meter sculpture of a chair. Only in 2002 did it see the light and was presented to the public. The sculpture was installed at the gateway of the Vlatva River. However, it did not stand for long; during a flood in June, river waves washed the two-ton chair off its pedestal. The sculpture was found more than 40 km down the river. The giant chair was completely destroyed by water. The sculpture was not subject to restoration.

The city did not quickly recover from this major flood. But local residents managed to fall in love with this slightly strange sculpture. They identify it with the Kampa Museum and consider this chair a symbol of modern art. Therefore, in 2003, enthusiastic students from the School of Fine Arts built a modern version, an exact copy of the destroyed sculpture. The modern art object is called “Return of the Chair – 2”. The sculpture was installed in its original place, so it still points the way to the museum, being a kind of beacon of the institution.

The modern chair has grown somewhat, its height is 6 meters. And since the sculpture now weighs 8 tons, instead of 2, it is no longer afraid of rising water. The new chair will be able to withstand any flood.

The sculpture “Chair on the Vlatva” fits organically into the surrounding landscape, standing out worthily from other art objects on display in the museum.

Sculpture Swallow

One of the many complexes of ancient buildings in Prague, Clementinum, became the real parent of a small but very interesting modern monument - the sculpture “Vlaštovka - Vlaštovka (Swallow)” by Magdalena Popławska.

This sculpture has a simple, but at the same time touching story. Everything happened as if in some strange fairy tale.

One of the oldest and most beautiful castles, Clementinum, once held an exhibition of diploma works by students from one of the art and industrial schools in Prague. It featured many works by young authors, including a plastic sculpture created by an ordinary girl named Magdalena Poplawska. It was a statue of a seated little girl holding a figurine made of paper in her hands. Each of the visitors saw in her hands either an airplane, a crane, or a swallow.

At the end of the exhibition, all the students took their work, but for some reason the girl remained forgotten. After the exhibition was closed, due to a strange coincidence, it took root in the castle for many years. Then someone planted a plastic girl on the roof of one of the buildings of the Clementinum complex, and she, with her legs dangling, sits on that building to this day and seems to be watching passers-by, about to throw a paper figure at them.

There is another version of the further development of events: people say that the owner of this work returned and took the girl, but by that time the Prague residents loved the sculpture so much that they unanimously demanded its return, and the girl again came to her “father’s house” of Clementinum.

Tourists who look at the girl sitting on the roof often confuse the figurine with a real child. You can often hear exclamations and thoughts about how a child could get to such a height, and sometimes there is serious excitement about this.

No one understood exactly what kind of figurine was in the child’s hands. Until now, everyone calls it differently: airplane, swallow or crane. Later, local residents of Prague decided and affectionately named the sculpture “Swallow”. Maybe because it was the paper figurine that most reminded them of her, but the reason could also be the fact that the girl herself, fearlessly perched at a height of more than 4 meters, is associated by the townspeople with this brave bird.

"Harmony or sculpture of the Praying One"

Located in Prague, on the banks of the Vltava River.

It was erected in honor of the famous Indian humanist philosopher, preacher, artist, poet and writer Sri Chinmoy.

At the age of 12, Sri Chinmoy joined Sri Aurobindo's spiritual community. From that moment on, his entire life was devoted to the study of hidden divine powers in order to reveal the inner energy and knowledge of man and make him better. With his followers, he came to many countries and visited Prague several times.

Sri Chinmoy passed away in 2007. Two years later, monuments appeared in many cities around the world, including the capital of the Czech Republic, as a tribute to memory and respect for his bright teaching.

He was a friend and disciple of Sri Chinmoy. In his interviews, he always emphasized that the support of his spiritual teacher helped him become a sculptor.

Inspired by the ideas and philosophical teachings of a man whose mantras, mind and heart were dedicated to Peace and Universal Harmony, in 2009 Kaivalya created a monument in his honor.

A man-made work, created by man, without any deliberate effect, simply and naturally fit into the natural environment, located among the calm surface of the river, sky and trees.

