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Head of Franz Kafka

Head of Franz Kafka is a kinetic sculpture by David Černý depicting the German-language writer Franz Kafka. Installed in Prague near the Quadrio shopping centre, it was unveiled on 31 October 2014, the same day the mall opened. The sculpture stands 10.6 metres tall, including a 2.8-metre pedestal, and is made of mirror-polished stainless steel. It weighs 39 tonnes and consists of 42 independently rotating steel panels, with movement controlled remotely through programmed variations. Inside are 21 motor modules and 1 kilometre of cable. Small mirrors at the base create the impression that the head is floating, while coloured illumination lights it at night.

The Head of Franz Kafka sculpture with stacked, mirrored metal panels reflecting nearby buildings and blue sky.
The Head of Franz Kafka sculpture in Prague, made of layered reflective metal panels.
April 2016 © · CC BY-SA 4.0
The rotating Head of Franz Kafka sculpture, a reflective segmented metallic head in an urban square.
The rotating Head of Franz Kafka sculpture stands in a city square, its mirrored surface reflecting the surrounding buildings and sky.
October 2022 © · CC BY-SA 4.0
The Head of Franz Kafka sculpture in Prague, a towering reflective head made of horizontal mirrored panels.
Head of Franz Kafka in Prague, shown as a tall fragmented sculpture reflecting the surrounding cityscape.
© admin · CC0
The Head of Franz Kafka sculpture in Prague, a towering reflective metal head made of layered panels.
The Head of Franz Kafka sculpture rises above a city street in Prague.
April 2025 © · CC BY-SA 4.0
The Head of Franz Kafka sculpture in Prague, a large dark metallic head made of reflective horizontal panels.
The Head of Franz Kafka sculpture stands against a modern building at night in Prague.
December 2018 © · CC BY-SA 4.0

Identification

TitleHead of Franz Kafka
German titleFranz-Kafka-Kopf
Alternative namesKafka Statue; Statue of Kafka; Metamorphosis
TypeKinetic sculpture; monumental movable sculpture; outdoor sculpture
SubjectFranz Kafka, German-language Bohemian writer
Original titleHlava Franze Kafky

Creator

ArtistDavid Černý
Artist nationalityCzech

Historical context

Related nearby placeKafka worked in a nearby savings bank building
Opening date31 October 2014
Opening contextOpened the same day as the Quadrio shopping center

Discovery and provenance

Cost30 million Czech korunas
Paid byCPI Property Group, owner of the Quadrio shopping center

Location and ownership

LocationIn front of the Quadrio shopping and office center, Prague, Czech Republic

Physical characteristics

Height10.6 meters
Pedestal height2.8 meters
Weight39 tons

Materials

Panels42 stainless-steel panels
Panel mass24 tons
Main materialStainless steel with a mirror finish

Technique

MovementEach of the 42 panels rotates independently around a central axis
Maximum rotation speed6 revolutions per minute
ControlRemote-controlled
Internal mechanism21 motor modules and 1 kilometer of cable
ProgrammingThe movement algorithm includes multiple variations and can be modified to create new choreographies

Appearance

Materials of moving elementsMirrored stainless-steel plates
Visual impressionShiny and glittering
FormA sculptural head of Franz Kafka that changes shape over time
Cold-weather protectionCovered with a special cover in cold weather
Night appearanceIlluminated with multicolored lighting at night
Base featureSmall mirrors on the 2.8-meter base create the impression that the head is floating

Iconography and meaning

InterpretationMovement is intended to convey Kafka's personality and the instability and complexity of his world and work
ReferenceThe alternative name Metamorphosis alludes to Kafka's story The Metamorphosis

History and restoration

MaintenanceHigh-maintenance; requires servicing every fifteen days

Significance

Related earlier workMetamorphoses in Charlotte, North Carolina (2007), made on the same principle
Critical receptionControversially judged; some critics see it as a shopping-center publicity attraction rather than a true work of art and say it lacks a real connection to Kafka's work, humility, and sensitivity
Supportive receptionOthers say the complexity of the steel panels and the changing form capture Kafka's work well
Visitor impactAttracts many visitors
Cultural impactHas increased Kafka's presence in modern Prague