Crawling babies in Prague. Contemporary art of Prague. Street sculptures. Monument to the Frenchman Kafka
If the soul asks you to deviate from the “sugar” Prague with Charles Bridge and Prague Castle, we invite you to take a walk through the creations of perhaps the most famous modern Czech sculptor, master of provocation David Czerny. We thought out a tricky plan how to see the best “suchart” of the city in two and a half hours, and along the way to go along the most pleasant districts of the capital - so look not only at MAPS.ME, but also around!
1. Infants
Mahlerovy sady 2699/1, Praha 3
The main work of the sculptor, because of which you definitely heard the name Czerny, is waiting for you at the Zizkov TV Tower - the tallest building in the capital, which can be seen from anywhere in the city. As usual, half of Prague hates the tower, the second - adores. The whole system is three concrete pillars, united by transverse structures (viewing platforms), and naked babies climb up the pillars.
Initially, only two Cherni dolls appeared on the tower, who were tidied up right away - they thought that the whole structure looked too unreliable. But part of the townspeople felt that the kids had decorated the ugly tower, and the second part agreed that you couldn’t do any worse for the TV tower, and they all asked to return the sculptures in chorus. Today there are already 10 babies.
2. Horse
Štěpánská 61, Praha 1
20 minutes through the narrow streets, and in the passage of Lucerne you will find the second art object of David. Having overcome shops and restaurants, in the atrium under the ceiling, you will see a sculpture of St. Wenceslas, who is sitting on his dead horse, suspended by its hooves.
If you are soft-hearted and easy to persuade, perhaps the barkers in the center have managed to drag you on a “classic” tour of Prague. Then you definitely saw the real monument of St. Wenceslas, from which Cherni sculpted - lovers of the Top 10 routes from Tripadvisor constantly make pilgrimages to the monument. Initially, Czerny’s work was directly opposite his prototype, at the other end of the square.
There are many options for exactly what the author wanted to say, like the rest of Czerny’s works. He ridicules the excitement of tourists who come to visit the classical monuments in Prague, and indicates that the Czechs have lost their old values, and criticizes modern politics at the same time.
3. K.
Spálená 2121/22, Praha 1
In the courtyard of the Quadrio shopping center, you will probably see the largest object of our route. This is a giant 11-meter head of Franz Kafka, which is sometimes deformed, then consists of 42 blocks in continuous motion. Because of the mirror surface, at first it is difficult to understand that the blocks are moving, it seems that the head just begins to dissolve by itself and after a few seconds appears on the other side. The place is not for the faint of heart: wherever you stand, it seems that Kafka is watching you. The writer's works are difficult to interpret, his personality is still a mystery, and therefore Czerny captured in this sculpture a constant transformation, rejection of the outside world and the next transformation of Kafka.
4. Suspended person
Jilská 1, Praha 1
5 minutes from the shopping center along Spálená street and stop looking at your feet - raise your head and see the figure of a man who clings to the beam with one hand and is about to fall. And if there is a strong wind, it sways at all!
Those who are accustomed to catch political mockery in all of Czerny’s works, or who boast good eyesight, are sure that the hanging man is Lenin. Although the author himself explains that this is the figure of Freud, who “hung” in the unconscious, and also personified the disconnection of the common people and the intelligentsia.
Tourists who do not know about this work of art are often afraid that this is a real person who is going to commit suicide and even periodically report to the police. Look, don't get caught!
5. Embryo
Anenské náměstí 209/5, Praha 1
After another 400 meters and 5 minutes walk, among the classical architecture of the city, on the drainpipe of one of the buildings you will see something strange. The name of the installation speaks for itself - this is the embryo that David Cerny blinded on the birthday of the Prague Theater. This mass symbolizes the origin of creativity. In the evening, the figure is highlighted, pulsating in red and looks pretty creepy.
6. Manneken Pis
Cihelná 2b, Praha 1
In the courtyard of the Franz Kafka Museum, another famous sculpture is installed - a fountain: two men relieve the need for a pool-base in the shape of the Czech Republic. The fountain does not just pour water, but writes various patriotic texts. The middle part of the body is rotated to the sides and uses a special mechanism to write out words (in all senses of the word). You can also get involved in contemporary art and order sculptures your own phrase by sending a message to the desired number (he wrote right at the fountain).