The male figure of a man, depicted in full height and dressed in traditional Indian clothing, is captured at the moment of meditation. The preacher's handsome face is not only stern, but also kind. His pose is calm and solemn. And hands folded in a prayer gesture are a sign of participation in the Supreme Mind, which gives all living things the meaning of existence.

In 2013 there was a flood in Prague, the sculpture looked very impressive, judge for yourself.

Believing that it is spirituality, and not politics, that will bring harmony to the world, Sri Chinmoy wrote one and a half thousand books. He created meditation music, paintings and songs. Developed a unique program - “Raising the World with the Heart of Unity”. Its purpose is to celebrate the outstanding achievements of people in any field of activity, thereby inspiring them and making humanity more grateful and perfect.

Hundreds of people come to the Sri Chinmoy monument every day.

In an era when the world has lost its stability and art has lost its ideals, the figure of the Prayer appears as a symbol of the times, concealing hope and instilling faith in Goodness and Reason.

The sculpture of a praying man is located between the Charles Bridge and the Legia Bridge right next to the Kampa Museum.

Sculpture by Franz Kafka

The sculpture of Franz Kafka stands near the Quadrio shopping center above the metro station called Národní třída.

During the construction of the statue, it was taken into account that it would function smoothly in normal weather in Prague. In case of severe frost or snowfall, a special “wrapper” is put on the statue.

From the very beginning it was assumed that the square would contain a work of art. Investors contacted David Cherny, who had three different proposals, after which a choice was made in favor of this sculpture.

The monument to Franz Kafka is made in the form of a giant stainless steel head, 10 meters high and weighing 45 tons. It consists of 42 disks rotating in different directions (the disks themselves weigh 38 tons, and the rest of the weight comes from 1 kilometer of electrical wires). The discs have the ability to transform into a portrait of Franz Kafka for a few seconds, and then hide it, turning into a mirror in which you can see the reflection of nearby buildings. Small mirrors are located at the bottom of the sculpture, which serve the same function - to display the sculpture's surroundings. The maximum rotation speed of each disc is 6 revolutions per minute, the rotation speed is controlled remotely (they say that David Cherny himself controls the sculpture).

This unusual mirror sculpture by Franz Kafka in Prague cost the municipality 30 million crowns.

David Černý explained his concept like this: “Kafka’s work had a great influence on Prague and, therefore, the head belongs to the Shopping Center and the center of Prague.”

Franz Kafka is a fairly well-known Czech satirist writer all over the world. Perhaps the sculptor wanted to show with his work the diversity and versatility of the writer.

Sculpture Three Witches “flying”

One of the most famous and mystical sculptures in the capital of the Czech Republic is the park sculpture of three witches - “flights”, located in the Frantiskansky Garden, not far from the Catholic church. The pedestal of the three flying witches is an example of classic French park architecture. It was made by the famous sculptor and architect Josef Klimesch.

The sculpture represents three stone young ladies with outstretched arms and rushing after each other in the ritual dance of the Sabbath. The fact that the sculpted witches are dancing is indicated by their flying clothes and hair pulled back from their faces. Flying witches decorate the pedestal of a small drinking fountain.

The prototype of the sculpture of the three witches is the flying evil witches, who, according to legend, were seen in this area about 100 years ago.

The sculptural composition of three “flying” witches is unusual in its execution. Unlike other stone statues of mystical themes, it does not inherit the Gothic style and does not seek to emphasize external ugliness and horror. The images of flying witches, although not too detailed, are still quite peaceful. At first glance, they are completely faceless, devoid of character and similar to each other. However, if you look closely, the facial expression of each of the three witches expresses a certain emotion.

It is noteworthy that the sculptures with a human face do not have eyes. But their faces are decorated with light smiles, with which the sculptor probably wanted to emphasize the irony of finding such a sculpture in such a religious place, as well as the vain superstitions of tourists.

On the back side, all three stone figures are hollow. With the help of this technique, the author of the sculptural composition got rid of monumentality. In addition, the play of light and shadow on the stone adds expressiveness to the sculpture and thus compensates for the lack of elaborate forms and facial features of the figures.

