Černý’s Crawling Babies Prague
Giant, faceless baby sculptures crawl up Prague's iconic TV tower, a provocative art installation by David Černý.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Černý’s Crawling Babies Prague
Best Time
Best for photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Giant, faceless baby sculptures crawl up Prague's iconic TV tower, a provocative art installation by David Černý.
"Prepare for the bizarre: these giant, crawling babies on Prague's TV tower are unforgettable."
📸 Photo Opportunities
Capture the scale of these 6-foot babies! Best light during the day.
⬆️ Elevator 'Hack'
Claim you're going to the restaurant to use the elevator for free.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Crawling Babies Sculpture
Žižkov Television Tower
Giant, faceless baby sculptures crawling up and down the iconic TV tower. A truly bizarre and unforgettable sight.
Žižkov Television Tower Views
Observation Deck
Ascend the tower for panoramic views of Prague, offering a different perspective on the city and the art.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Unsettling Art
Best Viewing Times & Access
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📸 Photo Opportunities
Capture the scale of these 6-foot babies! Best light during the day.
⬆️ Elevator 'Hack'
Claim you're going to the restaurant to use the elevator for free.
👶 Artist's Intent
These are by controversial artist David Černý. Embrace the unsettling!
🚶♀️ Walk Around
See the babies from different angles by walking around the base of the tower.
Guys, this has faceless babies crawling all over it
Tips
from all over the internet
📸 Photo Opportunities
Capture the scale of these 6-foot babies! Best light during the day.
⬆️ Elevator 'Hack'
Claim you're going to the restaurant to use the elevator for free.
👶 Artist's Intent
These are by controversial artist David Černý. Embrace the unsettling!
🚶♀️ Walk Around
See the babies from different angles by walking around the base of the tower.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors are captivated by the sheer strangeness and scale of David Černý's crawling baby sculptures on the Žižkov Television Tower, finding them a uniquely unsettling yet memorable Prague experience. While the art itself is free to view from the outside, the tower offers panoramic city views and a restaurant, though some find the latter's appeal more for the vista than the cuisine. The 'creepy' factor is a common theme, making it a polarizing but unforgettable attraction.
"I hadn’t seen David Černý’s “Crawling Babies” before, and I wasn’t expecting to feel the visual weight of something normally associated with a tiny baby. The juxtaposition of the static form, the message about anonymity, and people playing on them was interesting to watch.
It’s funny and chaotic, but it also shows how public art takes on a life of its own and how people interact with ideas in ways the artist probably didn’t fully plan.
These aren’t going to be interesting to everyone they are in a location near many other attractions that make the visit worth it if you like sculpture."
Craig Carpenter
"The baby sculptures on Kampa Island are really interesting and unusual. Created by artist David Cerny, these big, creepy baby figures are hard to miss. People have different opinions about them, but they definitely make you think. It's a cool and unique spot to visit while you're on the island."
eran Farin
"These giant baby sculptures are utterly cute. Another unconventional creation by Davis Cerny. There are always some fun stuff to surprise you while strolling in Prague town ❤️!"
Claire An
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The sculptures are located on the Žižkov Television Tower. You can reach it by public transport, with several tram and bus stops nearby. Trams 9, 10, 16, and buses 133, 137, 175 stop within walking distance.
Street parking is available in the Žižkov district, but it can be challenging to find, especially during peak hours. Public transport is generally recommended.
It's a significant walk, about 45-60 minutes. Taking a tram or bus is a much quicker and more convenient option to reach the tower.
The babies are visible from the ground, but for a full experience, consider going up the tower. You can walk around the base to see them from various angles.
Yes, the Žižkov Television Tower is illuminated at night, and the crawling baby sculptures are still visible, offering a different, perhaps even creepier, ambiance.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, the crawling baby sculptures are an exterior art installation and can be viewed from the outside for free.
There is a fee to access the observation deck and restaurant. Prices can vary, so it's best to check the official Žižkov Television Tower website for current rates.
