Franz Kafka statue by Jaroslav Róna in Prague, Czech Republic

Statue Of Franz Kafka

Statue of Franz Kafka Prague: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Complete Guide

Date: 15/06/2025

Introduction to the Statue of Franz Kafka in Prague

Prague, a city renowned for its vibrant culture and historic architecture, pays homage to one of its most influential literary icons, Franz Kafka, through two remarkable public art installations: the bronze Franz Kafka Statue by Jaroslav Róna and the kinetic Rotating Kafka Head by David Černý. These installations not only celebrate Kafka’s enduring literary legacy but also provide tangible entry points into the existential themes that permeate his work—identity, alienation, and the absurd.

Both monuments are freely accessible and situated outdoors, making them easily included in any Prague itinerary. The bronze statue, located in the atmospheric Jewish Quarter, draws its surreal form from Kafka’s early writing, while the kinetic sculpture near the Quadrio Shopping Centre mesmerizes with its shifting stainless steel layers, reflecting the complexity of Kafka’s psyche. When combined with a visit to nearby attractions such as the Franz Kafka Museum, Old Jewish Cemetery, and historic cafés, these statues offer a rich, immersive journey through Prague’s literary and cultural heritage.

This detailed guide covers everything you need to know—visiting hours, locations, accessibility, photography tips, and nearby Kafka-related sites—ensuring an informed and memorable encounter with Kafka’s Prague (Atlas Obscura, View from Prague, Prague City Tourism).

Franz Kafka monument in Prague featuring a surreal statue of Kafka riding a winged insect

Statue of Franz Kafka in Dušní Street, Prague

Introduction
About the Franz Kafka Statues
Visiting Hours and Admission
Locations and Accessibility
Nearby Attractions and Travel Tips
Who Was Franz Kafka? (Overview)
Kafka’s Connection to Prague
FAQs
Kafka Statues in Prague: In-Depth Overview
Jaroslav Róna’s Franz Kafka Statue (2003)
David Černý’s Rotating Kafka Head (2014)
Kafka Museum: Visitor Information
Comparative Table: Kafka Statues
Additional Kafka-Related Sites
Planning Your Visit: Practical Tips
Visuals and Interactive Resources
Conclusion: Experiencing Kafka’s Prague
Sources and Further Reading

About the Franz Kafka Statues

Jaroslav Róna’s Franz Kafka Statue (2003)

Unveiled in 2003 in Prague’s Jewish Quarter, this surreal bronze statue by Jaroslav Róna is inspired by Kafka’s short story “Description of a Struggle.” It depicts Kafka astride the shoulders of a giant, empty suit—an image representing themes of existential uncertainty and personal duality. A beetle outline at the statue’s base alludes to “The Metamorphosis,” another of Kafka’s seminal works.

Location: Dušní Street, between the Spanish Synagogue and the Church of the Holy Spirit, Prague 1
Height: 3.75 meters
Artistic Style: Surrealist bronze
Symbolism: Alienation, identity, the absurd (Delve Into Europe)

David Černý’s Rotating Kafka Head (2014)

Located outside the Quadrio Shopping Centre in New Town, the Rotating Kafka Head is a kinetic marvel unveiled in 2014. Composed of 42 stainless steel layers driven by precision motors, the sculpture periodically aligns to form Kafka’s face before dissolving into abstraction—an apt metaphor for the shifting nature of identity and consciousness.

Location: Spálená 2121/22, in front of Quadrio Shopping Centre, Prague 1
Height: 11 meters
Artistic Style: Kinetic, modern stainless steel
Symbolism: Fragmentation, psychological complexity, transformation

Visiting Hours and Admission

Statues: Both the bronze Kafka Statue and the Rotating Head are outdoors and accessible 24/7, free of charge. No tickets or reservations are required.
Kafka Museum: Open Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM; closed Mondays. General admission is approximately 200 CZK (discounts for students and seniors). (Kafka Museum)

Locations and Accessibility

Kafka Statue by Jaroslav Róna

Address: Dušní Street (between Spanish Synagogue and Church of the Holy Spirit)
How to Get There: Five-minute walk from Staroměstská metro station (Line A); reachable by trams 2, 17, and 18
Accessibility: The area is pedestrian-friendly; cobblestones may require minor assistance for those with limited mobility

Rotating Kafka Head by David Černý

Address: Spálená 2121/22, adjacent to Národní třída metro station (Line B)
How to Get There: Directly at Národní třída metro and tram stops (2, 9, 18, 22)
Accessibility: The piazza is flat and paved, suitable for wheelchairs and strollers

