Josef Václav Myslbek

The Monument to Saint Wenceslaus is a monumental equestrian statue of the patron saint of the Czech lands, standing in the upper part of Wenceslaus Square in Prague, directly in front of the National Museum building. It is the most famous work of Josef Václav Myslbek, the Czech sculptor credited with founding the modern Czech sculpting style, who spent more than thirty years developing it.

Where exactly does the monument stand?

The monument occupies the central position at the top of Wenceslaus Square, facing the front facade of the National Museum. This is one of the most recognizable spots in Prague — the square itself has served for decades as the city's principal ceremonial space and the setting for many pivotal moments in Czech history.

Who created the monument, and when?

The statue was created by Josef Václav Myslbek (1848–1922), a sculptor regarded as one of the founders of modern Czech monumental sculpture. The monument was ceremonially unveiled in 1913, although Myslbek had worked on its concept and successive versions for far longer — more than three decades in total, making it something of a summary of his entire artistic career. The architectural setting was designed by architect Alois Dryák, while the ornamental decoration was the work of sculptor Celda Klouček. The bronze casting was carried out by a Prague foundry.

What does the monument look like?

At the center of the composition stands a bronze equestrian statue of Saint Wenceslaus, depicted as ruler and patron saint of the Czech lands, mounted on horseback. Around the base of the main figure stand additional statues of other Czech patron saints, including Saint Adalbert (Vojtěch) and Saint Procopius (Prokop). The line-up of surrounding figures changed over time: a planned statue of Saint Ivan was ultimately replaced with a figure of Saint Agnes of Bohemia (Anežka). Together, the ensemble forms an elaborate sculptural group, combining the central figure with subsidiary statues into a single coherent composition.

Why does this place matter so much?

From the moment of its unveiling, the Monument to Saint Wenceslaus became not just a work of art but a symbol of Czech national identity. Wenceslaus Square, where it stands, has repeatedly served as the stage for key moments in Czech history — both public demonstrations and state ceremonies — and the monument itself has long functioned, and still functions today, as a natural meeting point and symbolic reference for the people of Prague.

Who was Josef Václav Myslbek?

Josef Václav Myslbek (1848–1922) was a Czech sculptor working at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries, considered one of the founders of modern Czech monumental sculpture. The Monument to Saint Wenceslaus on Wenceslaus Square is widely regarded as his most important and recognizable work, crowning a career spanning several decades.

What should you know before visiting?

The monument stands at the very heart of Prague, in a spot that almost every visitor exploring the city center passes by — no detour or extra effort is required to see it. It's worth pausing at the base to look closely at the details of the figures accompanying Saint Wenceslaus, and also taking in the whole ensemble from the steps of the National Museum, from where both the monument and the entire square line up in a single view.

Frequently asked questions

What does the Monument to Saint Wenceslaus depict? An equestrian statue of Saint Wenceslaus, patron saint of the Czech lands, surrounded by statues of other Czech patron saints, including Saint Adalbert and Saint Procopius.

Where is the monument located? In the upper part of Wenceslaus Square in Prague, in front of the National Museum building.

Who created the monument? Josef Václav Myslbek, a Czech sculptor working at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries, with the architectural setting by Alois Dryák and ornamental work by Celda Klouček.

When was the monument unveiled? In 1913, although Myslbek had worked on the project for more than thirty years.

Has the group of saints surrounding Saint Wenceslaus always been the same? No — a planned statue of Saint Ivan was eventually replaced with a figure of Saint Agnes of Bohemia.