The sculpture is very popular in Prague, because on the night from April 30 to May 1, the capital of the Czech Republic celebrates Walpurgis Night, the celebration program of which includes a visit to the fountain of the three “flying” witches.

Sculpture “Toadying”

One of the most provocative sculptures by David Cherny. The satire, wit and outright evil humor expressed in the sculpture splash over the edge, exposing and ridiculing sycophancy as a human vice.

Ironizing the theme of servility and groveling of one person to another, David Cherny in 2003 presented to the audience two white figures of five-meter tall naked headless men resting their hands on a concrete wall. The men bent to the ground at an angle of 90º and showed the world the most unflattering parts of their bodies, which were clearly not intended for kissing.

In such a provocative way, David Cherny conveys the essence of sycophancy as accurately as possible, directly indicating how exactly it is expressed in relationships between people. The absence of heads on the statues “gently hints” at the stupidity and mental narrow-mindedness of sycophants and those who succumb to their flattery.

It is noteworthy that the headlessness of the figures speaks not only of a “lack of brains”, and, consequently, of low intellectual development, but also of the absence of a face. It would seem that the obvious thing is that there is no head, no face. But here, too, Cerny’s subtle irony can be traced: a faceless sycophant, he loses his face, destroys himself as a person.

The way of expressing thoughts seems to be intended to arouse disgust among observers towards vice and the people suffering from it, because the sycophancy depicted by the sculptor is perceived as something dirty and humiliating.

However, the author’s satire and “sculptural slander” are not limited exclusively to the monumental expression of thought. In his work, in addition to ridiculing spiritual vices, David Cherny also included poisonous political irony. You can get acquainted with its contents by climbing a specially installed iron staircase and looking into the exaggerated anal openings of the statues, as if into the cesspool of political life.

A person climbing the stairs is presented with a non-stop video of Vaclav Klaus, the former President of the Czech Republic, and Milan Knizak, a famous Czech artist, sculptor, musician and dissident. The plot of the video is simple and at the same time edifying: Milan Knizek, with special zeal and diligence, feeds Vaclav Klaus porridge, flowing down the chin of the former President of the Czech Republic and dripping onto the table, and all this to the famous Queen track “We are the champions.”

If you delve into history, the following fact becomes obvious. During his life, David Černý repeatedly criticized Václav Klaus, who served as Prime Minister of the Czech Republic from 1993 to 1997, and was later elected president of the country in 2003. It was in 2003 that Cherny created the sculpture “Toadying.” Is it a coincidence?

“Monument to Sycophancy” was installed in the real center of contemporary art in the Czech Republic – the Futura gallery. The gallery, like the sculptures stored within it, is sharply different from its peers: Futura is a restored factory that has preserved the spirit of its industrial past.

Sculpture “Parable of the Skull”

On Golden Street, on the territory of Prague Castle, there is a rather unusual sculpture cast in bronze, the name of which is very philosophical - “The Parable of the Skull”. Although Prague residents believe that the title “Death Rapes Life” would be more suitable for it.

The sculpture represents a man in a humble knee-elbow position, with a huge skull on his back. The sculpture at the back is no less interesting; here you can see male assets polished to a shine by tourists, most likely for good luck. The weight of this sculptural composition exceeds 500 kg.

The installation was made by the famous Prague avant-garde sculptor Jaroslav Rona in 1993. He spent more than 250 thousand crowns (approximately 8,500 euros) on its creation. The master received worldwide recognition thanks to his truly unique work “Monument to Franz Kafka”. He is an artist, sculptor and graphic artist, the author of amazing sketches for the film “Franz Kafka’s America”, and he is also a permanent screenwriter for the Sklep Theater.

Everyone who sees this sculpture has conflicting feelings. A huge skull, overwhelming a faceless man with its mass, makes you think about what is probably the most important thing - what death is. “The Parable of the Skull” once again reminds us that nothing lasts forever, and everything comes to an end. The sculpture shows how helpless a person is before death. Some Prague residents also consider the sculptural composition a monument to prisoners of the ancient Dalibork prison who once died within its walls. That is, the main idea of ​​this masterpiece cast in bronze is a reminder of death. Although some depression from what he saw is hidden by the tradition, invented by tourists, of rubbing one’s manhood for luck.