7. Where are you going?
Vlašská 19, Praha 1
The first sculpture of the artist, which brought him fame. This is the GDRovsky “Trabant” with human legs instead of wheels. The sculpture recalls the times shortly before the fall of the Berlin Wall, when the inhabitants of eastern Germany fled the country in their cars to Prague, threw them and applied for political asylum. Now this work is installed at the German embassy, \u200b\u200band you can look at it only from afar - through the fence. If you are not ready to crawl up a few kilometers towards art for this, then you can skip this point and go straight to Kampa Park.
8. Babies in Kampa Park
U Sovových mlýnů 503/2, Praha 1
You can look closer, take pictures and touch those very babies from the tower in the park on the island of Kampa. Three three-meter bronze cubs are located on the approach to the Museum of Modern Art. The peculiarity of the sculptures is the terrifying lack of faces in the kids. Instead of eyes and nose - a dent, similar to a bar code. Rumors have it that babies with barcode faces are Cherney's protest against abortion.
9. Monument to toadness
Holečkova 789/49, Praha 5
You will find one of the most provocative works of “Czech Banksy” in the Future Gallery of Modern Art. Two asexual and headless human figures are bent at an angle of 90 ° and turned back to you, as if inviting to look into it (for this, even a ladder was framed!). The sculpture itself does not need explanations, especially if we take into account the original name of the work - Brown Nosing.
But if you decide to look into the hole, you will see another political subtext - a video with former president Vaclav Klaus and artist Milan Knizek, who eat porridge against the backdrop of Queen's song “We Are The Champions”.
10. Meet Factory
Ke Sklárně 3213/15, Praha 5
To the final point of the route, you will have to make a final spurt of 4 km or take a tram number 12 or 20. Meet Factory is both an art space and an art object at the same time. Meet Factory is located in the former railway administration building, which was handed over to David Czerny to turn it into a residence for creativity. This is something like Andy Warhol's “Factory”: it houses trendy studios, theater workshops, exhibition spaces, a bookstore and even a bar. This is where you can feel the spirit of the Czech rebel sculptor or even meet him. And if you have an overdose of modern art - here you can just drink a beer and go down.
The duration of the route is 2 hours 30 minutes.
Photo - alesjungmann.cz, frank-udo-tielmann.photoshelter.com, whenonearth.net, holeinthedonut.com
For many tourists traveling with children, before visiting Prague, the question arises: medieval sights, meat dishes, melting in the mouth and the famous, it's all good, but what to see and what to do with a child in the Czech capital?
Let's try to answer this question in this article!
The first thing that travelers with children should pay attention to is to look at the children's toy store of the famous London Hamleys network, located in the very center of the historical part of Prague, near Wenceslas Square at Na Prikope 854/14, 110 00 Praha 1-Nove Mesto.
This is much more than just a toy store, this is a real "Children's Paradise." The whole point of the store is that in addition to selling toys from around the world, free entertainment and attractions are located on two floors of the store. The attractions are so diverse that the store will find something to their liking, both the smallest visitors, as well as older children and even adults. We two adults had a good time at this store.
You will not go past the Hamleys store. Walking along Na Prikope near the entrance to the store you will be greeted by characters from fairy tales and cartoons.
You can drive racing cars for free at the Hamleys Toy Store or arrange a race for the departure
Learning how to drive a big toy excavator
Take a ride on a children's slide, play Lego, climb out of plasticine and find many more interesting ideas for children and themselves in furnished corners with funny toys. Or just watch the cartoon on TV.
The main features of the Hamleys store in Prague is the Venetian merry-go-round, the hottest attraction is a large children's slide with which you can quickly and easily rush from the second to the first floor of the store and the hit of all toys is a fabulous talking tree.
Everything in this store moves, talks and goes into your hands. This is aimed at not just buying this or that toy, but seeing it with my own eyes and trying them in action, naturally, with the expectation of a subsequent purchase, but this is not necessary at all.
From shopping at Hamleys you will receive a lot of positive emotions, and your children will be delighted. True, after entering the store, only one problem may arise, time in the store flies unnoticed, and children can’t be pulled out of it ... Still, we ourselves forced ourselves to go out and go for a walk further)).
There are shops in this network in other cities of Europe and Russia - Moscow, St. Petersburg and Krasnodar, but the scale is not the same.
What else to do in Prague with children, what to see?
Entertainment for children in Prague doesn’t end with a toy store! In the center of Stare Mesto, not far from Madame Tussauds Wax Museum/ Madame Tussauds Prague.
