Exactly Where to Find the Hanging Man Statue in Prague
Prague is famous for its gothic spires and historic bridges. However, the city also hides many strange modern secrets. Many visitors want to know where to find the Hanging Man statue while exploring the cobblestone streets. This surreal piece depicts Sigmund Freud hanging by one hand from a roof. It is a highlight of any David Cerny sculptures tour in the Czech capital. Finding these artworks adds a fun scavenger hunt feel to your trip. This guide will show you exactly where to look up and what else to see.
Quick Picks for Your David Cerny Sculptures Tour
If you are short on time, you should focus on the most accessible pieces. Most of these are located in the historic center. You can see several within a short walk of each other. Use this quick list to prioritize your art walk.
- Best for Photos: The Hanging Man in Old Town.
- Best for Families: The giant bronze babies at Kampa Park.
- Best Interactive Piece: The rotating head of Franz Kafka.
- Best Free Activity: Almost all of these sculptures are in public spaces.
Planning your route ahead of time helps you see more. Many of these works are hidden in plain sight. You might walk right past them if you do not know where to look. Check the official city tourism portal for any temporary closures or maintenance news.
Where to Find the Hanging Man Statue in Old Town
The Hanging Man is one of Prague's most photographed modern landmarks. It was created in 1997 and has traveled to many cities worldwide. It depicts the famous psychoanalyst Sigmund Freud. He is shown pondering whether to hold on or let go. This piece often startles tourists who think it is a real person in distress.
You will find this statue at the intersection of Husova and Skořepka streets. It is located in the heart of the Old Town. When you reach the corner, remember to look up toward the sky. The figure hangs from a metal beam protruding from a rooftop. It is a great spot for a quick photo while walking toward the river.
The area is usually busy during the day. Visit early in the morning for the best light. You can easily combine this with a visit to other best attractions in Prague. Most people spend about ten minutes here before moving on. There is no cost to view this public art piece.
10 Must-See David Cerny Sculptures in Prague
Prague serves as an open-air gallery for David Černý. His work is often provocative and funny. Here are the top ten items to include on your self-guided tour.
- Name: The Hanging Man Type: Sight Why go: It is the most iconic surrealist sculpture in the Old Town. Best for: Photography and urban exploration. Where: Husova Street, Old Town. Time: 10 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk 5 minutes from Old Town Square. Tip: Look up, or you will miss it entirely!
- Name: Franz Kafka's Rotating Head Type: Experience Why go: A massive mirrored bust that moves in complex layers. Best for: Tech lovers and Kafka fans. Where: Quadrio Shopping Centre, New Town. Time: 20 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Take the Metro line B to Narodni Trida. Tip: Check the Kafka rotating head statue schedule of movement before you go.
- Name: Upside-Down Horse Type: Sight Why go: A mocking version of the St. Wenceslas statue. Best for: History buffs. Where: Lucerna Passage, near Wenceslas Square. Time: 15 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk from Mustek Metro station. Tip: Grab a coffee in the beautiful Art Nouveau passage while you look.
- Name: Kampa Park Babies Type: Sight Why go: Giant bronze babies with barcodes for faces. Best for: Families and children. Where: Kampa Island, near the Kafka Museum. Time: 15 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk across Charles Bridge and turn left. Tip: These are great for kids to climb on for photos.
- Name: Tower Babies Type: Sight Why go: Ten giant babies crawling up a futuristic tower. Best for: Viewpoints and architecture. Where: Zizkov TV Tower. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Free to see from below. Getting there: Take the Green Metro line to Jiriho z Podebrad. Tip: Consider climbing the Zizkov TV Tower for a great city view.
- Name: Piss (Proudy) Type: Experience Why go: Two bronze men peeing into a pool shaped like the Czech Republic. Best for: People with a sense of humor. Where: Kafka Museum courtyard, Mala Strana. Time: 10 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk from Malostranska Metro station. Tip: You can send a text message to a number nearby to make them move.
- Name: The Embryo Type: Sight Why go: A glowing pink embryo attached to a drainpipe. Best for: Night owls. Where: Na Zabradli Theatre. Time: 5 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Short walk from Charles Bridge on the Old Town side. Tip: See it at night when it lights up for the best effect.
- Name: Quo Vadis Type: Sight Why go: A Trabant car on four legs, dedicated to East German refugees. Best for: History enthusiasts. Where: German Embassy Garden, Mala Strana. Time: 10 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk up from Malostranske namesti. Tip: You can see it through the fence from the Petrin Hill path.
- Name: Brown-nosers Type: Experience Why go: Giant statues where you climb a ladder to look inside. Best for: Adventurous art fans. Where: Futura Gallery, Smichov. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Free (check gallery hours). Getting there: Take Tram 9 or 15 to Bertramka. Tip: Check the gallery website as it is not always open.
- Name: MeetFactory Red Cars Type: Sight Why go: Red cars hanging like meat from a industrial building. Best for: Alternative culture seekers. Where: MeetFactory, Smichov. Time: 20 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Take Tram 12 to Lihovar. Tip: Visit the MeetFactory for great concerts and art exhibitions.
How to Plan Your David Cerny Art Walk
Most of these statues are in the city center. You can see the Hanging Man, the Kafka Head, and the Upside-Down Horse in one hour. Start at Wenceslas Square and walk toward the Old Town. Wear comfortable shoes as Prague has many uneven cobblestone streets. You can find more information on the official Visit Czechia website.
To see the Zizkov babies or the MeetFactory cars, you will need public transport. The tram system in Prague is excellent and very affordable. Buy a 24-hour pass if you plan to visit the outer districts. This allows you to jump on and off whenever you see something interesting.
Early morning is the best time for photography. The streets are quiet and the light is soft. By midday, the areas around the Hanging Man can get crowded. Always keep an eye on your belongings in busy tourist zones. Most of these sites are very safe to visit at any time.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What does the Hanging Man statue represent?
The statue represents Sigmund Freud, the father of psychoanalysis. It symbolizes the intellectual's struggle in the modern world. Freud is shown hanging by one hand, debating whether to hold on or let go. It is a commentary on the uncertainty of the 20th century.
Is the Hanging Man statue permanent?
Yes, the Hanging Man is a permanent installation in Prague. While it has been exhibited in other cities like Chicago and London, it always returns to its home on Husova Street. It has become a staple of the city's modern art scene since the late 1990s.
Where can I find David Cerny's sculptures in Prague?
You can find David Cerny's sculptures all over Prague. Key locations include Husova Street for the Hanging Man, the Lucerna Passage for the Upside-Down Horse, and Kampa Park for the bronze babies. Many are in the Old Town and Mala Strana neighborhoods within walking distance.
Finding the Hanging Man statue is a highlight of any trip to Prague. It offers a unique look at the city's modern culture. Whether you are a fan of David Cerny or just love weird art, these sculptures are worth the effort. Remember to look up and keep your camera ready. For more ideas on what to see, check out our guide to the best attractions in Prague. Enjoy your art hunt 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.
- National Museum — Major national museum; unverified.