Yaroslav Ron himself states that this sculptural composition, like many of his other works, is dedicated to Franz Kafka, or, more precisely, to his works. The installation very accurately personifies the features and character of the characters in his works. Kafka's literary works are permeated with absurdity and fear of the hostile outside world, the highest authorities who awakened corresponding anxious feelings in their readers. Today, everyone who sees the sculpture “Parable of the Skull” experiences a similar range of feelings. The location of the sculpture is not accidental. After all, Franz Kafka once lived in one of these houses on Golden Street.

Monument to Franz Kafka in Prague

One of the Prague monuments to the outstanding writer of the 20th century, singer of the absurd Franz Kafka, is located not far from his birthplace, between the Prague Jewish Museum and the Church of the Holy Spirit. At the end of the 19th century, this was the gateway between the outcast area - the Jewish Joseph's Quarter - and Christian Prague. The dark mystical legends that hovered around the Jewish ghetto found an echo in the phantasmagoric world of Kafka's works, which, in turn, serves as a source of inspiration for artists of the present.

The sculptural composition, created by Jaroslav Róna in 2003, is often included in the top ten most unusual monuments in the world. Kafka sits on the shoulders of an empty suit, walking down the street in ankle-deep pavement. The writer gestures in the direction of his porter. Kafka was an eternal wanderer in his hometown: he wrote in German, since the Czech Republic was part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, he changed 13 rented apartments, did not receive recognition during his lifetime... One can only guess whether he knew for sure where he was heading.

One version goes back to Kafka’s story “The Story of a Struggle,” whose hero became jealous of a random fellow traveler and climbed onto his shoulders to see the world through someone else’s eyes. Finding himself in “someone else’s shoes,” the hero of the story got rid of envy of the stranger, since everyone has their own pain...

Another assumption is related to the Prague myths about the Golem - a clay doll that Rabbi Levi magically brought to life and made him his servant. Many humanists were influenced by Kafka's irrational metaphysical legacy. It had a huge influence on European literature and philosophical thought, gradually “directing” them.

The statue can also be seen as a call to rise above one's own pettiness and narrow-mindedness. After all, a person is often chained to his habits, like a suit, and inadequately assesses what is happening around him. Moreover, the external manifestation must be subordinate to the internal, that is, a person must be able to control his image, tell him where to follow. Only then does he gain true freedom.

Some see in Rhone's sculpture a social satire on the faceless bureaucratic apparatus, in which officials are equivalent to their functions. Here it is worth recalling the brilliant novel “The Master and Margarita”, in which an empty suit copes with its official duties perfectly.

Such an abundance of interpretations is quite in the spirit of the writer’s books, which drag like a whirlpool, but at the same time avoid direct answers to the questions that arise.

London Booster sculpture

The famous Czech sculptor David Černý has long been known throughout the world for his unusual creations. In them, the author shows world realities in a humorous, even slightly satirical light. And so, in 2012, the world saw a new masterpiece of the famous Czech - the sculpture London Booster.

This work of art is located in the sculptor’s homeland, Prague, and anyone can look at it. Just visit the Chodov shopping center, next to which this creation is located on one of the children's playgrounds. It represents the well-known London double-decker bus with buttocks, which does push-ups from the floor on two giant hands. These arms are made from scraps of metal pipes, and inside the “athlete” there is an electric motor hidden that sets the entire structure in motion. The mechanism is equipped with powerful hydraulics, allowing the bus to be lifted to great heights. The author left the vehicle in the traditional red color, but slightly re-equipped the interior, and equipped the windows with screens on which videos are broadcast. Viewers also say that when performing exercises, the “athlete” convincingly grunts and sighs, which makes him even more naturalistic. You can see this miracle every day from 15.00 to 15.30. The only condition under which an athlete does not work is bad weather (heavy rain or snowfall).

