Kafka Rotating Head Statue Schedule of Movement & Art Tour
Prague is famous for its history and gothic spires. However, the city also hosts some of the world's most unique modern art. The most famous piece is the giant bust of Franz Kafka. Travelers often search for the Kafka rotating head statue schedule of movement to catch the show. This kinetic masterpiece by David Černý is a must-see. In this guide, we will cover the timing, location, and other amazing sculptures nearby. Get ready to explore the quirky side of the Czech capital.
Seeing the Kafka Rotating Head Statue Schedule of Movement
The Kafka head, also known as "K," is a technical marvel. It consists of 42 independent stainless steel layers. These layers rotate to transform the face. Most visitors want to know the Kafka rotating head statue schedule of movement before arriving. Generally, the sculpture moves every hour on the hour. The performance usually begins at 8:00 AM and ends at 7:00 PM or 8:00 PM.
The movement sequence lasts for approximately 15 minutes. During this time, the layers spin in different directions. They eventually realign to form Kafka’s face. It is a mesmerizing sight that reflects the writer's complex personality. You can find the statue behind the Quadrio shopping center. This is very close to the Narodni Trida metro station.
Keep in mind that the schedule can change for maintenance. In 2026, it is wise to check local signage at the base of the statue. Sometimes the rotation is paused during high winds or freezing temperatures. If you miss the start, do not worry. There are many other best attractions in Prague within walking distance. You can grab a coffee at the mall and wait for the next turn.
Top 10 Stops on a David Cerny Sculptures Tour
Prague is an open-air gallery for the provocative artist David Černý. Following a David Cerny sculptures tour is the best way to see the city. Here are the top ten stops you should include on your itinerary.
- Best overall: Franz Kafka Head
- Best for families: Crawling Babies
- Best for a rainy day: Upside-Down Horse
- Best free activity: The Hanging Man
- Name: Franz Kafka Head (K) Type: kinetic sculpture Why go: It is the most iconic modern landmark in Prague. Best for: photographers and fans of engineering. Where: Quadrio Shopping Center, New Town. Time: 15-20 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Metro Line B to Narodni Trida. Tip: Arrive 5 minutes before the hour to get a good viewing spot.
- Name: Upside-Down Horse Type: indoor sculpture Why go: It is a mocking take on the famous St. Wenceslas statue. Best for: history buffs and indoor explorers. Where: Lucerna Palace gallery, near Wenceslas Square. Time: 10 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk from Můstek metro station. Tip: Look up; the statue hangs from the ceiling in the atrium.
- Name: The Hanging Man Type: sight Why go: It depicts Sigmund Freud hanging by one hand from a roof. Best for: those who love hidden details. Where: Husova Street, Old Town. Time: 5 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk from the Old Town Square. Tip: Read more about where to find the Hanging Man statue so you don't walk right past it.
- Name: Piss (Čůrající postavy) Type: experience Why go: Two mechanical men pee into a pool shaped like the Czech Republic. Best for: people with a sense of humor. Where: Kafka Museum courtyard, Lesser Town. Time: 10 minutes. Cost: Free to view the courtyard. Getting there: Walk from Charles Bridge. Tip: You can send a text message to the number nearby, and the statues will spell it out.
- Name: Crawling Babies (Tower) Type: iconic sight Why go: Giant, faceless babies crawl up the sides of a high-tech tower. Best for: viewpoint lovers. Where: Žižkov Television Tower. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Free to see from outside; fee for the tower deck. Getting there: Metro Line A to Jiřího z Poděbrad. Tip: Consider climbing the Zizkov TV Tower for the best city views.
- Name: Crawling Babies (Park) Type: experience Why go: These are the bronze versions of the tower babies you can actually touch. Best for: families and kids. Where: Kampa Park, near the Vltava River. Time: 15 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk from the Malostranská metro station. Tip: The babies have bar codes instead of faces, which is quite eerie up close.
- Name: Embryo Type: neighborhood sight Why go: A glowing embryo is stuck to a drainpipe on a historic building. Best for: night walkers. Where: Na Zábradlí Theatre, Old Town. Time: 5 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Short walk from Charles Bridge. Tip: Visit after dark when the sculpture lights up from within.
- Name: Quo Vadis Type: day trip/sight Why go: A Trabant car on four giant legs commemorates East German refugees. Best for: history enthusiasts. Where: German Embassy Garden, Lesser Town. Time: 10 minutes. Cost: Free (view through the fence). Getting there: Walk up the hill from Malostranské náměstí. Tip: You can see it clearly from the Petřín Hill paths if the embassy gate is closed.
- Name: Trifot Type: unique experience Why go: A walking, multi-eyed monster made of cameras that follows people. Best for: tech fans. Where: Near Nové Butovice metro station. Time: 15 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Metro Line B to Nové Butovice. Tip: The eyes actually move and project images onto nearby screens.
- Name: Brown-Nosers Type: museum/indoor Why go: You must climb a ladder to look into the backsides of two giant statues. Best for: the brave and curious. Where: Futura Gallery, Smíchov. Time: 20 minutes. Cost: Usually free or small gallery fee. Getting there: Tram 9, 12, or 15 to Švandovo divadlo. Tip: Inside, you will see a video of Czech politicians feeding each other.
How to Plan Your Prague Modern Art Walk
Most of these sculptures are in the city center. You can easily see the Kafka head, the Hanging Man, and the Upside-Down Horse on foot. Start at Wenceslas Square and head toward the Old Town. Use the official Prague.eu portal to check for any temporary art installations. The city is very walkable, but the metro is great for reaching the Žižkov Tower or Trifot.
The best time to start your walk is early morning. This helps you avoid the crowds at the Kafka head. If you want to see the Kafka rotating head statue schedule of movement, aim for the 9:00 AM or 10:00 AM slot. Afterward, cross the river to Kampa Park for the bronze babies. This route offers a perfect mix of classic architecture and weird modern art.
Prague is generally very safe for tourists. However, always watch your belongings in crowded areas like the Kafka Museum. For more travel inspiration, visit the Visit Czechia website. They offer great tips on seasonal events and festivals. Wear comfortable shoes because the cobblestone streets can be tough on your feet.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Kafka rotating head statue schedule of movement?
The Kafka rotating head statue moves every hour on the hour. The rotation typically starts at 8:00 AM and continues until 7:00 PM or 8:00 PM. Each show lasts about 15 minutes. It is located at the Quadrio shopping center in Prague's New Town.
Is it free to see the David Cerny sculptures in Prague?
Yes, almost all of David Černý's sculptures in Prague are free to view. Most are located in public spaces, streets, or shopping centers. You only need to pay if you want to enter specific museums or climb the Žižkov TV Tower.
How long do I need for a David Cerny sculptures tour?
A comprehensive tour takes about 3 to 4 hours. You can see the central pieces, like the Kafka head and Hanging Man, in under 2 hours on foot. Reaching outlying statues like Trifot requires using the metro, which adds more time.
Prague is a city where the old and the new live side by side. Seeing the Kafka rotating head statue schedule of movement is a highlight for many visitors. By following a David Cerny sculptures tour, you will discover the city's rebellious spirit. Don't forget to check out the David Cerny sculptures tour guide for a detailed map. Enjoy the weird, wonderful, and moving art of Prague!
Official resources
🌟 Local Expert Tip: Get the most out of your Prague visit with guided tours!
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.
