A provocative new sculpture depicting the mythical Czech horse Šemík in an intimate pose with a mare was installed this week on the rooftop of a new residential building in Prague’s Podolí district. The installation, titled Šemík Happy End, has quickly attracted attention from both residents and visitors.
The piece is drawing debate over public art, taste, and cultural symbolism. For those navigating Prague’s cityscape, such displays are part of a growing conversation about how contemporary art interacts with daily life, local identity, and public space.
Artist intent and public reaction
Created by sculptor Jakub Flejšar, the eight-hundred-kilogram installation reimagines the story of Šemík, the legendary horse that saved his master Horymír by jumping from Vyšehrad into the Vltava River, only to later succumb to his injuries. Flejšar said his goal was to offer an alternative, more optimistic ending for the horse, symbolizing courage, hope, and new beginnings.
“Art is meant to make us pause from our routine and evoke emotions, whether delight, surprise, or even annoyance,” Flejšar told Novinky.cz. “I am satisfied that the sculpture is engaging people and sparking discussion.”
Reactions have been mixed. Some locals praised the installation as humorous or inspirational, while others called it vulgar or distasteful.
Social media comments reflect this divide, with one user calling it “super” and another describing it as “disgusting and tasteless.” Some visitors initially mistook the work for a piece by renowned Czech sculptor David Černý due to its provocative style.
Petra Šaldová, co-owner of the Villa Gallery development where the sculpture is located, said the artwork was intended to be visible and stimulate public dialogue. “We believed it would communicate with the surroundings and create a conversation. The feedback so far has been overwhelmingly positive,” she said.
Practical and cultural impact
Though controversial, the sculpture affects more than just aesthetics. Its presence may influence neighborhood dynamics, pedestrian traffic, and even tourism, as people are drawn to the building to photograph the work. Flejšar’s design was coordinated with landscape architect Ferdinand Leffler to ensure it complemented the green rooftop and surroundings.
The sculpture is expected to remain on the rooftop until May 2026, when new residents move into the building’s nine luxury apartments. At that time, it will be auctioned, with a starting bid of CZK 900,000.
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Proceeds will support Centrum Paraple, an organization assisting people with physical disabilities and their families. The winning bidder will decide whether to keep the piece on the rooftop or relocate it, and future installations may replace it depending on resident preference.
The installation illustrates the ongoing role of contemporary art in public spaces and its potential to spark civic debate. Residents, tourists, and art enthusiasts are likely to continue engaging with Šemík Happy End as it overlooks Prague for at least the next six months.
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