Why the bus? And why did the master create an athlete of gigantic proportions from him? As David himself explains, such buses are the hallmark of the city. The opening of the installation itself was timed to coincide with the Olympics in London, where, in fact, the sculpture was located throughout the Olympics. The sculptor probably wanted to create some kind of symbol for all athletes.

The author of the sculpture also has his own explanations about the type of exercises. As Cherny says, push-ups are those exercises that are mandatory for any athlete’s training program. Moreover, this does not depend on the type of sport, weight category or gender. In addition, push-ups are a way to improve discipline in the army, correctional camps and prisons.

The theme of cars appears quite often in David's work. Previously, he created sculptures in the form of a car on four human legs and a car on the facade of the Prague Gallery. And the London Booster installation continues to amaze thousands of tourists and still preserves the memory of the Olympics. The creator hoped that the mechanism would remain durable at least until the end of the Olympic Games, but the sports bus exceeded all expectations and is still working perfectly.

Every day from 15:00 to 15:30 the bus is driven, which delights the children.

Sculpture "Embryo"

In Prague, on the corner of an unremarkable building, something attracts the attention of absolutely all passersby. This something is a sculptural composition by the notorious Czech sculptor David Cerny, whose name is “Embryo”. The building whose drainage pipe served as the umbilical cord for this amazing installation is the Na Zabradli Theater.

David Cerny created a sculpture resembling a human fetus back in 1996. To make it, he used three materials - metal, epoxy resin and plastic. The sculptor introduced ordinary LEDs inside the installation. The height of the embryo is 120 cm.

The appearance of “Embryo” on the drainpipe was timed to coincide with the anniversary of the Prague theater Na Zabradli, and it turned 50 years old. This is exactly how David Cherny decided to congratulate the theater group. The embryo was located on the corner of the facade of the house, clinging to a drainpipe, like an alien creature from a science-fiction film, and this happened on December 9, 2008. David Cherny carried out the production and placement of the installation at his own expense. This is the unusual gift the theater received for its “birthday”.
Embryo 2

Despite the fact that this is absolutely not a controversial sculpture, and besides, it fits perfectly into the surrounding landscape and looks quite organically on the external facade of the building, the sculptor still had to listen to many critical comments addressed to him. Many people didn't like her.

After the installation of the futuristic embryo, the performers, ordinary employees and even the theater management were divided into two warring camps. Some people liked the sculpture and are happy with the gift, while others demand it be dismantled immediately. This confrontation, unfortunately, is noticeable on the stage; the warring parties hardly coexist here. But for now the embryo is still in its place.

Despite the differences in opinion among townspeople, this sculpture is definitely popular among tourists. Firstly, this “Embryo”, according to the sculptor’s idea, symbolizes the origin of creative life. Secondly, after sunset, the embryo begins to flicker in a pinkish-red color, which gives the general atmosphere of the city a certain mystery. The abstract figure arouses increased interest among tourists even at night with its mysterious, pleasant glow and blinking. Well, and thirdly, this is the creation of the hand of David Cerny, and he is for Prague as Antonio Gaudi is for beautiful Barcelona.

Sculpture "Red Cars"

The idea of ​​creating an international center for contemporary art in Prague, where Czech and foreign artists could exchange ideas and create together, originated with avant-garde sculptor David Černý in 2000.

Initially, the site was planned to open in a former meat processing plant in the industrial area of ​​Holešovice. The sculptor came up with the original name “MeetFactory” for the center (loosely translated as “Meeting Factory”), taking advantage of the consonance of the English words “meet” (meet) and “meat” (meat). This pun gave impetus to the development of the idea for the design of the building. Black made two life-size blood-red cars from fiberglass, which were supposed to hang on the wall at the entrance, resembling bloody meat carcasses on hooks from afar.

