Statue of Antonín Dvořák in Karlovy Vary

The Statue of Antonín Dvořák stands in Dvořák Gardens (Dvořákovy sady) in the center of Karlovy Vary, on the left bank of the Teplá river, close to the Sadová Colonnade. It is an over-life-size bronze figure of the composer in a vertical composition, mounted on a polished granite pedestal. The sculpture was created by Karel Kuneš, a sculptor based in Karlovy Vary, while the architectural design of the surrounding park space was the work of architect Adolf Petr. The monument was unveiled on September 7, 1974, during the Dvořák Karlovy Vary Autumn festival, marking the 70th anniversary of the composer's death. The unveiling ceremony was led by Prof. JUDr. Václav Holzknecht, a pianist and musicologist. Notably, this was the first monument to Antonín Dvořák ever unveiled anywhere in the world.

What is Dvořák's connection to Karlovy Vary?

Antonín Dvořák visited Karlovy Vary seven times between 1879 and 1894. His trips were mainly business meetings with his publisher, Fritz Simrock, as well as encounters with other musicians who frequented the spa town at the time. In the late 19th century, Karlovy Vary served as an important meeting point for Central European musical life, where composers and publishers could gather during the spa season. The most significant event tied to Dvořák's visits was the European premiere of his Symphony No. 9 "From the New World," which took place in the city in 1894 — shortly after the work had been composed in the United States.

Where exactly does the statue stand?

The sculpture is located in Dvořák Gardens, a park on the left bank of the Teplá river in the very center of Karlovy Vary, near the Sadová Colonnade. The spot is an easy walk from the town's main spa promenades, making the statue a natural stop on a stroll through the historic center.

Who created the statue and when was it made?

The figure was created by Karel Kuneš, a sculptor with ties to Karlovy Vary. It is a larger-than-life bronze statue in a vertical composition, set on a pedestal of polished granite. The surrounding park architecture was designed by architect Adolf Petr. The statue was unveiled on September 7, 1974, as part of the Dvořák Karlovy Vary Autumn music festival, organized to mark the 70th anniversary of the composer's death (Dvořák died in 1904). The unveiling ceremony was conducted by Prof. JUDr. Václav Holzknecht, a respected pianist and musicologist.

Why is this statue historically significant?

The Karlovy Vary statue was the first monument to Antonín Dvořák ever unveiled anywhere in the world, predating monuments later erected in other cities, including places closely tied to the composer's own homeland. This fact reflects how strongly the spa town identified with Dvořák's visits and musical legacy, even though he never lived there permanently — he only came on business trips connected to the spa season.

Frequently asked questions

Who created the Dvořák statue in Karlovy Vary? The statue was created in 1974 by Karel Kuneš, a sculptor from Karlovy Vary.

Where is the statue located? In Dvořák Gardens, on the left bank of the Teplá river in the center of Karlovy Vary, near the Sadová Colonnade.

When was the statue unveiled? On September 7, 1974, during the Dvořák Karlovy Vary Autumn festival, marking the 70th anniversary of the composer's death.

Did Dvořák live in Karlovy Vary? No, he never lived there permanently. He visited the town seven times between 1879 and 1894, mainly to meet his publisher Fritz Simrock. In 1894, the European premiere of his Symphony "From the New World" took place there.

What makes this monument stand out among other Dvořák statues? It was the first monument dedicated to the composer ever unveiled anywhere in the world.