Nearby Attractions and Travel Tips

Best Time to Visit: Early mornings or late evenings for fewer crowds and optimal photography
Photography: Both statues offer compelling photo opportunities, with reflective surfaces and historic backdrops
Nearby Sites: Spanish Synagogue, Old Jewish Cemetery, Franz Kafka Museum, Café Louvre, Café Arco
Amenities: Restrooms and cafes are available in the Quadrio Shopping Centre
Guided Tours: Many walking tours include Kafka landmarks and provide literary context

Who Was Franz Kafka? (Overview)

Franz Kafka (1883–1924) was a German-speaking Jewish writer from Prague, whose works explore alienation, bureaucracy, and existential dread. Though he published little in his lifetime, Kafka’s influence on literature, philosophy, and the arts is profound. His major works include “The Metamorphosis,” “The Trial,” and “The Castle,” and his legacy is inextricably linked to Prague’s cultural identity.

Kafka’s Connection to Prague

Prague’s labyrinthine streets and multicultural character shaped Kafka’s worldview and writing. The statues’ locations in the Jewish Quarter and New Town highlight both Kafka’s heritage and the city’s ongoing embrace of its literary past.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What are the visiting hours for the Kafka statues?
A: Both statues are accessible 24/7; the Rotating Head’s kinetic movement occurs from 9:00 to 23:00, during the first 15 minutes of each hour.

Q: Is there an entrance fee or tickets required?
A: No, both statues are free and open to the public.

Q: Are the statues accessible for people with mobility challenges?
A: Yes, both locations are in pedestrian zones with flat or gently sloping surfaces.

Q: Can I photograph the statues?
A: Yes; photography is encouraged.

Q: What other Kafka-related sites can I visit?
A: The Franz Kafka Museum, Kafka’s childhood home, House at the Minute, and several literary cafés.

Kafka Statues in Prague: In-Depth Overview

Jaroslav Róna’s Franz Kafka Statue

Inspired by: “Description of a Struggle”
Unveiled: 2003
Weight: Approx. 800 kilograms
Public Reception: A beloved symbol of Prague’s Jewish Quarter and literary history (Radio Prague International)

David Černý’s Rotating Kafka Head

Unveiled: 2014
Technical Details: 42 stainless steel layers, 21 motors, 39 tons, aligns to form Kafka’s face twice per hour between 8:00 and 19:00
Artistic Significance: Represents Kafka’s fragmented identity and the psychological themes in his literature (View from Prague, Public Delivery)
Best Viewing Times: On the hour, for the kinetic transformation

Comparative Table: Kafka Statues in Prague

Aspect	Jaroslav Róna’s Statue	David Černý’s Rotating Kafka Head
Year	2003	2014
Height	3.75 m	11 m
Location	Dušní Street, Old Town	Quadrio Shopping Centre, New Town
Artistic Style	Surrealist Bronze	Kinetic Stainless Steel
Accessibility	24/7, free	24/7, free
Symbolism	Identity, alienation	Fragmentation, transformation

Kafka’s Birthplace and Residences: Plaques in Old Town and Jewish Quarter
Literary Cafés: Café Louvre, Café Arco
House at the Minute: Kafka’s former residence on Old Town Square

Planning Your Visit: Practical Tips

Wear comfortable shoes for cobblestone streets
Plan visits on the hour to see the Rotating Head’s movement
Combine statue visits with the Kafka Museum for a deeper dive
Check for special literary events or guided tours

Visuals and Interactive Resources

High-quality images and virtual tours are available via official tourism sites and the Quadrio website
Interactive maps and travel planners help optimize your Kafka-themed itinerary

Conclusion: Experiencing Kafka’s Prague

Prague’s Kafka statues are more than monuments—they are interactive gateways into the mind and world of Franz Kafka. From the surreal bronze figure in the Jewish Quarter to the mesmerizing kinetic head in New Town, these landmarks offer memorable insights into the existential themes that define Kafka’s work and legacy. Whether you are a literature enthusiast or a curious traveler, these statues are essential stops on any cultural journey through Prague.

For the latest updates, guided tours, and exclusive insights, download the Audiala app and follow Prague’s cultural channels on social media. Embark on a unique exploration of Kafka’s Prague and experience public art that continues to inspire and intrigue visitors worldwide (Radio Prague International, Expats.cz, Quadrio).