Where to Find the Hanging Man Statue Prague & Cerny Map
Prague is famous for its stunning Gothic architecture and hidden artistic surprises. One of the most photographed sights is a man dangling high above the street. Many visitors often ask where to find the hanging man statue Prague while wandering through the Old Town. This unique piece of art is one of many provocative works by artist David Cerny.
The statue depicts the famous psychoanalyst Sigmund Freud. He hangs by one hand from a metal beam on a rooftop. It is easy to miss if you do not look up at the right moment. Finding these sculptures is a great way to explore the city's alternative side.
This guide will help you locate the hanging man and other famous works. We have included a list of the best sculptures to add to your itinerary. Get ready to discover the quirky side of the Czech capital.
Exact Location of the Hanging Man Statue
To find this iconic work, head to the intersection of Husova and Betlémské náměstí. It is located in the heart of the Old Town. The statue is officially titled "Viselec" or "Man Hanging Out." It was created in 1996 and has since traveled to many world cities. You can find more details on the Prague.eu tourism portal.
Sigmund Freud was born in what is now the Czech Republic. David Cerny chose him to represent the struggle of intellectuals in the modern era. The statue often surprises tourists who think it is a real person in danger. Do not worry; it is securely bolted to the roof. It remains one of the most popular stops on any walking tour.
The best way to see it is to walk from the Charles Bridge toward the Old Town Square. Turn onto Husova street and keep your eyes on the sky. The figure is small compared to the surrounding buildings. It is best viewed during daylight hours for the clearest photos.
Your David Cerny Sculptures Map Guide
Exploring Prague through art is a rewarding experience. David Cerny has installations scattered all over the city. Using a David Cerny sculptures map is the best way to find them. Many are within walking distance of the main tourist center.
Most of these works are free to view in public spaces. They range from giant crawling babies to rotating mechanical heads. Cerny is known for his rebellious and often political themes. His work adds a layer of modern grit to Prague's historical charm.
You can easily group several sculptures into a single afternoon walk. Start in the Old Town for the Hanging Man. Then move toward the New Town for the Kafka head. End your journey across the river in Mala Strana. This route covers the most famous pieces while showing you different neighborhoods.
10 Must-See David Cerny Sculptures in Prague
Prague is an open-air gallery for Cerny's imagination. Here are the top 10 sculptures you should visit. Each one offers a unique perspective on Czech culture and history.
- Quick picks: Best overall is the Hanging Man. Best interactive is the Kafka Head. Best for families is the Kampa Babies. Best free sight is the Upside-down Horse.
- Name: Man Hanging Out (Sigmund Freud) Type: sight Why go: It is the most famous Cerny piece in the Old Town. Best for: Photographers. Where: Husova Street. Time: 10 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk from Staroměstská metro. Tip: Look up high above the street corner.
- Name: Head of Franz Kafka Type: activity Why go: This massive bust rotates its layers every hour. Best for: Engineering fans. Where: Quadrio Shopping Centre. Time: 15 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Metro line B to Národní třída. Tip: Check the rotating statue schedule before you go.
- Name: Piss (The Peeing Men) Type: experience Why go: Two mechanical statues pee into a pond shaped like the Czech Republic. Best for: Humorous photos. Where: Franz Kafka Museum courtyard. Time: 10 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk from Malostranská metro. Tip: You can send a text to the statues to make them spell words.
- Name: Miminka (Kampa Babies) Type: sight Why go: Three giant, faceless bronze babies crawl on the ground. Best for: Families. Where: Kampa Park. Time: 20 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk from the Charles Bridge. Tip: You are allowed to touch and climb on these statues.
- Name: Saint Wenceslas Type: sight Why go: A parody of the famous statue in the square, featuring an upside-down dead horse. Best for: History buffs. Where: Lucerna Palace. Time: 15 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Near Můstek metro. Tip: The palace interior is a beautiful Art Nouveau space.
- Name: Embryo Type: sight Why go: A glowing sculpture stuck to a drainpipe that looks like a fetus. Best for: Fans of the weird. Where: Divadlo Na Zábradlí. Time: 5 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Near Smetanovo nábřeží. Tip: It looks best at night when it glows pink.
- Name: Quo Vadis (Trabant) Type: sight Why go: A bronze East German car on four giant human legs. Best for: Cold War history. Where: German Embassy garden. Time: 10 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk from Malostranské náměstí. Tip: You can see it through the fence from the park behind the embassy.
- Name: Brown-Nosers Type: experience Why go: Giant lower halves of bodies where you can climb a ladder and look inside. Best for: Political satire. Where: Futura Gallery. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Free (gallery entry may vary). Getting there: Tram to Holečkova. Tip: Check gallery opening hours before visiting.
- Name: Miminka (Zizkov Babies) Type: sight Why go: Ten giant babies crawl up the side of the tallest tower in Prague. Best for: Viewpoints. Where: Žižkov TV Tower. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Free to see from below. Getting there: Metro A to Jiřího z Poděbrad. Tip: Read about the Zizkov babies meaning to understand the art.
- Name: Trifot Type: sight Why go: A giant walking camera that watches people passing by. Best for: Tech lovers. Where: Czech Photo Centre. Time: 15 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Metro B to Nové Butovice. Tip: This is a bit outside the center but worth the trip.
Tips for Your Prague Sculpture Art Walk
Prague is a very walkable city, but you should wear comfortable shoes. Many streets in the Old Town are made of cobblestones. These can be slippery when wet and hard on your feet. Plan to spend at least three to four hours for a full tour.
Public transport is excellent and very affordable in the Czech Republic. You can use trams and the metro to reach sculptures further out like the Zizkov Tower. For more travel advice, check the Visit Czechia website. Most sculptures are in safe, public areas.
Early morning is the best time to visit the most popular spots. You will avoid the largest crowds at the Kafka Head and the Hanging Man. Always keep an eye on your belongings in busy tourist areas. Most of these art pieces are located near great cafes for a quick break.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where exactly is the hanging man statue in Prague?
The hanging man statue is located at the corner of Husova and Betlémské náměstí in Prague's Old Town. You must look up at the roofline to see the figure of Sigmund Freud dangling from a metal pole. It is a short walk from the Charles Bridge.
Who is the man hanging from the roof in Prague?
The statue depicts Sigmund Freud, the famous founder of psychoanalysis. Created by artist David Cerny in 1996, the sculpture represents the uncertainty of intellectuals in the 20th century. Freud was born in the Czech region of Moravia, making him a local icon.
Is it free to see the David Cerny sculptures?
Yes, almost all of David Cerny's most famous sculptures in Prague are free to view. They are located in public squares, on the sides of buildings, or in open courtyards. Only a few pieces inside private galleries might require an entrance fee.
Finding the hanging man statue is a highlight for many travelers in Prague. It is a perfect example of the city's unique and provocative art scene. By following our guide, you can see the best of David Cerny's work in a single day. Don't forget to look up and keep your camera ready for these strange sights. For more ideas on what to do, see our alternative guide to Prague. Enjoy your artistic adventure in the City of a Hundred Spires!
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.
- National Museum — Major national museum; unverified.
