Prague’s Statues, Plaques, Street art and other Curiosities

  • Dlouha street – Floating Lady Vinok

    The Floating Lady Vinok in Dlouha street, Prague

  • Anděl in Smíchov- Zlatý Anděl or Golden Angel Building

    Letna park animal sculptures

  • Letna park – Animal sculptures

    Letna park animal sculptures

  • Karlovo Namesti – Eliska Krasnohorska

    Statue of of Eliska Krasnohorska on Karlovo Namesti

  • Ostrovni street – Vojtech Hynais

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  • Petrin Hill – Ferdinand Laub Statue

    Where: This statue is really hard to find. It is at the end of a dead end road on Petrin Hill,  Prague 1. It is close to the statue of Jan Neruda as well as The Fountain of 2 playing boys. GPS: 50.082807, 14.400177. What: It is a statue of Ferdinand Laub. The statue depicts Laub sitting with…

  • Lesnicka street – Albert Einstein

    Bust of Albert Einstein

  • Petrin Hill – Karel Hynek Macha

    The statue of Karel Hynek Macha on Petrin Hill

  • Hlavni nadrazi – Brotherhood

    Statue called the brotherhood by Karel Pokorny

  • Kampa park – Yellow Penguins

    Where: Next to the Kampa Museum in Kampa park, Prague 1, you can find this artwork in the river Vltava. GPS: 50.084232, 14.408989 What: The artwork is called “March of the Penguins Yellow” and consists of 34 very bright yellow penguins which light up at night. The Penguins are made out of recycled plastic materials and were…

  • Karlovo Namesti – Dr. Vaclav Benda

      Where: At Karlovo Namesti (Charles square), in Prague 2 at house number 287 and opposite of tramstop Novoměstská radnice. It is a small walk from the Palacky monument.  GPS: 50.077495, 14.419256 What: It is a plaque with a sculptured head that commemorates Dr. Václav Benda. The plaque reads; “In this house, from 1969-1999 lived and fought for…

  • Chotkovy Sady – Julius Zeyer

    Where: You can find this monument in Chotkovy sady, which is the public garden between Letna Park and the Royal garden. GPS: 50.093840, 14.408108 in Prague 1. What: As mentioned on it, this monument commemorates Julius Zeyer. It was unveiled on September 16, 1913 and was created by the sculptor Josef Mauder (December 1, 1854 – November 15,…

  • Jan Palach Square – Jan Palach Memorial

      Where: You can find these sculptures close to the Mánesův bridge at the Jan Palach Square on the Alšovo Riverbank just next to the Prague academy of Arts in Prague 1. GPS 50.088870, 14.414111 What: The artwork is named “the House of the Suicide and House of the Mother of the Suicide” and is created by…

  • Petrin Hill – Fountain of 2 playing boys, Masaryk’s grandsons

    Where: On Petrin Hill, in the Petrin gardens (Petřínské sady) just opposite of the statue of Jan Neruda. GPS: 50.083249, 14.402064 What: This small fountain shows two boys playing, surrounded by 6 frogs and 2 lizards. It was created in 1948 by the artist Karel Dvořák. It has been in the Petrin Gardens from 1949. The inspiration for the…

  • Petrin Hill – Statue of Jan Neruda

    Where: This statue can be found in the Petrin Gardens (Petřínské sady) on Petrin Hill. It is a small walk from the Memorial to the Victims of Communism.  GPS 50.083066,14.402245 What: The statue of Jan Neruda in Petřínské sady was created by the sculptor Jan Simot and architect Karel Lapka. It was officially unveiled on the 22nd…

  • Ujezd – Memorial to the victims of Communism

    Where: The memorial of the victims of communism (in Czech: Pomník obětem komunismu) is located at the base of Petřín hill on Újezd street. GPS: 50.081164, 14.403984. What: It shows a series of originally 7 bronze statues on a flight of 26 stairs. The statue in the front is complete but with every step the statues deteriorate more…

  • J. Plachty street – Memorial plaque Frantisek and Milka

      Where: Jindřicha Plachty street, in Prague 5 on building number 3. Close to Smíchovská náplavka. GPS: 50.070823, 14.409652 What: On the plaque is written: “Here lived and were arrested František Pecháček wonderful Sokol worker, commander of the resistance organisation “Jindra” and his wife Milka Pecháčková. They were tortured to death in concentration camp Mauthausen, They sacrificed there…