Madame Tussauds, the London brand and the world famous wax attraction. This full-size museum and colorful outfits feature waxed Hollywood stars on set and legendary characters from favorite films.
The place is quite interesting, suitable for school children and adults. Entrance is paid, somewhere between 200-250 crowns per person. The wax museum is located in Prague at the address: Celetna 555/6, 110 00 Praha 1-Stare Mesto.
The next place, not far from and can be distinguished Chocolate Museum Store/ Choco-Story museum cokolady. This store will be interesting not only for children but also for adults. In addition to the store selling various sweets, the store hosts free shows during which viscous caramels are prepared before your eyes. The spectacle is so exciting that we even forgot to take photos, which of course we regretted. And after manufacturing, sweets are still warm, they are handed out to all viewers for a test. You take the candy in your mouth, and it is still warm and soft, and freezes in your mouth in a matter of seconds.
We were delighted with this idea of \u200b\u200bmaking sweets. And not only we, but all the spectators, from the smallest to the senior citizens, stood with their mouths open. We recommend a visit, especially with children.
In addition to the show and the store, a chocolate museum is opened in the same building, within the walls of which you can learn about the history of chocolate, see cocoa beans, visit the exhibition of antique chocolate wrappers, and also taste the truffles.
Entrance to the chocolate museum is paid, an adult ticket is 270 CZK, children, student and pension (people over 65) - 199 CZK, children under 6 years old accompanied by their parents are free of charge. Chocolate (store) museum address: Celetna 557/10, 110 00 Praha 1-Stare Mesto.
Since we are talking about sweets, then there are small shops with various marmalade. Marmalade and other sweets of various shapes, colors and flavors are in the store right in wooden barrels. You approach, you get yourself a bag of whatever you want, they weigh it at the checkout, the price is the same - 83 kroons or 3 euros per 100 grams.
Everyone knows about the beauty of Old Prague and its many historical monuments. And what about modern works of art in the Czech capital? What unusual art objects are in Prague and where you can see them.
There are many modern artifacts at exhibitions and in Prague museums, but we will look at works of art that are in the open. Let's talk about modern monuments on the streets of Prague. Of the ten most popular street statues, seven works were made by the infamous sculptor David Černý.
The Horse (Kůň), 1999
“Babies” on the TV tower
Ten giant “blacks” - 3.5 m each - are installed on the building of the Prague district of Zizkov. Black, shiny and faceless crawling babies were made by the sculptor back in the 90s, but there was no suitable place for placement. In 2000, Prague was declared the European center of culture. In honor of such an event, Cerny, who at that time lived on Zizkov, placed the “kids” on the TV tower. For a whole year and a half, he chose a specific place for each figure.
Not all residents and guests of Prague liked Babies. On one well-known tourist portal of the Czech Republic in 2009, the Zizkov TV tower with “babies” was called the second most ugly building in the world. The tower is located at: Prague 3 - Zizkov; Mahlerovy sady 2699/1.
Three similar bronze babies are set on the island.
"Manneken Pis" performed by Cerna, 2004
"Manneken Pis" in the role of fountains was seen by many, and the public cannot be surprised by this. David Cerny went even further. He writes men (Čurající fontána) - mannequins of quite mature husbands, each 210 cm high, controlled by an electronic device that allows you to rotate your hips and lift your penis so that the stream of water on the surface of the lake in the form of the Czech Republic writes letters. Performing the usual "work", men are quoted in an unusual way by celebrities. “Creativity” of these original fountains can be ordered on a prepaid basis by sending the corresponding SMS to +420 724 370 770. And the necessary phrase will be (literally!) "Written."
Fountains are in the courtyard.
Address: Prague - 1; Cihelná 2.
Suspended (Viselec), 1999
In this case, Cerny was “suspended” by a statue of Sigmund Freud to a height of 220 cm. An unhappy sculpture of a famous psychologist hangs from the roof on one arm (Socha Sigmunda Freuda visícího za jednu ruku) on Gusova (Husova) street. This figure has repeatedly been to various exhibitions in the world. In 2007, she exhibited in Chicago. There, the work of David Cerny caused quite a stir. In the dark, a realistic figure was mistaken for a man in distress, and they tried to call rescuers to him.
“Where are you going?” (Quo vadis?), 1990 year.
The sculpture of the Trabant car, walking on human legs, is dedicated to refugees from the former GDR. Before the fall of the Berlin Wall, East Germans fled to Prague en masse in their "trabans" (they did not need a Czech visa). These people threw their cars near the embassy of Germany and went to ask for political asylum. In the park of the German embassy in the Lobkovickém Palace in Prague, this funny monument has been erected since 2001.
