Why Olomouc is an Open-Air Art Gallery

Olomouc creates a perfect balance between the old and the new. The city is famous for its massive Baroque fountains and columns. However, modern artists have added a playful layer to these historic streets. You can see how the city evolves by looking at its public walls. The Olomouc Tourism Portal highlights many of these creative projects. Most art pieces are within the compact city center.

The annual Street Art Festival has transformed dull concrete into vibrant masterpieces. Local and international artists participate every year. This has turned the city into a must-visit for urban art fans. You do not need a ticket to enjoy these sights. Walking through the winding alleys is the best way to discover them. It is a budget-friendly way to see the city's personality.

Public art here often carries deep historical or social meaning. Some pieces celebrate the city's past, while others offer a modern critique. You might find a statue that moves or a mural that spans an entire building. These works make the city feel alive and welcoming. They provide great photo opportunities for your travel gallery. Exploring these sites is one of the best things to do in Moravia.

10 Best Quirky Statues and Street Art Olomouc Offers

Below is a list of the most fascinating quirky statues and street art Olomouc has to see. Use these picks to plan your walking route. Here are our top quick picks for your visit:

• Best overall: The Arion Fountain
• Best for families: The Turtle Sculpture
• Best rainy-day: Olomouc Museum of Art (The Thief)
• Best free: King Wenceslas III Mural

1. Name: The Arion Fountain Type: sight Why go: This is a modern take on the city's fountain tradition. It features a giant turtle and a boy, celebrating a local legend. It is very playful and unique. Best for: Families and photographers. Where: Upper Square (Horní náměstí). Time: 15 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk to the main square. Tip: Look for the smaller turtle nearby that children love to climb.
2. Name: The Thief (Lupič) Type: experience Why go: This statue hangs from the roof of the Olomouc Museum of Art. It is a man clinging to the ledge. If you wait, the statue actually moves along the gutter. Best for: People who love hidden details. Where: Denisova Street. Time: 10 minutes. Cost: Free to see from the street. Getting there: A short walk from the Holy Trinity Column. Tip: Check out the unique local design shops in Olomouc located on this same street.
3. Name: Socialist Realist Astronomical Clock Type: sight Why go: Unlike the one in Prague, this clock features workers and scientists. It was redesigned during the communist era. It is a fascinating piece of political history and art. Best for: History buffs. Where: City Hall wall, Upper Square. Time: 20 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Located in the very center of the city. Tip: Watch the figures move at exactly 12:00 PM each day. You can learn more about this style by exploring socialist realism architecture in Olomouc.
4. Name: King Wenceslas III Mural Type: street art Why go: This massive mural depicts the last Přemyslid king who was murdered in Olomouc. It uses a modern graphic style to tell an ancient story. It is one of the most famous murals in the city. Best for: Street art enthusiasts. Where: Near the Archdiocesan Museum. Time: 10 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk toward the Cathedral of St. Wenceslas. Tip: The colors are best for photos during the late afternoon sun.
5. Name: The "Brouk" (Beetle) Sculpture Type: quirky Why go: This is a sculpture of a classic Volkswagen Beetle car. It looks like it is pinned to the ground like a real insect. It is a strange and humorous sight in a historic city. Best for: Car lovers and fans of surrealism. Where: Legionářská Street. Time: 5 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk about 10 minutes from the center. Tip: It is located near a park, making it a nice stop during a stroll.
6. Name: The Holy Trinity Column Type: sight Why go: This is a UNESCO World Heritage site. While traditional, its sheer scale and intricate carvings make it an artistic marvel. It is the largest Baroque group of statues in Central Europe. Best for: Everyone. Where: Upper Square. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: You cannot miss it in the main square. Tip: Look for the golden cannonball embedded in the column, a memory of past sieges.
7. Name: The Face (Palacký University) Type: quirky Why go: This modern sculpture features a large, fragmented face. It is located in a courtyard belonging to the university. It represents the complexity of human thought and education. Best for: Students and art fans. Where: Křížkovského Street. Time: 15 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk toward the quiet gardens and university courtyards. Tip: The courtyard is very peaceful and perfect for a short break.
8. Name: Mercury Fountain Type: sight Why go: Considered the most artistically valuable of the city's Baroque fountains. It shows Mercury, the messenger of the gods. The muscle detail and movement in the stone are incredible. Best for: Art history students. Where: 8. května Street. Time: 10 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Near the tram stop at Náměstí Hrdinů. Tip: This fountain is often less crowded than those on the main square.
9. Name: Denisova Street Murals Type: street art Why go: This street features several smaller art pieces and murals. The works change occasionally due to the Street Art Festival. It gives the area a very bohemian and creative feel. Best for: People who like wandering. Where: Denisova Street. Time: 20 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Connects the Upper and Lower squares. Tip: Look up high on the buildings to spot hidden details.
10. Name: Svatý Kopeček Nature Trails Type: day trip Why go: Just outside the city, this hill offers beautiful views and art installations in nature. It is home to a famous Basilica. The walk up the hill is filled with small shrines and statues. Best for: Nature lovers. Where: Svatý Kopeček (Holy Hill). Time: 3-4 hours. Cost: Bus fare (approx. 20 CZK). Getting there: Take bus number 11 from the main train station. Tip: Follow the Svatý Kopeček hidden nature trails for the best experience.

How to Plan Your Olomouc Art Walk

Most of the quirky statues and street art Olomouc offers are in the pedestrian zone. You should wear comfortable walking shoes. The cobblestone streets are beautiful but can be uneven. Start your walk at the Upper Square and move outward. This allows you to see the major fountains first.

The fountains usually run from April to October. If you visit in winter, the water will be turned off. However, the sculptures are still visible and look beautiful in the snow. Most murals are located on the sides of older buildings. Keep your eyes moving upward as you walk. Many pieces are placed high above eye level.

Public transport in Olomouc is very efficient. Trams run frequently and can take you near most sites. You can buy tickets at yellow machines or via mobile app. However, walking is the best way to see the smaller details. The city center is small enough to cover in a single day. Do not forget to stop at one of the hidden cafes and tearooms in Olomouc for a rest.