  • Krizikova Metro – Trialog

      Where: Just outside of Krizikova Metro station on Thámova street in the district of Karlin, Prague 8. GPS: 50.093237, 14.451936 What: The sculpture is named “Trialog” and the artist is Matěj Frank. It shows metal shapes of 3 people connected with pipes. The purpose of the sculpture is to be an interactive installation that invites people…

  • Arbesovo Namesti: Jakub Arbes

    Where: On Arbesovo Namesti, which is in Prague 5, Smichov. GPS 50.076497, 14.405200. This is also walking distance from the bust of Frantisek Langer What: It is a statue of Jakub Arbes. It is bronze and made by Jan Černý. The ceremonial unveiling of the statue took place on the 8th of April 1964 which was exactly 50…

  • Naplavka: Ballerina

    Where: If you walk on Naplavka (riverside) just look above the public toilets next to Palackého bridge (also not forget to check out the Foot). Or if you are at the start of the Palackého bridge coming from the Palackého square where you can see the Palacky monument just look down to your right. GPS: 50.073295, 14.413726 What: the statue is…

  • Naplavka: Noha (Foot)

    Where:  Below the Rašín Embankment  at Naplavka between Palackého bridge and Jiráskův bridge. GPS: 50.075085, 14.413565 and close to another sculpture called Baletka. What: The sculpture name is Noha which means foot in Czech. It was created in 2008/2009 and was placed at its current location in 2017. The Foot is made from welded tubes and is of t he…

  • Preslova street and namestí 14. rijna: Frantisek Langer

    Bust of Frantisek Langer

  • Palackeho namesti: Palacky Monument

    Where: Palackého námesti, near Palackého bridge. GPS 50.073167, 14.414865 What: This large statue is in honour of František Palacký. the construction started in 1901 and was unveiled in 1912. The bronze statues, around a sitting František represent the oppression and awakening of the people. The inscription reads “From the resurrected Nation, to its revivalist and leader” Who: František Palacký (4…

  • Janackove Nabrezi – Zdenek Nejedly plaque

                                                                                             Where: At Janáčkově nábřeží 33, near the Vlatva river, close to Jiráskův bridge…

Author: Praguestreets

  • Dlouha street – Floating Lady Vinok

    Vonik at Dlouhá street

    Where: This artwork is hanging on Dlouha street on cables, close to the popular Roxy club and near where Dlouha street intersects with Revolucni street in Prague 1, GPS: 50.09061642330392, 14.425880902338385

    What: This artwork is on its current location from 2022 and shows a female figure with a head decoration and is named “Vinok”. She is dedicated to all mothers affected by the war in Ukraine.

    The name Vinok comes from a traditional Ukrainian headdress made of flowers. While the tradition of wearing these wreaths dates back to pre-christian Slavic times, it also in recent times became a symbol of protest during the revolution and anti-war demonstrations in Ukraine.

    The artwork is made from interconnected steel wires. The use of the materials creates a bit of a ghostly appearance, both beautiful as well as scary. By suspending it above the street, the artist wants passersby to pause and contemplate on the impact of the war and the suffering it causes for mothers.

    “Vinok” is a private undertaking by the artist, with support of her friends.

    Who: The artist’s name is Veronika Psotková (Opava, 1981). She is Czech. Most of her artworks are realistic figurative sculptures made from wires and strongly influenced by pop culture. She uses autobiographical and everyday situations themes as an inspiration. Her works often make use of the exhibition space, inside as well as outside, and becomes part of it. Her artwork has been in many national and international exhibitions.

    For more plaques, statues or street art please check the category section or search option on the home page.

  • Anděl in Smíchov- Zlatý Anděl or Golden Angel Building

    Angel House at Andel in the Smichov District of Prague 5Where: This building is hard to miss; on the right side of the Vltava, you can find it above the “Anděl” metro station, next to the tram stops with the same name and directly opposite of the Novy Smichov shopping center in the Smichov district of Prague 5.

    GPS: 50°04’19.0″N 14°24’14.1″E

    What: Zlatý Anděl or Golden Angel is a building that was finalized in 2001. It functions as a multi complex with a shopping mall, commercial and office spaces.  The most eye-catching aspect of the building is the shape of the glass façade with a picture of a man and red text.

    The man depicts an eighteen-metre-high figure of an angel looking down from the sky onto the tramline crossroads. The figure is inspired by Wim Wenders’ 1987 movie about immortal angels “Der Himmel über Berlin” (Wings of Desire).

    The red texts are excerpts from the works of Jaroslav Seifert, Franz Kafka, Gustav Meyrink, Jiří Orten and Rainer Maria Rilke, who all have a connection with Prague.

