Statue of Bedřich Smetana in Prague

The Statue of Bedřich Smetana stands right on the bank of the Vltava, next to the Bedřich Smetana Museum at Novotného lávka, just steps from Charles Bridge. The sculpture depicts one of the most important Czech composers, the creator of the opera "The Bartered Bride" and the symphonic cycle "Má vlast" ("My Homeland"), whose best-known section, "Vltava" ("The Moldau"), ranks among the most recognizable pieces in classical music. The spot brings together a view of the river that inspired the composer and a monument to the man himself.

When was the statue unveiled, and why that date?

The statue was unveiled on 4 June 1984, exactly one hundred years after Smetana's death in 1884. The date was chosen deliberately, marking the centenary as a way to honor the composer's legacy and reaffirm his status as a national figure. The unveiling fit into a broader pattern of commemorating Smetana in Prague, alongside the museum already dedicated to his life and work.

Who made the sculpture, and how large is it?

The statue was created by professor Josef Malejovský, who was responsible for the figure itself, while architect Bedřich Hanák designed its architectural setting. The sculpture stands 235 centimeters tall and weighs about a ton, giving it a solid, clearly visible presence along the riverside promenade. Those proportions keep the monument from being overshadowed by the historic Old Town buildings nearby, despite standing close to much larger landmarks such as Charles Bridge and its towers.

Why is the statue located exactly here?

The location at Novotného lávka is no coincidence: this is where the Bedřich Smetana Museum is housed, inside a former neo-Renaissance waterworks building right on the Vltava. The museum and the statue together form a coherent memorial site: visitors can first learn about the composer's biography and work inside the building, then step outside to the riverbank and see his likeness standing almost directly above the water that inspired one of his most famous compositions.

Who was Bedřich Smetana?

Bedřich Smetana (1824-1884) is regarded as the founder of modern Czech national music. His best-known works include the opera "The Bartered Bride" and the cycle of six symphonic poems "Má vlast," which includes "Vltava," a piece tracing the river's course from its source all the way to Prague. Later in life the composer lost his hearing, though this did not stop him from continuing to compose. He remains one of the enduring symbols of Czech national identity, and Prague commemorates him with both the museum and the statue described here.

How do you get to the statue?

Novotného lávka sits in the very center of Prague, on the line between the Old Town and Charles Bridge, so the statue is easy to combine with a visit to the city's major landmarks. The riverside walk along this stretch of the Vltava is one of the most popular routes in the city, and the proximity of the bridge means visitors tend to pass by almost naturally while crossing between the Old Town and Malá Strana.

Frequently asked questions

Where exactly does the Statue of Bedřich Smetana stand? At Novotného lávka on the bank of the Vltava in Prague, next to the Bedřich Smetana Museum and close to Charles Bridge.

When was the statue unveiled? On 4 June 1984, the hundredth anniversary of the composer's death.

Who created the sculpture? The figure was made by professor Josef Malejovský, with the architectural setting designed by Bedřich Hanák.

How big is the statue? It is 235 centimeters tall and weighs about a ton.

Why is the statue located next to the Bedřich Smetana Museum? The museum dedicated to the composer sits in the same riverside spot, so the statue and the exhibition together form one memorial site to his life and work.