Cars on the facade of MeetFactory
Two red cars - decoration of the MeetFactory cultural center
MeetFactory is the building of David Cerny's Studio - a multifunctional cultural center. Two more red cars are vertically suspended on its facade. The studio is located in a building of a former railway depot in the Smichov district.
Address: Prague 5; Ke sklarne 15.
"Sneak" or "Brown-nosing"
The English-language play on Brown-nosing is understood by most people without explanation. This installation is installed in the Futura Gallery (at an exhibition of contemporary art). Two huge bare statues (or rather, their lower parts) stand, leaning at a right angle. Climbing the stairs, you can look at each figure in ... the very essence. There, inside, is a video with Vaclav Klaus and Milan Knizhak. Prominent figures of politics and culture eat porridge there!
The gallery is located at: Prague 5; Holečkova 49.
A six-meter statue of a chair stands at the entrance to the Jana a Medy Mládkových museum. Magdalena Etelova, a Czech sculptor, created a four-meter sculpture in the 1980s. It was installed on the lock of the Vltava River and once collapsed from a flood. In the School of Fine Arts and Industry, in 2003, they made a new - six-meter version of the "Chair". Installed it in the same place. It weighs 8 tons, and rising water will no longer hurt her.
Penguins at Re-Evolution
Penguin figurines are part of the Re-Evolution exhibition owned by (project of the Cracking Art Group). They are made of recycled plastic bottles and stand by the river, near the already known to us “Stool”. At night, a system of 34 yellow penguins (žlutých tučňáků) is highlighted. That's very beautiful!
“Victims of Communism”
The “Victims of Communism” memorial (Pomník obětem komunismu) was opened near Újezd \u200b\u200bStreet in 2002. Authors: sculptor O. Zubek; architects: Z. Holzel and J. Kerel.
This memorial of seven statues represents the indestructible political prisoners of the communist rule of 1948-1989. Thin, almost ethereal figures mournfully walk up the stairs and seem to disappear in space. In the center of the monument there is a bronze tablet. It indicates the number of victims of the communist regime.
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Those who think that there is nothing to do with children in Prague are mistaken. There are enough entertainments and interesting places for children in the Czech capital. So much so that you can not remember the whole vacation about magnificent historical sights. In this article we have selected 15 places to visit with children in Prague. Please the little tourists and diversify your vacation in this fabulous city with fun, vivid emotions and a portion of adrenaline.
Be sure to visit the Museum of Toys (Museum hraček) with children in Prague, this is one of the toys in the world. It is easy to find him - he is on the way from to, a stone's throw from Mariana Square.
A visit to this museum will be fascinating for both adults and children. While mothers and daughters will admire the richest collection of dolls, bears, toy houses and furniture, the boys and their dads will surely be interested in thousands of models of cars, locomotives, steamboats and battle scenes with real tin soldiers.
At the Toy Museum in Prague, children will see exclusive old toys that are several hundred years old, and some of the exhibits in the museum can be touched and examined by children. Take time to look into this museum in Prague with your children in order to surprise your children and feel not so grown up.
Address: Husova 158/20
How to get there: the nearest station is Staroměstská (green line)
Opening hours: every day from 10:00 to 18:00.
The mirror labyrinth (Zrcadlové bludiště na Petříně) is an attraction guaranteeing laughter and fun, hiding behind the walls of a tiny, almost toy, medieval castle on top. Entering this kingdom of mirrors, you will immediately be lost in hundreds of your reflections. After wandering along the mirror corridors, the children will laugh and build faces in the hall of crooked mirrors, and adults must smile at their comical reflections. Come to the Mirror Maze in Prague with your children for a large portion of good mood.
Address: Petřínské sady, 633 2
Children in Prague: Aquapalace Praha Water Park
Another interesting place for children in Prague is the Prague water park. “Aquapalace Praha” has so many interesting things that it is completely impossible to get around in a day, there are incredible water slides, pools, attractions and even a fitness center.
Especially for children in Prague, the “Treasure Palace” is organized in the water park. Bright design, an interesting idea and fun rides will surely please your children. Children will be able to splash around in the pool pools, slide off a water slide, explore a pirate ship and feel the real sea roll! And mothers and fathers, having bought up and having received their portion of adrenaline, can relax in the sauna, during a massage or in one of the many bars.