However, floods in Prague in 2002 prevented the project from being implemented in Holešovice, and the MeetFactory club opened only in 2005 in an empty warehouse in the Smíchov district. Before moving to Smíchov, Cerny's red cars were exhibited at the Veletržní Palác. Today they decorate the facade of MeetFactory, following the author's idea. They are visible from everywhere and, like a beacon, attract visitors. Associations with a slaughterhouse are also reinforced by the red streaks painted on the walls of the club.

Despite the bloody allusions, the tasks of the art platform MeetFactory, which Cherny runs together with David Koller and Alice Nellis, are exclusively peaceful. It unites and supports all areas of contemporary art: painting, theater, cinema and music - and strives to bring them closer to the people. Exhibition halls give young artists from all over the world a chance to find their audience. The rich music program offers up to 6-8 events per month, including electro and indie parties, where you can spot Black himself with a can of beer. Among other things, red cars symbolize the atmosphere of “awesome” fun that reigns in the club.

Sculpture-fountain “Pissing Men” in Prague

The fountain (Čůrající postavy) is located near the building of the Franz Kafka Museum, which is not exactly a museum in the traditional sense. Rather, it is a traveling exhibition that remains in the city for a fairly long period (about 10 years). Its exposition is located on the territory of the former Gergeta brick factory. Here next to him stands an interesting, simply amazing, sculptural composition.

The installation is made in a completely absurd style, in principle, like the works of the brilliant writer Franz Kafka. She represents a fountain formed by two men peeing standing opposite each other. Interestingly, the middle part of the sculptures can rotate from side to side. Thanks to this movement, fountains draw various shapes on the water.

The author of this monument is the sculptor and artist David Cherny. He really created a rather unusual “monument” to men who relieve themselves on the map of the Czech Republic and at the same time “draw” sayings of famous Prague residents around them.

The operating principle of this hi-tech creation is very simple. The body parts of the bronze men, whose height is 2 meters 10 centimeters, are moved by electric motors installed inside the men, and they are controlled by a computer. As a result of the operation of the motors, the stream of water also moves, thus creating the outlines of various symbols at the foot of the statues.

The usual “work” of these men, who quote celebrities in such an unusual way, can be suspended. To do this, you need to send a short SMS message from your mobile phone to the number (+420 724 370 770) indicated next to the unusual fountain. A few minutes after receiving the message, men will try to reproduce its contents. It is interesting that the movements of the statues look very natural. This feature of the sculpture attracts everyone's attention. There are always a lot of tourists here.

David Cherny is quite a scandalous person. However, thanks to this unusual and provocative combination of the shameful and the funny, people pay attention to the nearby Kafka Museum. The sculptural composition “Pissing Men,” like many of his works, also caused sharp criticism from the public, but, nevertheless, received the same wide recognition and became another striking landmark of Prague.

Take a modern art route through Prague - find giant babies, a hanging man, Franz Kafka's spinning head and unravel their meaning. The provocative sculptures of David Cherny evoke conflicting feelings, but do not leave anyone indifferent.

We were in Prague for the third time and after another walk along the Charles Bridge we wanted something new. Anticipating such a situation, I learned about the sculptures of David Cherny and put them on the map in advance. We completed this route in 2 days. As it turned out, many objects were located in the very center of Prague, literally above our heads, while others were “hidden” in courtyards and passages.

You can go through all the places in any order or choose the closest and most interesting ones. In any case, this will be a non-standard route that will show you Prague from a different side.

The main character of contemporary art in Prague is David Černý. He became famous for painting a Soviet tank pink, but not everyone understood the metaphor at the time. Now the significance of David Cherny for Prague can be compared with.

The tour is conducted by art historian Daria. She talks in an interesting and accessible way about the sculptures of David Cherny and other contemporary artists.

Sculptures of David Cherny on the map

The first sculpture of David Cherny is located on the territory of the contemporary art gallery “FUTURA”. The museum-gallery is a three-story exhibition space with a total area of ​​1000 m², located in a former factory building. Works by Czech and foreign contemporary artists are exhibited here.

To appreciate most works you need to be “very much in the know.” In addition to photographs and paintings, there are installations using video and audio effects. Exhibits change frequently. Look carefully at your feet and at the walls! Admission is free, but you can leave a donation.

