Quick Answer: Where is the Hanging Man?

The Hanging Man sculpture is located at Husova Street 1, 110 00 Staré Město. This area is part of the historic center of Prague. The sculpture is a bronze figure of Sigmund Freud. He hangs high above the street from a metal pole. Many tourists walk right under him without noticing. This is because he is positioned well above eye level.

Finding this piece is one of the best local secrets in Prague for art lovers. It was created by the famous Czech artist David Cerny in 1996. It has since traveled to cities like Chicago and Berlin. However, its permanent home remains here in the Czech capital. You can view it for free at any time of day or night. For more official city information, you can check the Prague.eu tourism portal.

Step-by-Step Guide to Finding the Sculpture

Navigating the narrow streets of the Old Town can be tricky. Follow these steps to ensure you do not miss the installation. The walk is short but requires your full attention to the rooftops.

1. Step 1: Start at Old Town Square. Time: 5 minutes. Cost: Free. Where: Staroměstské náměstí. A common mistake is staying too long near the Astronomical Clock and missing the side streets.
2. Step 2: Walk down Karlova Street. Time: 3 minutes. Cost: Free. Where: Karlova Street toward the river. Avoid the souvenir shops that crowd the narrow sidewalk to stay on track.
3. Step 3: Turn left onto Husova Street. Time: 2 minutes. Cost: Free. Where: Intersection of Karlova and Husova. A common mistake is walking past this intersection toward the Charles Bridge.
4. Step 4: Look Up. Time: 5 minutes. Cost: Free. Where: Above the intersection of Husova and Skořepka. Look for the beam extending from the roof. A common mistake is looking at eye level; you must tilt your head back significantly.

Once you find him, take a moment to observe the detail. Freud has one hand in his pocket while the other grips the pole. This represents his struggle with his own phobias. It is a striking sight against the 2026 Prague skyline.

Starting Your David Cerny Hidden Art Tour

The Hanging Man is just one piece of a larger puzzle. David Cerny has several installations scattered across the city. Many visitors choose to follow a map of all David Cerny sculptures in Prague. This allows you to see the "Piss" sculpture and the giant "Crawling Babies" in one afternoon. Each piece offers a unique commentary on Czech history or social issues.

Cerny is known for his rebellious and often controversial style. The Hanging Man was originally meant to represent the end of the millennium. It captures the uncertainty of the intellectual in a changing world. If you enjoy this, you should also explore the hidden passages and courtyards in Prague. Many of Cerny's other works are tucked away in these private spaces. The city serves as a giant open-air gallery for his imagination.

What to Prepare Before You Go

To make the most of your visit, a little preparation goes a long way. The street is narrow and can get crowded with tour groups. Timing your visit can change your entire experience. Early morning light is best for seeing the texture of the bronze figure.

• Checklist for your visit:
• Comfortable walking shoes for cobblestone streets.
• A camera with a good zoom lens for high-altitude shots.
• An offline map or GPS-enabled phone.
• A scarf or light jacket, as the narrow alleys can be breezy.
• Awareness of your surroundings to avoid blocking local traffic.

The area around Husova Street is very safe. However, always keep an eye on your belongings in crowded tourist zones. The local government provides safety tips on the Prague official site. Following these simple steps ensures a stress-free art hunt.

Troubleshooting Your Search in Prague

Even with a map, some travelers struggle to find the sculpture. Here are some common issues and how to solve them. Most problems arise from the vertical nature of the art piece.

• Looking too low: The sculpture is several stories high. Always look at the rooflines.
• Wrong Husova section: Husova is a long street. Ensure you are near the intersection with Betlémské náměstí.
• Lighting conditions: At night, the figure can look like a shadow. Use a flashlight or look for the street lamps.
• Scaffolding: If a building is under renovation, the sculpture might be temporarily obscured.
• Mistaking it for a person: Do not panic! It is a statue, not a real person in distress.
• GPS lag: Tall buildings in the Old Town can interfere with phone signals. Trust your eyes over the blue dot.
• Neck strain: Do not stare up for too long. Take breaks to look at the street level.