The concrete sculpture Rovnováha, built between 1989 and 1990 near the Barrandov Bridge in Prague, unexpectedly collapsed around 9 a.m. on Friday morning following plans for demolition due to poor condition. Following the collapse and subsequent clearing of debris, only a concrete pedestal torso with protruding wires remains at the site.
Deputy Mayor Addresses Structural Differences and Safety Measures
According to Deputy Mayor Jaromír Beránek (Pirates), surviving concrete sculptures known by the popular nicknames Hroší lázeň (Hippo Bath) and Krmítko pro slony (Elephant Feeder) sit in a substantially better condition on the opposite riverbank in Prague 5. Beránek noted that these sculptures possess a simpler shape that avoids weight-balancing complications.
Following the dismantling of Rovnováha, Technical Road Administration Director Filip Hájek stated that the internal reinforcement was not done ideally. Hájek added that officials may begin evaluating concrete sculptures differently since nobody can see inside structures built nearly 40 years ago, even when their architectural designs were sound.
Did You Know? The colossal concrete bowl sculptures flanking the former Barrandov Bridge approach earned their popular nicknames—Hroší lázeň (Hippo Bath) and Krmítko pro slony (Elephant Feeder)—strictly from locals because their enormous basin shapes resemble giant concrete feeding bowls.
Jurisdiction Disputes Leave Surviving Sculptures Unfenced
Fifth district spokesperson Lucie Fialová stated that the local municipal district will not request inspections of the current condition of the remaining sculptures or demand fencing around them. Fialová emphasized that the district has nothing to do with the statues other than the fact that they lie within its territory, noting that the building authority considers the matter fully under magistrate jurisdiction.
Consequently, Hroší lázeň will not receive safety fencing like the measures previously applied to Rovnováha. Cyclists frequently ride past one of the sculptures toward the Vltava bike path, while pedestrians occasionally stop at the dismantled torso across the river to take photographs.
Social Media Reactions and Industrial Alpinism History
Commenters on social media noted that climbers have long scaled one of the Hroší lázeň structures using a route known as the Zaadam industrial alpinism path established in 2004. Photographs reveal rivets and a sling at the end of the overhang, leading climbers to express hope that these features will survive any potential future restoration. Climbers reportedly placed a classic summit logbook inside a box at the top of the concrete bowl to record successful ascents.
Frequently Asked Questions
When was the Rovnováha sculpture built?
The concrete sculpture Rovnováha was created between 1989 and 1990.
What caused the collapse of Rovnováha?
The sculpture was already slated for demolition due to its poor condition before it unexpectedly collapsed on Friday morning around nine o’clock, with officials later pointing to less-than-ideal internal reinforcement.
Are safety measures planned for the remaining sculptures like Hroší lázeň?
No. According to the spokesperson for the fifth municipal district, authorities will not request inspections or fencing for the remaining sculptures because the structures fall entirely under the jurisdiction of the magistrate.
What steps should Prague authorities take to inspect aging concrete monuments across the city before further failures occur?
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