The tower's observation deck and restaurant typically have set opening hours, which can change seasonally. It's advisable to check their official website for the most up-to-date information.
While not always necessary for the observation deck, booking in advance might be recommended, especially if you plan to visit the restaurant, as reservations are often required.
You don't need a separate ticket to enter the restaurant, but reservations are highly recommended. You can use the elevator for free if you state you are going to the restaurant.
📸 📸 Photography
Daylight hours offer the best natural light for clear, detailed photos of the sculptures. Golden hour (shortly after sunrise or before sunset) can also provide beautiful lighting.
Tripods are generally allowed for exterior photography around the tower. However, if you plan to go up the tower, check their specific rules regarding tripods.
Drone usage in Prague is subject to strict regulations. It's highly unlikely you'll be permitted to fly a drone near the Žižkov Television Tower due to its height and proximity to urban areas. Always check local drone laws.
For night shots, use a tripod to keep your camera steady. Experiment with longer exposure times and a lower ISO to capture the tower's lights and the sculptures effectively.
Yes, walking around the base of the tower allows you to get wide-angle shots that encompass the entire structure and the crawling babies. The observation deck also offers panoramic city views.
🎫 💡 Onsite Experience
The sculptures were created by controversial artist David Černý and were originally installed in 1992. They are a commentary on the communist regime and have since become an iconic, albeit unsettling, landmark. +1
Each baby sculpture is quite large, measuring approximately 6 feet tall and weighing around 264 pounds.
The restaurant offers great views of Prague. While some find the food and service average, the experience of dining with such a vista is often highlighted.
Žižkov is known for its bohemian atmosphere, numerous pubs, and cafes. You can explore the local streets, visit the National Memorial to the Heroes of the Heydrich Terror, or enjoy the local nightlife.
They are intentionally designed to be unsettling and thought-provoking, a hallmark of David Černý's work. Reactions vary from fascination to genuine creepiness. +1
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider visiting during the day for clearer views and to discuss the art with your children. The observation deck at the top of the tower provides a fantastic opportunity for kids to spot famous landmarks from above, turning the visit into an educational and visually stimulating adventure. Pack some snacks, as exploring the area around the tower might take some time.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Don't miss the chance to photograph the Žižkov Television Tower at different times of day. Daylight offers crisp details, while the evening illumination creates a moody and atmospheric scene. The panoramic views from the observation deck also present excellent opportunities for cityscape photography. Remember to check for any restrictions on tripods if you plan to use one.
🤔 Art & Culture Buffs
Beyond the babies, explore the Žižkov district, known for its bohemian vibe and numerous pubs. Understanding the context of Černý's work, often tied to Czech history and politics, will deepen your appreciation for this iconic, albeit bizarre, landmark.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Art of David Černý
Other notable works by Černý in Prague include the Pissing Statues outside the Kafka Museum and the Hanging Man sculpture. His art is not confined to static pieces; he has also created kinetic sculptures and installations that move and interact with their environment. The Crawling Babies themselves are a prime example of his ability to create a visceral reaction in viewers, prompting discussions about their meaning and purpose.
When viewing Černý's art, it's helpful to understand that he often uses his sculptures to comment on Czech history, politics, and identity. The Crawling Babies, for instance, have been interpreted in various ways, from a critique of the communist era to a more general statement on humanity's primal instincts. Embracing the ambiguity and the artist's intent can enhance the experience of encountering these unique pieces.
Experiencing the Žižkov Television Tower
For those looking for a dining experience with a view, the tower houses a restaurant and a bar. While some reviews suggest the culinary aspect might not be the main highlight, the unparalleled vistas make it a memorable spot for a meal or a drink. As mentioned by Redditors, a 'lifehack' suggests you can use the elevator for free if you claim you are going to the restaurant, bypassing the observation deck fee.
Visiting the tower, especially during daylight, allows you to appreciate both the scale of the crawling baby sculptures and the expansive city views. The tower is also known for its dynamic lighting system at night, which can transform its appearance and add another layer to the visual experience.
Social
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