Rising above the skyline of Prague, the Žižkov Television Tower is one of the city’s most striking and unconventional landmarks — not just for its futuristic, almost alien design, but for the surreal baby sculptures crawling up and down its structure. These larger-than-life figures, each a faceless infant in mid-climb, are the work of controversial Czech artist David Černý, whose provocative approach to public art has made him both celebrated and divisive.
Installed in 2000 as a temporary exhibit, the “Babies” quickly captured the imagination and curiosity of locals and tourists alike, resulting in their permanent reinstatement in 2001. Today, they are as much a part of Prague’s eclectic character as its medieval castles and baroque churches.
The Žižkov Television Tower itself, located in the Žižkov district — just east of Prague’s historic center — is often described as one of the most unusual buildings in the world. Built between 1985 and 1992 by the communist government, the tower was initially disliked by many Prague residents, who viewed it as an eyesore and a symbol of the oppressive regime. At 216 meters tall, it was originally intended purely for telecommunications, but over time it has taken on a broader identity with the help of creative tweaks like Černý’s sculptures. The addition of the Babies transformed perceptions of the tower, blending cold modernism with a touch of whimsy and absurdity that speaks to Prague’s complex cultural evolution.
David Černý, known for challenging political narratives and societal norms through art, designed the ten fiberglass baby sculptures with puckered, barcode-like slits where their faces should be — an ominous twist that suggests dehumanization, technology’s infiltration into our lives, and even dystopia. Their strange presence high above Prague instills not just surprise, but reflection, as they literally climb a monument once intended to broadcast ideology. This interplay of public art and architecture redefines both the tower and how people engage with urban space.
Visitors to the Žižkov Television Tower can reach the site via tram or metro. The Jiřího z Poděbrad metro station on Prague’s green A line is a short walk away, and several tram lines serve the nearby stops. The journey to the tower offers a chance to explore the Žižkov neighborhood itself, a lively area known for its bohemian vibe, local pubs, and artistic community. On arrival, guests can admire the sculptures from the surrounding park, or venture inside the tower for more immersive experiences.
Žižkov Television Tower Prague – Babies by David Černý by Raimond Spekking licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0
Inside the tower, visitors can take a high-speed elevator to observation decks nearly 100 meters above ground, providing some of the best panoramic views of Prague’s historic rooftops, spires, and distant hills. A restaurant and lounge offer upscale dining and drinks with a skyline backdrop, marrying innovation with relaxation. For those intrigued by bold design and the interplay of art and technology, the Žižkov Television Tower and its climbing babies offer a distinctive travel experience that encapsulates the dualities of Prague — past and future, beauty and discomfort, tradition and rebellion.
Have you ever seen the Černý Babies in Prague? Tell us about it in the comments below!
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