    Both the image of the angel and the text are supposed to symbolize the birth of the building. The Golden Angel’s name comes from the well-known Lékárna U Zlatého Anděla or The Golden Angel’s Pharmacy, this building stood on the same spot but was demolished in 1980 to make room for the new Andel metro station.

    According to the architect the figure and the text are a continuation of the building tradition of Prague with its painted and written facades.

    Who: The architect’s name is Jean Nouvel, born in Fumel, France in 1945. He is a renowned architect whose building designs you can see across the globe. Nouvel’s designs are modern and he places enormous importance on designing a building that is harmonious with its surroundings.

    For more plaques, statues or street art please check the category section or search option on the home page

  • Letna park – Animal sculptures

    Letna 3Where: These sculptures are located in Letna park, next to the Letna beer garden and opposite of the Letenský zámeček restaurant in Prague 7. GPS: 50.096060, 14.426267

    What: There are in total  5 animal shaped sculptures and are at their current location from 2005. Made from ceramic and concrete, these large brightly colored animals (2 red, 1 yellow, 1 blue and 1 green) were created for both adults and children. To be inviting to the eye and encourage playful interaction.

    Who: The artist name is Alexandra Koláčkovás (1964). Alexandra is a Czech sculptor. Her sculptures can be found in Czech Republic but also abroad. A characteristic feature of Alexandra Koláčková’s work are colorful large-format sculptures made of ceramics and concrete for public use that really bright up a location.

    For more plaques, statues or street art please check the category section or search option on the home page

  • Karlovo Namesti – Eliska Krasnohorska

    IMG_0259[1]Where: This statue is located on Karlovo Namesti (Charles Square) in Prague 2 near one of the entrances to the metro line and the tram stop. GPS: 50.075965, 14.419597

    What: It is a statue of Eliška Krásnohorská and was unveiled in 1931. The autor of the statue is Karla Vobišová-Žáková. The monument is carved from a single block of white marble. It depicts, a slightly larger then in life,  Eliška Krásnohorská standing in a dress with a cape tied at her neck holding a scroll of papers. She is standing on a small pedestal which has the inscription Eliška Krásnohorská.

    Who: Eliška Krásnohorská (18th of November 1847 – 26th of November 1926) was a Czech author and  a pioneer of the women’s movement.  She wrote works of lyric poetry and literary criticism, however, she is usually associated with children’s literature and translations. In 1890 she founded the Minerva School in Prague. This was the first gymnasium for girls in Austria Hungary and its language of instruction was Czech.

    For more plaques, statues or street art please check the category section or search option on the home page

     

  • Ostrovni street – Vojtech Hynais

                                                                                                                                                       

    Vojrech Hynais buste

    Where: This bust with plaque is located on Ostrovni 2 in Prague 1,  right behind the National Theatre (Narodni Divaldo). GPS 50.080409, 14.414020 

    What: It is a bust with a plaque of text that commemorates Vojtech Hynais. It reads; “Here, the famous Czech painter Vojtěch Hynais lived and died, the creator of the National Theater curtain. To our Honorary Chairman from the Unity of Artists in Prague”. It was installed in 1933 and created by Jakub Obrovsky.

    Who: Vojtech Hynais (14 January 1854, Vienna – 22 August 1925, Prague) was a prominent Czech painter. He mainly painted religious and mythological images, focusing on integrating the human and the natural using particularly female nudes.  Vojtech is mostly remembered for creating a new curtain for the National Theater after the fire of 1881. The curtain celebrates the dedication of the Czech nation that was showed in rebuilding the National Theater. He also was a professor at the Prague Academy of Fine Arts. He is buried at the famous Vysehrad cemetery.

    For more plaques, statues or street art please check the category section or search option on the home page.

     

  • Petrin Hill – Ferdinand Laub Statue

    Petrin 2Where: This statue is really hard to find. It is at the end of a dead end road on Petrin Hill,  Prague 1. It is close to the statue of Jan Neruda as well as The Fountain of 2 playing boys. GPS: 50.082807, 14.400177.

    What: It is a statue of Ferdinand Laub. The statue depicts Laub sitting with a violin in his left hand. This statue was created by Vojtěch Sapík in 1913. Originally it was located in Křivoklát, were Ferdinand had lived and moved to its current location on Petrin Hill in 1950.

    On the base of the statue there is a plaque with the text: “Ferdinand Laub world famous violinist from the famous triple stars Jos.Slavík, Ferd.Laub, Fr.Ondříček. The faithful son of the Czech nation, a friend of Bedřich Smetana, Franz Liszt, Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky. Founder of a violin school at the Moscow Conservatory, etc. * January 19, 1832 in Prague, at Újezd (U Ježíšků) +18.3.1875 in Gries (Tyrol). Buried from 1950 in Vyšehrad”.

