Franz Kafka - Rotating Head
What people say
Melanie Mallory
"Mel Says: A 21st century moving sculpture, this rotating head will perform a 15 minute choreography every hour starting on the hour. The head depicted is that of Franz Kafka, a famous Czech Jewish author who lived here in Prague in the late 19th and early 20th century. He is most famous for his story where a man turns into an insect, "Metamorphosis" and the name of this sculpture is a play on that title: "Metalmorphosis". Each of the 42 moving layers moves independently and the head transform into different shapes throughout its 15 minute spin. The sculpture was designed by David Černý, who got his start in the 1990s when he painted a Soviet tank within a monument bright, hot pink. He was arrested for vandalism but upon release he did it again, and has been famous in the country since. He's done a lot of other popular artwork in Prague, such as the upside-down horse in Lucerna passage and the "pissing men" fountain in Little Town by the Franz Kafka Museum."
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Pedro Pereira
Available for hire
"This impressive installation is crafted from 24 tons of stainless steel sheets and consists of 42 tiers that rotate independently, driven by a motor and an intricate system of a kilometer of cables. The sculpture exemplifies Černý's innovative approach to art, showcasing a dynamic interplay of form and movement.
Franz Kafka (1883–1924) is a significant figure in Prague's literary history. Born in the city and writing primarily in German, Kafka is celebrated as one of the most influential writers of the 20th century. His works often explore themes of alienation, existential anxiety, and the absurdity of modern life, reflecting the complexities of human experience. Kafka's legacy continues to resonate globally, solidifying his status as a key literary figure whose influence extends beyond literature into various artistic realms."
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Dream Prague
"Rotating Kafka's Head should be high on your list if you love the surreal, as he of course did. This art piece was created by a famous Czech artist David Černý who is quite well known for his provocative modern art. We will make sure to drop a link to his social media below.
📍 Location
Behind the Qiadrio shopping mall on Národní Třída (yellow metro or 22 tram stop).
👌 Extra
The head is a mechanical installation that rotates every full hour. The rotation lasts for 15 minutes so make sure you plan your stop accordingly!
😎 Vibe
provocative, grand
Nearby
➕ Charles Bridge
➕ Lehká Hlava
➕ Cafe Louvre
➕ Hemingway Bar "
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