Prague’s Yellow Penguins at Kampa Park
Visitors to Prague, the beautiful capital city of the Czech Republic, have many expectations: drinking great beer, climbing the steps to Prague Castle, and seeing the city’s famous astronomical clock ring in the hour.
However, Prague tourists typically don’t anticipate seeing penguins!
Yet there they are: 34 bright yellow penguins in a single file line on a metal beam that extends into the Vltava River. They’ve been waddling in place since 2008.
So what’s the story with Prague’s yellow penguins? Why are they lined up alongside the River Vltava, near Kampa Park?
Here’s everything you need to know about this charming public art exhibition with an unexpected message.
Who designed Prague’s yellow penguins?
The Cracking Art Group is behind Prague’s now-iconic yellow penguins. This Milan-based art movement creates brightly colored, large-scale animal sculptures from repurposed plastic.
Their goal is to encourage conversations about the environmental impact of plastic consumption and the importance of reusing plastic waste.
Their artworks are meant to increase environmental awareness and sustainability efforts.
The idea is that the yellow penguins’ aesthetic appeal and whimsy will provoke conversations about environmental issues.
Why put an exhibit of Penguins in Prague?
Penguins are often seen as emblems of the dangers of climate change. These beloved animals are vulnerable due to melting ice in their natural habitats, rising global temperatures, and increased ocean pollution.
So, penguins became the Cracking Art Group’s choice for this statement piece on global warming and threats facing the natural world.
“The penguin is a social animal and has a strong ecological meaning: its survival is affected by global warming and ice melting. Despite being loved by many, this animal is constantly endangered by human technological progress that brings wellness to man but damage to the planet.” — Cracking Art Group’s website
Prague is well known for its public displays of contemporary art. The yellow penguins are a bright addition to the city.
Where to see Prague’s yellow penguins?
When in Prague, you’ll find the striking yellow penguins lined up on the banks of the Vltava River, on Kampa Island in Mala Strana. You can walk along the riverside paths of Kampa Park for a closeup view of the penguins, or see them from the nearby cafe.
This outdoor art exhibit can also be seen from Charles Bridge and from Prague’s Old Town across the river.
The exhibit is especially striking at night, when the yellow luminous penguins glow brightly. They are lit from within by LED lights.
For a different perspective, take a private boat tour or an evening river cruise and see the penguins from the water. (This is also the best way to get closeup views of Charles Bridge!)
See More Modern Art in Prague
Contemporary Art Walking Tours in Prague
Take a walking tour so you don’t miss any of Prague’s amazing art!
The Alternative Prague Walking Tour focuses on urban art and graffiti that tourists won’t find on their own.
On Prague’s Post-Communist Art and Architecture Tour, you’ll see some of Prague’s most notable buildings and artworks and learn about the city’s turbulent 20th century history.
The Modern Art in Prague Private Tour will introduce you to many of the city’s most popular contemporary artworks and its vibrant street art scene.
This Curator-Led Tour of Prague’s Contemporary Art & Architecture will take you on an adventure through small- and medium-sized galleries, major museums, and the Czech Republic’s most important art university. You’ll pass by historical sites, but them emphasis is on the art.
Public contemporary art installations in Prague
Quirky, thought-provoking art abounds in Prague! You’ll find lots of interesting public art displays in the parks, squares, and streets of Prague.
Here are just a few of the hidden attractions of Prague’s public art scene.
“Piss”
This sculpture is acommentary on the importance of the freedom of expression. Two male figures appear to be urinating into a pool in the shape of the Czech Republic. The artwork, located just outside the Franz Kafka Museum, is also by David Černý.
“Babies”
In Kampa Park, near in the penguins, look for the “Babies” sculptures. Created by Czech artist David Černý, these oversized crawling infants have faces that resemble bar codes. (These “Babies” were originally on the Zizkov Television Tower, and there are replicas there now.)
“John Lennon Wall”
Also in Malá Strana, you’ll find the John Lennon Wall. This ever-changing mural has held messages of peace, love, and freedom since shortly after John Lennon’s murder in 1980. By various artists.
“Head of Franz Kafka”
This kinetic sculpture features 42 rotating layers of stainless steel that rotate constantly, occasionally aligning to form the face of the famous writer, Franz Kafka. The constant movement represents Kafka’s themes of identity, inner conflict, and alienation, as well as his fragmented writing style. This sculpture is located in the New Town. Also by David Černý.
“Statue of Franz Kafka”
This bronze statue of Franz Kafka depicts him riding on the shoulders of a headless figure. The story “Description of a Struggle” was the inspiration behind Jaroslav Rona’s artwork. It’s located in the Jewish Quarter, near the Old Town Square. By Jaroslav Róna.
“Spitfire Butterflies”
Spitfire aircraft (replicas) fashioned into butterflies honor Czech pilots who fought in the British RAF and Army Air Corp. In Nové Město. Also by David Černý.
“The Hanging Man”
Sigmund Freud hangs suspended above the street in Prague’s Old Town. Also by David Černý.
“The Upside-Down Dead Horse”
King Wenceslas sits astride a dead, upside-down horse, in New Town. Also by David Černý.
Modern Art Museums in Prague
There are many modern art museums and galleries in Prague. Here are a few you might enjoy visiting.
Kampa Museum
In the nearby Museum Kampa, just steps from the penguins, you can find a vast collection of modern European art, particularly from the Czech Republic and Eastern Europe.
DOX Centre for Contemporary Art
Explore the future of contemporary art at DOX through a variety of ever-changing exhibitions.
National Gallery of Prague — Trade Fair Place
The National Gallery contains artworks from the Middles Ages through the present, but for the contemporary artworks, visit the Trade Fair Place location.
Rudolfinum
This gallery showcases both traditional and modern art, as well as concerts.
Kunsthalle Praha
Kunsthalle Prague connects the Czech and international art scenes in innovative ways.
Mucha Museum
The Mucha Museum is dedicated the Czech Art Nouveau artist Alfons Mucha, whose work was largely influenced by Czech folktales and art.
Museum of Decorative Arts
While you’ll find plenty of traditional artworks here, there’s also an outstanding collection of contemporary art and design.
Resources for Planning a Trip to Prague
Final Thoughts on Prague’s Yellow Penguins
Prague’s yellow penguins are a thought-provoking exhibit that’s now a favorite landmark for tourists and locals. May they prompt you to reduce your plastic consumption and increase your recycling efforts!
I hope you enjoy seeing Prague’s penguins, as well as some of the many other public art on display in Prague!
In Prague just for few days? Check out my two-day Prague itinerary to help you plan your trip!
