Must-See Unique Statues and Art in Brno City Center

The city center of Brno is like an open-air gallery. You can find massive bronze figures and strange stone shapes just by walking through the main squares. Many of these pieces were installed recently to celebrate the city's virtues. They often spark debate among locals and tourists alike. This makes them even more interesting to visit.

If you are short on time, focus on the area around Liberty Square. This is the heart of the city's social life. Most of the famous pieces are within a five-minute walk of each other. Here are the top picks for your 2026 itinerary.

• Best overall: Brno Astronomical Clock
• Best for photos: Statue of Courage (Jobst)
• Best for families: The Brno Dragon
• Best free activity: Walking the Virtue Sculpture Trail

1. Name: Brno Astronomical Clock Type: Sculpture/Clock Why go: This black stone monument is shaped like a bullet. It is famous for its phallic appearance and daily marble release. Best for: Curious travelers and souvenir hunters. Where: Liberty Square (Náměstí Svobody). Time: 15 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Take any tram to the Náměstí Svobody stop. Tip: Stand by one of the openings at 11:00 AM sharp. You might catch a free glass marble.
2. Name: Statue of Courage (Jobst of Luxembourg) Type: Sight Why go: This giant knight on a horse has incredibly long legs. It represents the virtue of courage. Best for: Quirky photography. Where: Moravian Square (Moravské náměstí). Time: 10 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk two minutes north from Liberty Square. Tip: Stand directly under the horse's head and look up for a famous, surprising perspective.
3. Name: Statue of Justice Type: Sight Why go: It depicts a man struggling to lift a heavy block. It stands outside the Administrative Court. Best for: Fans of symbolic modern art. Where: In front of the Moravian Gallery on Joštova Street. Time: 5 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Located right next to the Moravian Square tram hub. Tip: In summer, children often play in the water fountain surrounding the statue.
4. Name: Statue of Moderation (The Lamp Post) Type: Sight Why go: This tall, slender bronze lamp represents one of the four cardinal virtues. It is often overlooked but very elegant. Best for: Completing the "Virtues of Brno" walking tour. Where: Moravian Square, near the St. Thomas Church. Time: 5 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: A short walk from the Jobst statue. Tip: Visit at dusk to see the lamp glowing against the historic church backdrop.

Quirky Legends and Artistic Landmarks

Brno loves its legends as much as its art. Many of the most unique statues and art in Brno tell stories of dragons, wheels, and naughty builders. These pieces are often integrated into the architecture of the city. You have to look up or peek around corners to find them.

These landmarks are perfect for those who enjoy local folklore. They offer a deeper look into the Moravian soul. Most are located in the Old Town area, which is easy to navigate on foot. Keep your camera ready for these hidden gems.

1. Name: The Brno Dragon Type: Experience Why go: It is actually a preserved crocodile hanging from the ceiling. It is the city's most famous mascot. Best for: Families and fans of local myths. Where: Old Town Hall entrance. Time: 10 minutes. Cost: Free to view the dragon. Getting there: Walk south from Liberty Square toward Zelný trh. Tip: Look for the bent pinnacle on the stone portal right outside the dragon.
2. Name: The Brno Wheel Type: Sight Why go: This wooden wheel represents a legend about a man who made a wheel and rolled it to Brno in one day. Best for: History buffs. Where: Hanging next to the Brno Dragon in the Old Town Hall. Time: 5 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Same location as the Dragon. Tip: You can climb the Town Hall tower nearby for a great view of the city center.
3. Name: The Indecent Little Man (Nehanba) Type: Sight Why go: A tiny stone figure showing his bare bottom to the Cathedral. It was a builder's revenge. Best for: Travelers who like hidden details. Where: St. James Church (Kostel sv. Jakuba). Time: 5 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Behind the Rašínova street side of the church. Tip: Look high up on the window arches of the church tower to spot him.
4. Name: The Mozart Statue Type: Sight Why go: A modern statue of a naked Mozart with one wing. It commemorates his 1767 concert in Brno. Best for: Music lovers and art critics. Where: In front of the Reduta Theatre at the Vegetable Market. Time: 10 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk to the Zelný trh square. Tip: The statue is meant to show the balance between genius and fragility.
5. Name: Gregor Mendel Memorial Type: Experience Why go: A large bronze monument dedicated to the father of genetics. It features pea plants in its design. Best for: Science enthusiasts. Where: Mendel Square (Mendlovo náměstí). Time: 15 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Take tram 1, 5, or 6 to Mendlovo náměstí. Tip: Visit the nearby abbey where Mendel actually performed his famous experiments.

Artistic Day Trips and Sites Near Brno

If you have more than a day, explore the art just outside the center. The outskirts of Brno hold some of the most impressive sculptural works. These sites often combine art with nature or history. They provide a nice break from the busy city streets.

Getting to these locations is simple. The Brno Public Transport (DPMB) system is excellent. Most sites are reachable within 20 to 30 minutes by tram or bus. Here are two essential artistic stops near the city.

1. Name: Veveří Castle Courtyard Statues Type: Day trip Why go: The castle grounds feature beautiful religious and historical statues overlooking the reservoir. Best for: Nature lovers and hikers. Where: Veveří Castle, northwest of the city. Time: 3-4 hours. Cost: Small fee for courtyard entry. Getting there: Take tram 1 to Bystrc, then a boat or bus 303. Tip: Visit in spring when the surrounding forest is in full bloom.
2. Name: Brno Central Cemetery Sculpture Walk Type: Sight Why go: This is one of the most beautiful cemeteries in Central Europe. It features graves designed by famous artists. Best for: Fans of funerary art and quiet walks. Where: Vídeňská street. Time: 1-2 hours. Cost: Free. Getting there: Take tram 2 or 5 to the Ústřední hřbitov stop. Tip: Check the Brno Central Cemetery official site for a map of famous graves.
3. Name: Villa Tugendhat Garden Sculptures Type: Experience Why go: The garden of this UNESCO site contains minimalist art that complements the modern architecture. Best for: Architecture and design fans. Where: Villa Tugendhat in the Černá Pole district. Time: 1 hour for the garden. Cost: Garden-only tickets are affordable. Getting there: Tram 9 or 11 to Tomanova. Tip: You must book garden tickets in advance during the peak 2026 season.