David Černý is undoubtedly the most controversial Czech artist, whose works can be found in many places in Prague. His sculptures are distinguished by their provocative nature and are often a commentary on current socio-political events. One of the most recognizable is 'Man Hanging Out,' a hanging Sigmund Freud that has been catching the eye of passersby on Husova Street in Prague's Staré Město district since 1996. This unusual installation depicts the figure of the father of psychoanalysis holding onto a metal rod with one hand, hanging high above the street. The sculpture symbolizes the intellectualism of a bygone age and prompts reflection on the condition of modern man. Interestingly, the installation was so popular that it made a small tour around the world, being exhibited in London and the United States, among other places.

Not far from the Kafka Museum, on Cihelná Street, is another controversial work by Černý - 'Oiling Politicians' (also known as 'Peeing Politicians'). This 2014 sculpture depicts two men peeing into a pool in the shape of Bohemia. The figures are movable and perform their 'actions' with extreme precision, and what's more, they can be controlled via SMS! The artwork is interpreted as a symbol of the politicians' attitude towards the country, and alludes to a typically Bohemian dialogue in which one person tries to outwit another. The sculpture is an impressive 11 meters high and weighs about 39 tons, making it one of the artist's largest installations.

In the Old Town, on Staroměstské náměstí Square, stands the monumental 'Jan Hus Monument,' commemorating the Czech religious reformer and national hero. The monument was unveiled in 1915, on the 500th anniversary of Hus' burning at the stake. Unlike Černý's provocative works, this monumental sculpture by Ladislav Šaloun represents a more traditional approach to monument art. It depicts Hus surrounded by figures symbolizing the Czech nation - both persecuted Hussites and Protestant exiles. The monument is not only an important landmark, but also a gathering place for locals and tourists. Its austere form and dramatic expression perfectly reflect the tragic history of the Czech reformer and provide a contrast to Černý's playful sculptures.

In the Malá Strana district is the 'Monument to the Victims of Communism,' which, while not a humorous work, is certainly noteworthy for its unique form. It consists of seven male figures descending a staircase that gradually 'disintegrates,' symbolizing the degradation of man under the influence of the totalitarian system. The monument was unveiled in 2002 and is the work of Czech sculptor Olbram Zoubek and architects Jan Keřel and Zdeňek Hölzel. This poignant installation is an important part of Prague's cultural landscape and serves as a reminder of the dark days of communism that left their mark on Czech history.

Prague, as the city where Franz Kafka was born and created, pays tribute to this outstanding writer through several remarkable monuments. One of the most fascinating is 'Franz Kafka's Revolving Head,' another work by David Černý, which is located in the Nové Město district. This 11-meter-high kinetic sculpture consists of 42 moving stainless steel layers that rotate independently of each other, creating a mesmerizing effect. From time to time, Kafka's head forms into a complete shape, only to break into fragments after a while and form a completely new arrangement. The symbolism of this installation perfectly captures the writer's complex personality and his metamorphic stories. The sculpture was unveiled in 2014, and since then it has attracted crowds of tourists who watch its constant transformation with curiosity.

Slightly more traditional, though equally intriguing, is the 'Monument to Franz Kafka' located on Dušní Street in the Old Town. The work by Jaroslav Róna depicts an empty jacket on which the figure of Kafka sits. The sculpture was inspired by Kafka's short story 'Description of a Fight,' and the form itself alludes to his complicated relationship with his father. The statue was unveiled in 2003 and quickly became one of the favorite photo spots of tourists visiting Prague. Unlike the dynamic 'Revolving Head,' this monument exudes calm and melancholy, capturing a different aspect of the writer's personality.

On Vitkov Hill is the 'National Memorial on Vítkov Hill,' a monumental national memorial complex with a distinctive statue of Jan Žižka on horseback, which is one of the largest horse monuments in the world. The statue was unveiled in 1950 and depicts the Hussite chieftain, the national hero of the Czech Republic. The statue weighs an impressive 16.5 tons and is made of bronze. The memorial complex itself also contains the Mausoleum of National Heroes and exhibitions on Czech 20th century history. The observation deck offers a spectacular view of Prague, making the site attractive not only for historical reasons, but also for scenic views.

