Quick Answer: Location and Best Time

The rotating Franz Kafka head is located in the New Town district of Prague. You will find it in the courtyard of the Quadrio building. The exact address is Spálená 22. This impressive piece of modern art sculptures Prague is known as "K." It was designed by the famous artist David Černý. The sculpture stands 11 meters tall and weighs 39 tons. It consists of 42 independent rotating layers of stainless steel.

The head usually rotates every hour on the hour. The performance lasts for about 15 minutes. During this time, the layers move in different directions. They eventually realign to form Kafka’s face. It is a mesmerizing sight that represents the author's internal struggles. Most travelers find that the morning hours are less crowded. However, the evening light makes the steel shine beautifully. You do not need a ticket to see it. It is a public installation open to everyone at any time.

Step-by-Step Guide to finding the Kafka Head

Finding this landmark is easy if you follow the right path. Many tourists get lost in the narrow streets nearby. Use this guide to reach the sculpture without stress. If you are coming from a distance, use the public transport system. You can check the Prague official tourism portal for live transit updates. The city is very walkable, but the metro is faster for this specific site.

1. Navigate to Národní třída: Take the Metro Line B (Yellow Line) to the Národní třída stop. This takes about 5 minutes from the city center. The typical cost is around €1.20 for a short-term ticket. A common mistake is getting off at Staroměstská instead.
2. Exit towards the Quadrio Mall: Follow the signs for the shopping center. Walk through the ground floor or around the exterior of the building. This takes only 2 minutes from the station exit. The location is right behind the mall.
3. Position yourself in the courtyard: Walk into the open space between the mall and the insurance building. You will see the silver head immediately. A common mistake is staying on the main street where the view is blocked.
4. Wait for the rotation: Arrive at least five minutes before the hour. The movement starts exactly at the top of the hour. This lasts for 15 minutes. Avoid arriving at 10 past the hour, or you might miss the best parts.

If you prefer a different route, you can take trams 9, 18, or 22. These stop right in front of the Quadrio mall. This is a great choice if you want to see the city streets. If you are staying in the Old Town, simply walk south toward the New Town. The walk is flat and easy for most travelers. Always keep an eye on your map as the courtyard is slightly hidden from the main road.

What to Know Before You Visit

Before you head out, there are a few things to prepare. The sculpture is outdoors, so weather matters. It looks best on sunny days when the sun reflects off the metal. However, it is also striking during a light rain. There is no cost to view the sculpture. It is one of the best free things to do in the city. You can find more ideas in this guide on what to see in Prague for 2026.

• Smartphone or camera: You will want to record a video of the movement.
• Comfortable walking shoes: The courtyard has flat paving, but the surrounding streets are cobbled.
• Small change: Nearby cafes require a purchase or small fee for restroom use.
• A wide-angle lens: The sculpture is very tall and close to buildings.

Deciding when to go depends on your schedule. If you want photos without people, go before 9:00 AM. If you want to see the movement, any hour mark works. If the weather is very windy, the rotation might be slightly shorter. The site is fully accessible for wheelchairs and strollers. There are many benches nearby where you can sit and wait for the show to begin.

Troubleshooting Your Visit to the Kafka Head

Sometimes things do not go as planned when visiting famous sites. The Kafka head is a complex machine. It requires regular maintenance to keep the layers moving smoothly. If you arrive and it is not moving, do not panic. It might be a scheduled break or a technical issue. You can consult the Visit Czechia website for major regional event closures. Here are some common problems and solutions:

• The head is not moving: It only rotates on the hour. Wait for the next cycle if you arrived late.
• Maintenance covers: Occasionally, the sculpture is wrapped for repairs. Check local social media for recent photos.
• Too many crowds: Large tour groups often gather at noon. Try an early morning or late evening visit.
• Sun glare: The steel can be very bright. Bring sunglasses to view it comfortably at midday.
• Getting lost: Ensure you are behind the Quadrio mall, not inside the Kafka Museum in Malá Strana.
• Low battery: Recording the full 15-minute rotation drains your phone quickly. Carry a power bank.
• Construction: Nearby buildings may have scaffolding. This can limit your photo angles.

Other Modern Art Sculptures Prague Offers

Once you have seen the Kafka head, you may want more. Prague is full of strange and wonderful art. David Černý has several other famous pieces across the city. Many of these are within walking distance or a short tram ride away. For example, you can visit the piss sculpture outside Franz Kafka Museum. This is located across the river in the Lesser Town.

Another famous installation is the crawling babies at Kampa Park. These giant bronze figures have barcodes instead of faces. You can also see them climbing the Žižkov Television Tower. Prague's art scene is bold and often political. Seeing these works gives you a deeper look into Czech culture. Most of these sculptures are located in public spaces. This makes art accessible to everyone visiting the city in 2026.