You will find detailed information about holidays with children in Prague at the water park .
Children in Prague: Children's Island "Dětský ostrov"
In Prague, an entire island is organized for children. This is a real island in the Vltava, and it is really for children. It has slides, sandpits, climbing ladders, swings, sports fields and a football field, a fountain, a pool and water attractions are equipped. You can get to this paradise for children in Prague by ferry boat. The household needs of the children are also taken into account, so get ready to spend the whole day on Children's Island. The entrance is free.
Address: Dětský ostrov, Janáčkovo nábřeží, 476 / 43a
Getting there: by bus No. 176 or No. 6, 9, 12, 20 to the stop "Arbesovo náměstí".
Opening hours: in the summertime 09:00 - 20:00, in the winter 10:00 - 18:00.
Children in Prague: Dinosaur Park DinoPark
If your children are not indifferent to dinosaurs, then it is simply inexcusable not to bring children in Prague to DinoPark. In addition to the static figures of huge dinosaurs, little tourists will see here moving and chewing grass prehistoric reptiles. And dinosaurs here can growl and hiss, and their figures exactly match the descriptions of real dinosaurs.
On the territory of DinoPark there is a 4D cinema where you can watch popular science films about the life of dinosaurs, and in the Paleontological town on excavations you can independently find the "real" dinosaur egg. Be prepared to spend at least half a day with children in DinoPark in Prague, because taking a dinosaur lover out of here will be very difficult.
Address: Českomoravská, 2420/15
Children in Prague: Mořský Svět Aquarium
Of course, it will be interesting for children who love animals and the sea. In large aquariums in the aquarium in Prague, children will see about three hundred representatives of the fauna. There are stingrays, moray eels, sea urchins, colorful coral fish, crabs, stars and even sharks. And the children will definitely like the twilight and special lighting, creating the impression that you and the other guests of the oceanarium are deep under water. Also on the site of the aquarium you can find a schedule of special events, such as feeding from the hands of divers sharks or other inhabitants of the aquarium.
Address: Výstaviště, 422.
Children in Prague: Lunapark Luna Park
Tired of historical sites and hiking? Set off with your children in Prague to Luna Park. On the territory of the amusement park, more than a hundred rides have been collected, which will help the kids get a lot of bright positive emotions, and parents can remember their childhood. Look into the room of fear for skeletons and monsters, ride on dizzying carousels and roller coasters, get lost in the mazes and have fun in the room of laughter. And also - treat your children and yourself with candies, gingerbread cookies and lemonade. Lunapark in Prague is a place for lovers of fun and adrenaline.
Address: Výstaviště, 67 20
Are you and your children thrill-seekers? Then you definitely need to visit Prague with your children at the Bobová dráha, a bobsled track with a dizzying descent, loops and bends. Here you can reach speeds of up to 62 km / h, and these 800 meters will be remembered for a long time by both you and your little daredevils.
Independent descents are allowed for children who have reached the age of eight, however, if your child is younger but determined, then you will be allowed to check in and get a shot of adrenaline together. You don’t have to worry about the safety of this event, the organizers took care of it.
Address: Prosecká, 906 / 34b
Children in Prague: Puppet Theaters
Try to make time in your informative and entertaining holiday schedule and go with children in Prague to one of the children's theaters.
In the children's theater “Divadlo Minor” you will see puppet and plastic performances based on music and the talented play of the actors, so not knowing the Czech language will not prevent the children from having fun. And in the puppet theater “Divadlo Spejbla a Hurvínka”, performances are held in eight European languages, order tickets in advance and then you will definitely find yourself in one of the most famous puppet theaters in Europe.
Divadlo Minor Address: Vodičkova, 674/6
Address "Divadlo Spejbla a Hurvínka": Dejvická, 919/38
The Kingdom of Railways (Kralovstvi zeleznic) will be appreciated by men - adults and not so. At this miniature exposition, the Czech Republic can be seen in full view - landscapes and cities, railway stations and railways, trains and wagons. Everything was done with great care, and tiny locomotives run along 120 meters of the miniature railway. It also presents a miniature model of modern Prague and a model of the Czech capital of the Middle Ages, feel like Gulliver.
Address: Stroupežnického, 3181/23 (opposite the shopping center Nový Smíchov)
How to get there: at the Anděl station, Nos. 4, 6, 7, 9, 10, 12, 14, 16, 20 to the Anděl stop.
