The famed moving sculpture featuring the head of Franz Kafka, an iconic landmark situated near Národní Avenue in Prague, is poised to undergo a comprehensive restoration in the coming weeks. Created by renowned artist David Černý, the artwork will be completely disassembled over the next few days, with all forty-two stainless steel rotating levels receiving essential maintenance. This intricate process is expected to span several weeks and will also include the installation of an advanced rotation system to ensure the sculpture’s longevity.

František Šlapák, the asset manager at CPI Property Group, explained, “We’ve been contemplating a thorough refurbishment of this exceptional piece of art for some time. Originally, the statue continuously rotated throughout the day, but due to the rapid wear and tear of its individual components, we’ve had to reduce its operating time on multiple occasions.”

The introduction of a new rotating mechanism for each level is intended to extend the sculpture’s lifespan and simplify maintenance for at least the next 15 years. This innovative technology draws inspiration from applications in fields such as wind power plants.

Commencing on Monday, September 25th, scaffolding will envelop Kafka’s head, and a protective cover adorned with informative graphics will shroud the area. The meticulous work will commence with the gradual disassembly of the sculpture into its constituent parts, which will then be transported away from the site. A crane will be utilized to disassemble the individual levels. If all progresses as planned, this beloved Prague attraction could return to its location later this year.

The dynamic bust of Franz Kafka, prominently displayed in front of the Quadrio department store, stands at an impressive height of 10.6 meters and weighs a substantial 39 tonnes. It was officially unveiled on October 31, 2014, representing a unique artistic creation that seamlessly blends modern mechanical technology with traditional Czech craftsmanship.

The sculpture’s current design incorporates solutions rooted in industrial automation and robotics. Within the sculpture, there are 42 actuators and nearly a kilometer of cables. The stainless steel panels rotate independently, allowing passers-by to observe the renowned writer’s visage in a range of expressions. This restoration effort ensures that this captivating fusion of art and technology will continue to mesmerize and delight visitors for years to come.

Article by Prague Forum