In contrast to the monumental monuments in Prague, Brno is home to an unusual sculpture dedicated to Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. This small monument, located on the Zelným trhu (Vegetable Market), commemorates the young Mozart's visit to Brno in 1767. The sculpture depicts a young boy in period costume and is especially beloved by children, who are eager to pose for photos next to the young musical genius. Unlike many other statues of Mozart around the world, the one in Brno emphasizes his childlike age when visiting the city, which adds to its charm and originality. The monument is relatively new, having been unveiled in 2008, and has quickly become one of Brno's symbols, attracting both classical music lovers and families with children.

The St. Wenceslas Monument on Wenceslas Square (Václavské náměstí) is one of the most recognizable symbols of Prague and the Czech Republic. This monumental sculpture by Josef Václav Myslbek depicts the patron saint of Bohemia on horseback, surrounded by four other figures of saints. The monument was unveiled in 1912 and has since become not only an important landmark, but also a place for meetings and demonstrations. Interestingly, David Černý created a parody of this monument titled 'Saint Wenceslas on the Dead Horse', which is located in the Lucerna Passage. In this perverse version, the saint sits on the belly of an upside-down dead horse. The sculpture was created in 1999 and, according to the artist, reflects the state of Czech statehood at the time.

Leaving bustling Prague, it's worth heading about 50 kilometers north of the capital, where the 'Cave Sculptures and Harfistka Caves' can be found in the picturesque surroundings of the village of Želízy. This fascinating complex of rock carvings, also known as 'Čertovy hlavy' (Devil's Heads), was created in the 19th century by Czech sculptor Václav Levý. The two monumental faces carved in sandstone are about 9 meters high and make an incredible impression, emerging unexpectedly from the forest landscape. In addition to the 'Devil's Heads', the area also has a sculpture of the 'Harpist' and a system of artificial caves with reliefs that Levý forged in soft sandstone. The site is much less crowded than Prague's attractions, allowing you to explore these remarkable works of art in peace and quiet, surrounded by beautiful nature. This is an ideal day trip for families with children, who are sure to enjoy exploring the mysterious caves and discovering the hidden sculptures.

Coming back to David Černý's work, it is worth mentioning his other controversial works scattered around Prague. One of them is the 'Giant Bronze Infants', which can be seen in Kampa Park. These nude infant figures with distinctive barcodes instead of faces originally adorned the Žižkov Television Tower, but some of them have now been moved to the park. Despite their seemingly innocent form, the sculptures evoke mixed feelings in viewers - from amusement to anxiety. Their surreal nature is perfectly in line with Černý's work, which likes to surprise and provoke.

Comparing all the described attractions, there are clear differences in their character and reception by tourists. David Černý's works, such as 'Hanging Freud,' 'Oiling Politicians' and 'Kafka's Revolving Head,' primarily attract contemporary art lovers and those looking for unusual experiences. They are relatively new (created after 1990) and are often provocative or humorous. Traditional monuments, on the other hand, such as the 'Monument to Jan Hus' and the 'Monument to St. Wenceslas', attract tourists interested in Czech history and culture. They are more monumental and serious in their expression.

In terms of accessibility, most of the described attractions are located in the center of Prague, making them easily accessible to tourists. The exceptions are the 'Cave Sculptures and Harpist Caves', which require a trip outside the city, and the Mozart monument in Brno. In terms of cost, most of the sculptures and monuments can be viewed free of charge, making them attractive to families with children. Only the 'National Memorial on Vítkov Hill' requires the purchase of an entrance ticket, but the price is affordable.

For families with children, the most attractive may be the 'Oiling Politicians' because of the interactive element (the ability to control the figures), 'Kafka's Revolving Head' because of its mesmerizing movement, and the 'Cave Sculptures and Harpist Caves', which offer opportunities for exploration and contact with nature. On the other hand, for those interested in Czech history and culture, the 'Monument to Jan Hus', the 'Monument to Victims of Communism' and the 'National Memorial on Vítkov Hill' are worth recommending.

Regardless of your preference, Czech monuments and sculptures offer an extraordinary experience that remains in your memory for a long time. They combine elements of history, culture, humor and provocation to create a unique artistic landscape worth exploring during a visit to the Czech Republic. Prague in particular, with its wealth of unusual installations, appears as a true open-air art gallery, where another surprising work of art may be waiting around every corner.