“Monument to Sycophancy” by David Cherny stands in the courtyard. Two 5-meter white headless statues bent in a characteristic pose, leaning against the wall. The idea is to show the stupidity and facelessness of sycophants.

The composition also has a political background; to see it, you need to climb up the stairs and look into the back hole. In the video inside, Czech dissident artist Milan Knizek feeds former Czech President Vaclav Klaus porridge to the Queen song “We are the champions.”

• Address: Holečkova 49, Prague 5
• Opening hours: Wed-Sun 11:00-18:00

Crawling Babies (Miminka)

3 black asexual giant babies crawling in Kampa Park. Each bronze figure measures 3.5 x 2.5 meters and weighs about 100 kg. Babies have barcodes instead of faces. Thus, their author David Cherny expressed his attitude towards abortion.

Another interpretation is the faceless and sexless future that awaits us. Real children love to climb on sculptures of babies, which is not prohibited. Next door is the Kampa Museum of Contemporary Art, with an emphasis on 20th-century works.

• address: U Sovových mlýnů 2

Babies on the TV tower

In 2000, 10 sculptures of giant Miminka babies appeared on the Prague television tower in the Žižkov district and turned it into a popular tourist attraction. The babies quickly won the affections of the townspeople and were left to crawl around the tower. Climbing up, you can see the panorama of Prague from a height of 216 meters and visit the Clouds restaurant.

• address: Mahlerovy sady 1, Prague 3

The fountain is located in the courtyard of the Franz Kafka Museum. Two bronze figures of men, 2.10 m high, “pee” on a map of the Czech Republic, displaying various texts - statements of famous residents of Prague.

The movements of the sculptures are controlled by a computer. By sending an SMS to +420 724 370 770, you can set your message or simply throw a coin into the fountain. This composition was inspired by the Manneken Pis statue in Brussels.

• Address: Cihelná 2b, Malá Strana

To see another work by David Cherny, you need to cross the Vltava along the Charles Bridge and find the Na Zabradli theater. The sculpture was created for the theater's 50th anniversary and is attached to its drainpipe as an umbilical cord. Not all theater employees appreciated such a gift and demanded that it be dismantled. According to the author, the embryo symbolizes the birth of creative life. As dusk approaches, the embryo begins to flicker pinkish-red.

• Address: Anenske nám. 209/5

Hanging Man

The 2.20 meter high sculpture hangs over Husova Street and no one notices it. The figure of the man is reminiscent of two famous personalities at once - Sigmund Freud and Lenin. David Cherny claims that he is the founder of psychoanalysis, hovering over the abyss of the unconscious.

• address: Husova 351/1

Head of Franz Kafka

The largest and most expensive sculpture of David the Black in Prague, which is not so easy to find. The giant head is installed in the courtyard of the Quadrio shopping center near the Národní třída metro station. The monument to Franz Kafka is made of stainless steel, 10 meters high and weighing 45 tons.

The engineering structure consists of 42 mirrored, rotating disks that reflect neighboring buildings. It feels like Kafka's head is watching you! This sculpture cost the municipality 30 million crowns. A non-standard monument reflects the versatility of a non-standard person. In the evening the illumination turns on.

• Address: Charvátova, Nové Město

Horse

A sculpture that has caused outrage among many Prague residents since its creation in 1999. Saint Wenceslas, performed by David the Black, sits on an inverted dead horse and this whole heavy composition hangs in the air. Initially, the sculpture was located opposite the classical monument on Wenceslas Square, but soon moved to the Lucerna passage. A parody of unshakable stereotypes.

• address: Vodičkova 704/36

Unfortunately, some of David Černý's works were moved from the center of Prague to inaccessible places. The sculpture “Walking Trabant” (Quo vadis?) used to stand on Old Town Square, and now on the closed territory of the German embassy. The sculpture "Pregnant Woman" disappeared from the intersection of Dlouhá and Masná streets and is now installed outside the city. But David Černý continues to create new masterpieces that make Prague a center of contemporary art.