František Křižík

The František Křižík Monument honors one of the most celebrated Czech electrical engineers and inventors, standing in Křižík Gardens in the historic center of Plzeň. It combines a bust of the engineer with a commemorative plaque rich in symbols referencing his inventions and international achievements.

Where is the monument located?

The monument stands in Křižík Gardens (Křižíkovy sady), in the Vnitřní Město district right at the heart of Plzeň, close to the Museum of Ethnography building. It's a quiet, green spot in the middle of the city, popular with locals out for a walk and with visitors exploring Plzeň's historic center. The gardens are within easy walking distance of the main square and the city's key sights.

Who was František Křižík?

František Křižík (1847–1941) was a Czech electrical engineer and inventor whose name is still linked to pioneering work on electric lighting in Central Europe. It was in Plzeň, on U Zvonu street, that Křižík, together with just six workers, began manufacturing his famous arc lamps — invented in 1880 and presented to the wider world at the 1881 World's Fair in Paris, where they won a medal. The lamps gradually spread across the globe, making Plzeň one of the important early centers of European electrical engineering.

What does the monument look like?

The monument's current form brings together several sculptural and architectural elements. At its center is a bust of Křižík created by sculptor Stanislav Kukrál. Alongside it sits a commemorative plaque designed by Alois Holub, depicting three arc lamps — a reference to the engineer's invention — together with an eagle with outstretched wings holding a shield marked with the year 1881, the year of his Paris success. Behind the shield appears the silhouette of the Eiffel Tower with a reference to Paris, while below it the silhouette of Plzeň's characteristic landmarks appears alongside the year 1880, when the arc lamp was invented. The overall architectural design was created by Svatopluk Janke, with the realization carried out by Jaroslav Chudáček.

What is the history behind it?

The story of Křižík's memorial in Plzeň runs deeper than the current monument alone suggests. The first commemorative plaque was unveiled back in 1936, during a ceremonial congress of the Electrical Enterprises of the City of Plzeň, with František Křižík himself present at the unveiling. The plaque was originally mounted on the building at U Zvonu, the very place where the engineer began manufacturing his lamps. In 1941 the plaque was relocated and incorporated into a new monument erected in the city gardens, and the monument reached its present-day location and form in 1997, when it was installed in what is now Křižík Gardens.

Why is it worth a visit?

The František Křižík Monument is more than a dot on Plzeň's map of historic sites — it's a reminder of the city's role in the history of European electrical engineering. It will appeal to anyone interested in the history of technology and invention, as well as to visitors simply strolling through central Plzeň in search of a quiet corner with an interesting backstory. The nearby Museum of Ethnography makes it easy to combine a stop at the monument with exploring other sights in this part of the city.

Frequently asked questions

Who was František Křižík? He was a Czech electrical engineer and inventor, creator of the arc lamp (1880), who began producing it in Plzeň and presented the invention at the 1881 World's Fair in Paris.

Where exactly does the monument stand? In Křižík Gardens in the Vnitřní Město district in central Plzeň, near the Museum of Ethnography building.

When was the current monument built? The first plaque dates from 1936; in 1941 it was incorporated into a new monument in the gardens, and the monument reached its present form and location in 1997.

What do the monument's elements represent? A bust of Křižík, three arc lamps, an eagle holding a shield marked 1881 referencing his Paris success, and a silhouette of Plzeň marked with 1880, the year the arc lamp was invented.