5 Must-See Sculptures in Prague

The Statue of St John of Nepomuk stands tall on the Charles Bridge
The Statue of St John of Nepomuk stands tall on the Charles Bridge | © Peter Vrabel / Alamy Stock Photo
Ieva Matiejunaite

Walking through the streets of Prague is a magical experience, with countless beautiful and historic buildings and landmarks to marvel at. The Czech capital is also home to an array of sculptures that cover a range of subjects and artistic styles.

1. ‘Man Hanging Out’ sheds light on Sigmund Freud’s internal struggles

Architectural Landmark

The ‘Man Hanging Out’ sculpture in Prague depicts the psychoanalyst Sigmund Freud
© Mo Peerbacus / Alamy Stock Photo

This sculpture, found in Prague’s Old Town, is easily missed if you’re not looking up. It depicts the psychoanalyst Sigmund Freud hanging by one hand on the top of a building, seemingly pondering whether to hold on or to let go. Freud was born in Freiberg, which is now known as Příbor and is part of the Czech Republic. During his life, he suffered from a number of phobias, including the fear of his own death. Artist David Černý, whose work can be found throughout Prague, chose to depict the psychoanalyst in his constant struggle with this trepidation. Unexpected and eye-catching, Man Hanging Out has often been mistaken for a real person and has prompted calls to the city’s fire and police departments.

2. The Statue of Franz Kafka commemorates the life and work of Prague’s favourite son

Architectural Landmark

The Franz Kafka monument stands close to his former family home in Prague
© Alexander Krassel / Alamy Stock Photo

This surrealistic sculpture depicts a mini Kafka riding on the shoulders of a giant, empty suit. It was commissioned by Prague’s Franz Kafka Society in 2003 and created by Jaroslav Róna. The image was inspired by the writer’s short story ‘Description of a Struggle’ (1912), in which the narrator explores a fantasy landscape from the shoulders of “an acquaintance”. The monument stands in the historic Jewish Quarter in Prague, where Kafka spent most of his life, close to his former family home. It is also close to the Vltava River waterfront, where an important part of the story takes place.

3. Touch the Statue of St John of Nepomuk for good luck

Architectural Landmark

The Statue of St John of Nepomuk stands on the balustrade of the Charles Bridge
© Mirco Vacca / Alamy Stock Photo

The Statue of St John of Nepomuk is one of the 30 sculptures mounted to the balustrade of one of Prague’s most famous landmarks, the Charles Bridge. The statue represents the court priest of King Wenceslas IV, who supposedly died after being thrown off the bridge in 1383. Legend has it that the king had him killed because St John refused to reveal the secret confessions of the queen. Touching the statue is supposed to bring good luck and ensure that visitors return to Prague soon. A few steps away, you’ll find a cross with five stars on the left parapet of the bridge, which is said to mark the spot where the priest was thrown in the water.

5. Stop by the ‘Czech Musicians’, a representation of four major rivers

Architectural Landmark

Anna Chromý created the ‘Czech Musicians’ sculptures
© Fabrizio Troiani / Alamy Stock Photo

In Sénovàzné Square in Prague, you’ll find four bronze figures dancing around a fountain. These are artist Anna Chromý’s Czech Musicians. All are blindfolded, and each plays a different instrument. They represent four major rivers of the world: the Ganges, the Amazon, the Danube and the Mississippi. The dancers are so expertly captured that it is hard to walk by the figures without stopping to admire their fluidity and expression – it’s almost as if you can hear their music being played.

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