Why Brno is Famous for Quirky Art

Brno has a very specific sense of humor. This is often called "Brno irony." You can see it in the city's public sculptures. Many of these pieces were installed in the last decade. They often spark debates among locals and tourists. Some people love them, while others find them strange.

The city uses art to tell its history in a new way. You won't just see old bronze kings on horses here. You will see modern shapes and hidden meanings. These statues make the streets feel like an open-air gallery. They are easy to find while walking through the historic center.

Visiting these sites is a great way to learn about local legends. Each statue has a story that connects to Brno's past. Whether it is a dragon or a tiny man, the art is never boring. It makes the city feel alive and creative for every traveler.

12 Must-See Unique Statues in Brno

Brno is easy to explore on foot. Most of these unique statues in Brno are in the pedestrian zone. You can see many of them in a single afternoon. Here are the top picks for your 2026 itinerary.

• Quick Pick: Best Overall - Courage (The Knight Jošt)
• Quick Pick: Best for Families - The Brno Dragon
• Quick Pick: Best for Photos - The Astronomical Clock
• Quick Pick: Best Hidden Gem - The Indecent Little Man

1. Name: Courage (The Knight Jošt) Type: Statue Why go: This massive bronze knight on a horse has incredibly long legs. It is the most famous photo spot in the city. Best for: Photographers Where: Moravian Square (Moravské náměstí) Time: 10 minutes Cost: Free Getting there: Walk 5 minutes from the main square. Tip: Stand directly between the horse's front legs and look up for a famous visual joke.
2. Name: Brno Astronomical Clock Type: Sculpture Why go: This black stone monument looks like a giant bullet. It is a tribute to the city's defense against the Swedes. Best for: Curious travelers Where: Freedom Square (Náměstí Svobody) Time: 15 minutes Cost: Free Getting there: Take any tram to the city center. Tip: Every day at 11:00 AM, a glass marble drops from the clock. You can catch it and keep it as a souvenir.
3. Name: The Indecent Little Man (Nehanba) Type: Architectural sculpture Why go: This tiny figure is hidden on the windows of St. James Church. He is showing his bare bottom to the Cathedral. Best for: History buffs Where: St. James Church (u svatého Jakuba) Time: 5 minutes Cost: Free Getting there: Located right next to the Brno Ossuary at St. James. Tip: Look very high up on the stone arches of the church windows to spot him.
4. Name: Justice (Spravedlnost) Type: Statue Why go: It shows a man lifting a heavy block over a fountain. It represents the weight of justice. Best for: Art lovers Where: In front of the Supreme Administrative Court Time: 10 minutes Cost: Free Getting there: A short walk from Moravian Square. Tip: The water in the fountain makes for great reflection photos in the evening.
5. Name: Mozart Statue Type: Statue Why go: This statue shows Mozart as a naked child with one wing. It commemorates his concert in Brno when he was eleven. Best for: Music fans Where: Reduta Theatre on Vegetable Market Time: 5 minutes Cost: Free Getting there: Walk to the Zelný trh square. Tip: This is one of the oldest theater buildings in Central Europe.
6. Name: The Brno Dragon Type: Landmark Why go: It is actually a preserved crocodile hanging from the ceiling. It is the legendary protector of the city. Best for: Kids Where: Old Town Hall Brno Time: 10 minutes Cost: Free Getting there: Enter the passage of the Old Town Hall. Tip: Look for the "bent" stone turret on the outside of the building while you are there.
7. Name: The Brno Wheel Type: Historical object Why go: A wooden wheel made by a wheelwright in one day on a bet. It is a symbol of local hard work. Best for: Families Where: Old Town Hall passage Time: 5 minutes Cost: Free Getting there: Same location as the Dragon. Tip: Read the plaque nearby to learn the full story of the bet from 1638.
8. Name: Gregor Mendel Statue Type: Modernist sculpture Why go: It honors the father of genetics who lived in Brno. The design looks like pea plants and DNA. Best for: Science enthusiasts Where: Mendlovo náměstí Time: 15 minutes Cost: Free Getting there: Take tram 1 or 6 to Mendlovo náměstí. Tip: Visit the nearby Mendel Museum to see where he conducted his experiments.
9. Name: Leoš Janáček Statue Type: Statue Why go: A modern tribute to the famous composer. It captures his energetic personality. Best for: Culture seekers Where: In front of the Janáček Theatre Time: 10 minutes Cost: Free Getting there: Walk through the park near the Mahen Theatre. Tip: The area around the theater has beautiful fountains that light up at night.
10. Name: Václav Havel's Bench Type: Memorial Why go: Two chairs and a table around a tree. It invites people to sit and talk, honoring the former president. Best for: Quiet reflection Where: Capuchin Terraces Time: 20 minutes Cost: Free Getting there: Walk up from the Capuchin Crypt in Brno. Tip: This spot offers one of the best views of the Cathedral.
11. Name: Statues of Lednice-Valtice Type: Day trip Why go: This UNESCO site features many romantic statues hidden in a giant park. Best for: Nature lovers Where: Lednice, 50km south of Brno Time: Full day Cost: Park is free; buildings have fees Getting there: Take a train or bus from Brno main station. Tip: Rent a bicycle to find the hidden sculptures scattered through the woods.
12. Name: Statue of Liberty Replica Type: Sight Why go: A small, quirky version of the New York icon. It is a fun and unexpected find in a residential area. Best for: Quirky sights Where: Komárov district Time: 10 minutes Cost: Free Getting there: Take a bus heading south from the center. Tip: It is located on top of a local building, so look up!

Practical Tips for Your Brno Art Walk

Planning your walk to see unique statues in Brno is simple. Most sights are within a 20-minute walking radius. Wear comfortable shoes because many streets have old cobblestones. The city center is mostly a car-free zone. This makes it very safe for pedestrians and families.

If you need to go further, use the excellent public transport. You can check schedules on the official DPMB website. Tickets are cheap and easy to buy with a credit card on the tram. Most statues are well-lit, so they look great at night too.

For the best experience, start your tour at the Cathedral of St. Peter and Paul. From there, walk down to the Vegetable Market. You can find more information at the tourist office. They offer maps that highlight these specific art pieces. Visit the Go To Brno portal for current events in 2026.

Exploring More of South Moravia

Brno is the gateway to the South Moravia region. After seeing the statues, consider visiting the local museums. You can find more art at the best museums in Brno. The Moravian Gallery often has modern installations that complement the street art.

The region is also famous for its wine and hills. Many small towns nearby have their own unique monuments. Exploring the countryside is a great way to see traditional Czech life. You will find that art is an important part of the local identity. Whether in the city or the village, there is always something to see.