10 Must-See Stops for Your Brno Quirky Statues Guide

Brno is famous for its unique sense of humor and public art. The city center is compact and very easy to walk. You can see most of these items in a single afternoon. Here are the top picks for your self-guided tour.

• Name: Brno Astronomical Clock Type: Experience Why go: It is shaped like a giant black bullet and releases a glass marble every day at 11:00 AM. Best for: Curious travelers and souvenir hunters. Where: Freedom Square (Náměstí Svobody). Time: 15 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk 5 minutes from the main station. Tip: Arrive 20 minutes early if you want to catch a marble.
• Name: Courage (Jošt of Luxembourg) Type: Sight Why go: This 8-meter tall knight on a horse has incredibly long legs. Best for: Photographers looking for a funny perspective. Where: Moravian Square (Moravské náměstí). Time: 10 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Take any tram to Moravské náměstí. Tip: Stand directly under the horse's head and look up for a "hidden" visual joke.
• Name: The Nehanba (Indecent Little Man) Type: Sight Why go: A tiny stone man showing his bare bottom toward the cathedral. Best for: Fans of local legends and architectural quirks. Where: On the side of St. James Church. Time: 5 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Located near the St. James Ossuary. Tip: Look closely at the window arches on the church tower.
• Name: Justice (Spravedlnost) Type: Sight Why go: It depicts a man struggling to lift a heavy block, often joked about as a man with a washing machine. Best for: Modern art enthusiasts. Where: In front of the Supreme Administrative Court. Time: 10 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Short walk from Moravian Square. Tip: The statue represents the heavy burden of legal decisions.
• Name: The Brno Dragon Type: Sight Why go: It is actually a preserved crocodile hanging from the ceiling. Best for: Families and kids. Where: Old Town Hall passage. Time: 10 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk down Radnická street from the Vegetable Market. Tip: Look for the twisted stone pinnacle on the building's facade too.
• Name: The Brno Wheel Type: Sight Why go: A wooden wheel made in a single day as part of a historical bet. Best for: History buffs. Where: Old Town Hall passage. Time: 5 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Same location as the Dragon. Tip: Read the legend on the nearby plaque for the full story.
• Name: Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart Type: Sight Why go: A naked, slender Mozart with one wing, balancing on a harpsichord. Best for: Music lovers. Where: In front of the Reduta Theatre. Time: 10 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Located at the Vegetable Market (Zelný trh). Tip: Mozart actually performed in this theatre when he was 11 years old.
• Name: Tribute to Thomas Alva Edison Type: Sight Why go: Giant, tangled bronze lightbulbs commemorating the city's electrification. Best for: Evening walks. Where: Malinovského náměstí. Time: 10 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Near the Mahen Theatre. Tip: Brno was the first city in Europe with a fully electrified theatre.
• Name: Václav Havel's Place Type: Experience Why go: Two garden chairs and a table built around a tree for public dialogue. Best for: Quiet reflection and city views. Where: Denis Gardens. Time: 20 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Near the Cathedral of St. Peter and Paul. Tip: This is a perfect spot for a sunset break.
• Name: Leoš Janáček Type: Sight Why go: A modern, abstract depiction of the famous composer. Best for: Art critics. Where: Near the Janáček Theatre. Time: 10 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: North side of the city center. Tip: The fountain nearby is also quite beautiful in summer.

Why Brno Loves Its Controversial Public Art

Many visitors ask why these statues look so strange. The city of Brno has a long history of irony. Locals often use humor to deal with difficult history. This spirit is reflected in their modern monuments. The statues are part of a project called "Statues for Brno."

The goal is to honor famous people in a modern way. Traditional bronze statues can feel boring to younger generations. By choosing bold designs, the city sparks conversation. Some people love the new art, while others hate it. This debate keeps the city's cultural scene very alive.

You will notice that many statues have nicknames. The Astronomical Clock is rarely called by its real name. Locals have much ruder names for it. This playfulness is a core part of the Moravian identity. You can learn more about this on the Go To Brno official site.

Practical Tips for Finding Brno’s Quirky Statues

Finding these statues is quite simple if you stay central. Most are located within the pedestrian zone. You do not need a car for this tour. In fact, walking is the best way to see them. Wear comfortable shoes as some streets are cobbled.

If you need to travel further, use the DPMB public transport system. Trams run frequently and are very reliable. You can buy tickets with a contactless card on the tram. This makes getting around very stress-free for tourists.

The best time for photos is early morning. Freedom Square gets very crowded by noon. If you want a clear shot of the clock, go early. Most statues are well-lit at night too. The Edison bulbs look especially good after the sun goes down.

Exploring More Beyond the Quirky Statues

Once you finish your Brno quirky statues guide, explore the landmarks nearby. The city has a deep history that matches its modern art. You can visit Špilberk Castle for amazing views. It sits on a hill overlooking the entire old town.

The Vegetable Market is another great stop. It is one of the oldest squares in the city. You can find fresh produce and local crafts there. Underneath the square, there is a hidden world. You can tour the medieval cellars for a different perspective on Brno.

Brno is also a hub for food and drink. Many cafes are located near the main statues. Stop for a coffee near the Mozart statue. Or try a local beer near the St. James Church. The city is much more affordable than Prague for dining. Check out more Visit Czechia resources for trip planning.