    Who: Ferdinand Laub (January 19, 1832 – March 17, 1875) was a famous Czech violin player. Starting with his first public appearance already at the age of six,  he was considered a well-admired violinist winning awards all over Europe. Ferdinand worked with famous musicians especially Tchaikovsky,  who dedicated String Quartet 3 to Laub after his death in 1875. Ferdinand Laub has been reburied in 1950 in the famous Vysehrad cemetery. 

  • Lesnicka street – Albert Einstein

    LesnickaWhere: This bust is located on Lesnicka street number 7 in Prague 5 . This street is between the Jiraskuv and Palackeho bridges . GPS: 50.073837, 14.408589

    What: It is a bust of the famous scientist Albert Einstein. The text below the bust reads “Here lived and worked in 1911-1912 Albert Einstein” The bust was unveiled on the 13th of March 1979.

    Who: Albert Einstein (14th of March 1879 – 18th of  April 1955) was a German-born theoretical physicist who is most famous for developing the theory of relativity, one of the two pillars of modern physics. Already the author of this Theory,  Einstein moved in April of 1911 to Prague where he was appointed as the professor of theoretical physics at Prague’s Charles University. He worked and lived in Prague only for 16 months. In July of 1912 he accepted the chair of theoretical physics at the Polytechnical Institute of Zurich in Switzerland. This ended his stay in Prague.

  • Petrin Hill – Karel Hynek Macha

    IMG_0363Where: A bit hidden on Petrin Hill after passing the statue of Jan Neruda and the fountain of 2 playing boys in Prague 1. GPS: 50.081774, 14.401985

    What: It is a bronze statue of Karel Hynek Macha. He is standing with his right hand leaning on the wall, on which there is an open notebook and in his left hand he is holding a bouquet of lilacs. The pedestal is made of granite and the plaque mentions his name, date of his birth and of his death. The statue was created between 1910 and 1912 by Josef Václav Myslbek and Architect Antonín Balšánek

    Who: Karel Hynek Mácha (16 November 1810 – 5 November 1836) was a Czech romantic poet. His most famous poem is considered to be “Maj” (May in English) which was published shortly before his death in 1936. It is now considered to be one of the best Czech poems ever written. However recognition of his work came only after his death. Czech nationalists and academics  discovered and rehabilitated Mácha. Originally buried in a pauper grave, in 1939 his remains were exhumed, and were given a formal state burial at the famous Vyšehrad cemetery in Prague.

  • Hlavni nadrazi – Brotherhood

     

    IMG_0361Where: In the park named Vrchlického sady which is in front of Prague’s main train station (Hlavní nádraží), and really close to the Hlavní nádraží tramstops on Bolzanova street in Prague 1 ,  GPS: 50.085662, 14.435455

    What: This bronze statue is named “Brotherhood” (Sbratření) and commemorates the liberation of Czechoslovakia by the Red Army during World War II. It depicts a Czech partisan greeting a Red Army soldier with a kiss and a bouquet of lilacs.

    This statue is actually a replica of the between 1947 – 1950 created monument by Karel Pokorný.  The original you can find in the city of Ceska Trebova.  The inspiration for this statue was a picture by the Czech photographer Karel Ludwig which was made during the liberation of Prague in May 1945. 

    Who: Karel Pokorný (January 18, 1891, Pavlice – February 14, 1962, Prague) was a Czech sculptor and university professor. He was a student of Josef Vaclav Myslbek who is a prominent representative of Czech realism. As a university teacher he first worked at the Czech Technical University. Later he became a professor at the Academy of Performing Arts, were he also held the position of rector during the years 1948 to 1950.

  • Kampa park – Yellow Penguins

    IMG_0236[1]Where: Next to the Kampa Museum in Kampa park, Prague 1, you can find this artwork in the river Vltava. GPS: 50.084232, 14.408989

    What: The artwork is called “March of the Penguins Yellow” and consists of 34 very bright yellow penguins which light up at night. The Penguins are made out of recycled plastic materials and were originally part of the exhibit “RE-evolution” at Kampa Museum in 2008.

    Who: The artwork is created by a number of international artists who call themselves the Cracking Art Group. Their use of recycled plastic and bright colored animal shapes in unexpected places is to inspire a conversation about the importance and the environmental impact of recycling as well as to investigate the close relationship between natural and artificial reality.