Planning Your David Cerny Hidden Art Tour

David Cerny is a household name in the Czech Republic. He gained fame by painting a Soviet tank pink in 1991. Since then, his massive installations have appeared all over Prague. Some are easy to spot, while others require a bit of hunting. This itinerary groups his works by location to save you time. You can easily navigate the city using the excellent tram and metro systems. For more details, see this map of all David Cerny sculptures in Prague.

At a glance:

• Day 1: Focus on New Town and Old Town. See the Upside-Down Horse, the Hanging Man, and the Kafka Head.
• Day 2: Explore Smíchov and Žižkov. Visit MeetFactory, the TV Tower Babies, and the walking Trabant.
• Logistics: Buy a 48-hour transport pass for seamless travel between districts.

Most of these sculptures are outdoors and free to view. You can start your tour at any time of day. However, morning light is best for photographing the larger outdoor pieces. Wear comfortable walking shoes, as you will cover several miles each day. You can check the Visit Czechia website for seasonal event updates. Let’s dive into the first day of your art adventure.

Day 1: Central Prague Classics and Secrets

Start your morning at Wenceslas Square in the New Town. Head inside the Lucerna Palace to see "Kůň" (The Horse). This sculpture shows Saint Wenceslas sitting on an upside-down, dead horse. It is a sarcastic take on the famous statue located just outside. This building is one of many hidden passages and courtyards in Prague worth exploring. Spend about 30 minutes here taking in the Art Nouveau architecture.

Next, walk ten minutes toward the Quadrio shopping center. Here you will find the massive, rotating head of Franz Kafka. It is made of 42 moving stainless steel layers. The layers align periodically to form the face of the famous writer. This mechanical marvel reflects Kafka's complex and shifting identity. It is a highlight of any David Cerny hidden art tour. Aim to arrive on the hour to see the full rotation sequence.

In the afternoon, head into the narrow streets of the Old Town. Look up near the intersection of Husova and Betlémské náměstí. You will see a man hanging by one hand from a roof beam. This is Sigmund Freud, known as "Viselec" (The Hanging Man). For specific directions, read about where to find the hanging man sculpture. Wrap up your evening with a drink at one of the best hidden speakeasy bars in Prague nearby.

Day 1 Logistics: Morning (9:00 AM - 11:00 AM) in New Town. Afternoon (1:00 PM - 3:00 PM) in Old Town. Evening for dinner and drinks. Total walking: 3 miles. Tip: Keep your eyes looking up!

Day 2: Industrial Smíchov and Towering Babies

Begin your second day in the Smíchov district. This area is part of the Prague alternative neighborhoods guide and feels very industrial. Visit MeetFactory, an international center for contemporary art founded by Cerny. Outside, you will see two full-sized red cars hanging on meat hooks. The building itself is a hub for artists and musicians. It offers a raw look at the modern Czech art scene.

After Smíchov, take the metro to the Malostranská station. Walk toward the German Embassy to see "Quo Vadis." This sculpture is a Trabant car on four giant legs. It commemorates the East Germans who fled to the West in 1989. It is a powerful piece of political history. If you have extra time, you can also visit the National Gallery Prague nearby for more traditional art. The contrast between the two styles is fascinating.

Finish your tour in the Žižkov district. Look up at the massive Žižkov Television Tower. You will see ten giant, faceless babies crawling up the structure. These are the same babies found in Kampa Park near the river. Seeing them on the tower is much more dramatic. After your long walk, find a seat at one of the authentic Czech pubs for locals in the area. It is the perfect way to end your art journey.

Day 2 Logistics: Morning (10:00 AM - 12:00 PM) in Smíchov. Afternoon (2:00 PM - 4:00 PM) in Malá Strana and Žižkov. Evening in Žižkov. Total travel: Metro and Tram required. Tip: Use the "Lítačka" app for tickets.

Practical Tips for Your Art Walk

Timing is everything when viewing public art. Most of Cerny's works are in high-traffic areas. To avoid the biggest crowds, start your tour before 10:00 AM. This is especially true for the Kafka Head and the Hanging Man. For the TV Tower babies, sunset provides a stunning backdrop. You can find more official visitor info on the Prague.eu portal. This site lists current maintenance schedules for public monuments.

Public transport is your best friend on this tour. Prague is very walkable, but some sites are far apart. The Žižkov Tower and MeetFactory are in opposite directions. Use the tram to see the city while you travel. A 24-hour pass costs about 120 CZK in 2026. This is much cheaper than taking multiple taxis. Always validate your ticket when you board the first time.

Optional Swaps: If it rains, head to the DOX Centre for Contemporary Art. It is indoors and features many provocative local artists. If you are traveling with kids, the Kampa Park babies are better. They can actually touch and climb on those versions. For a low-budget day, stick to the Old Town loop. Most of those sculptures are within a 15-minute walk of each other.

Best Base for Art Lovers in Prague

Choosing the right neighborhood makes your tour much easier. For a David Cerny hidden art tour, New Town is the best base. It puts you within walking distance of the Kafka Head and Lucerna Palace. You will also have direct metro access to Smíchov and Žižkov. This area is bustling with cafes and small galleries. It feels more authentic than the very center of Old Town.

If you prefer a quieter stay, consider Malá Strana. It is beautiful and close to the "Quo Vadis" sculpture. However, hotels here can be more expensive. For a budget-friendly option, look at Žižkov. This neighborhood is full of character and very close to the TV Tower. It has a great nightlife scene with many local bars. No matter where you stay, you are never far from a piece of Cerny's art.