Head of Franz Kafka Rotating Statue Schedule Today: 10 Top Works
Are you looking for the Head of Franz Kafka rotating statue schedule today? This iconic kinetic sculpture is a highlight of any trip to Prague. It consists of 42 independent stainless steel layers. These layers move to transform the face of the famous writer. Seeing it in motion is a mesmerizing experience for every visitor. This guide provides the current schedule and a map of other famous David Cerny works.
Head of Franz Kafka Rotating Statue Schedule Today
The Head of Franz Kafka usually rotates every hour on the hour. The performance typically starts at 8:00 AM and runs until 7:00 PM. Some seasonal schedules extend these hours until 9:00 PM or 10:00 PM. Each rotation sequence lasts approximately 15 minutes. You should check the official city tourism portal for any temporary maintenance updates.
The sculpture is located just outside the Quadrio Shopping Center. This spot is right above the Národní třída metro station. It is very easy to reach from the city center. Most tourists gather around the base about five minutes before the hour. This gives you the best view of the mechanical choreography. The layers move in a complex sequence before realigning into Kafka's face.
For the best experience, visit during the morning hours. The crowds are much smaller before 10:00 AM. Afternoon shows can get very busy with tour groups. The shiny steel surface reflects the surrounding buildings beautifully. It is a perfect spot for photography and short videos. Make sure your camera is ready before the top of the hour.
David Cerny Sculptures Map: 10 Must-See Works
Prague is an open-air gallery for David Cerny's provocative art. You can use a David Cerny sculptures map to find them all. These works range from political statements to surrealist figures. Most are within walking distance of the historic center. Here are the top ten sculptures you must see during your visit.
- Quick Pick (Best Overall): Head of Franz Kafka
- Quick Pick (Best View): Tower Babies
- Quick Pick (Most Hidden): The Embryo
- Quick Pick (Best Free): The Hanging Man
- Name: Head of Franz Kafka Type: Kinetic Sculpture Why go: It is the most famous modern landmark in Prague. Best for: Engineering fans. Where: Quadrio, New Town. Time: 20 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Metro Line B to Národní třída. Tip: Stand on the mall side for the best light.
- Name: The Hanging Man Type: Sight Why go: It features Sigmund Freud hanging by one hand. Best for: Quirky photos. Where: Husova Street. Time: 5 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk from Old Town Square. Tip: Look up or you will walk right under it. Find more details in our Hanging Man guide.
- Name: Tower Babies Type: Experience Why go: Giant, faceless babies crawl up the Žižkov Television Tower. Best for: Unusual architecture. Where: Žižkov. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Free to view from below. Getting there: Green Metro to Jiřího z Poděbrad. Tip: Learn about the babies' history before visiting.
- Name: Piss (Proudy) Type: Experience Why go: Two bronze figures pee into a pool shaped like the Czech Republic. Best for: Humor. Where: Kafka Museum Courtyard. Time: 10 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk across Charles Bridge to Malá Strana. Tip: You can send a text to the statues to make them move.
- Name: Upside-Down Horse Type: Sight Why go: A parody of the St. Wenceslas statue in Wenceslas Square. Best for: Indoor viewing. Where: Lucerna Palace. Time: 15 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Near Můstek metro station. Tip: Grab a coffee in the Art Nouveau cafe nearby.
- Name: Brown-Nosers Type: Experience Why go: Two giant lower bodies allow you to climb a ladder and look inside. Best for: Bold travelers. Where: Futura Gallery. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Free (check gallery hours). Getting there: Tram to Holečkova. Tip: The gallery is often quiet on weekdays.
- Name: The Embryo Type: Sight Why go: A small, glowing sculpture stuck to a drainpipe. Best for: Hidden gems. Where: Na Zábradlí Theatre. Time: 5 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Near the Smetana Embankment. Tip: It looks best at night when it glows.
- Name: Quo Vadis Type: Sight Why go: A Trabant car on four legs, symbolizing East German refugees. Best for: History buffs. Where: German Embassy Garden. Time: 10 minutes. Cost: Free (view through the fence). Getting there: Walk from Petřín Hill. Tip: View it from the back side of the embassy.
- Name: In Utero Type: Experience Why go: A giant stainless steel woman that you can step inside. Best for: Interactive art. Where: Dlouhá Street (Location varies). Time: 15 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk from Old Town Square. Tip: Check local listings as this piece sometimes moves.
- Name: London Booster Type: Sight Why go: A red London bus doing push-ups. Best for: Sports fans. Where: Chodov. Time: 20 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Red Metro to Chodov. Tip: Combine this with a visit to the large shopping mall.
Practical Tips for Your Prague Sculpture Tour
Most of these statues are located in the city center. You can see the main ones in about four hours. Use the national tourism board site for transport maps. Start at Wenceslas Square and head toward the Kafka Head. Then cross the river to Malá Strana for the Kafka Museum. This route is efficient and scenic.
Wear comfortable walking shoes for this tour. Prague has many cobblestone streets that are hard on feet. Public transport is also very reliable and cheap. You can buy a 24-hour pass for easy travel between districts. This is helpful for reaching the Žižkov Tower or Chodov. Always validate your ticket when you enter the tram or metro.
Consider an alternative guide to Prague for more offbeat sites. David Cerny's art is just the beginning of the city's modern scene. Many galleries and cafes feature local contemporary artists. Keep an eye out for street art in the Holešovice district. This area is known for its creative energy and cool industrial spaces.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Head of Franz Kafka rotating statue schedule today?
The Head of Franz Kafka typically rotates every hour on the hour. The schedule usually runs from 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM daily. Each movement sequence lasts about 15 minutes. It is best to arrive a few minutes early to secure a good viewing spot.
Is the Franz Kafka statue free to visit?
Yes, the Franz Kafka rotating statue is completely free to visit. It is located in a public space outside the Quadrio Shopping Center. You do not need a ticket or reservation to watch the hourly rotation. It is one of Prague's most popular free attractions.
Where is the best place to find a David Cerny sculptures map?
You can find a comprehensive David Cerny sculptures map online or at local tourist offices. Most major works are located in the New Town, Old Town, and Malá Strana districts. Using a digital map on your phone is the easiest way to navigate between the different sites.
The Head of Franz Kafka rotating statue schedule today is easy to follow. Just remember to be there at the top of the hour. Exploring David Cerny's art is a fantastic way to see Prague. These sculptures offer a unique look at Czech culture and history. Don't forget to check out our hidden gems in Prague for more travel inspiration. Enjoy your artistic adventure in this beautiful city!
Official resources
Use these sources for official schedules, tickets, routes, and updates.
- Prague.eu — Official city tourism portal; unverified.
- Praha.eu — Official municipal government portal; unverified.
- Visit Czechia — National tourism board; unverified.
- UNESCO World Heritage Centre — Official UNESCO heritage listing; unverified.
- Prague Castle — Official landmark domain; unverified.
