"Equilibrium" sculpture partially collapses near Barrandov Bridge in Prague

A large sculpture called "Equilibrium" partially collapsed near Barrandov Bridge in Prague on Friday morning, police spokesman Richard Gerdina reported.

"We are securing the site and have contacted the city authorities, who need to arrange for the cleanup," the police spokesman said. No one was injured in the incident, though it did cause some traffic disruption, as debris blocked part of the right-hand lane on the bridge as well as the bike path.

According to police, the sculpture had been in a state of disrepair for quite some time, and city authorities, together with road maintenance services, had already been planning to have it dismantled.

Measuring 6 by 14 meters, the sculpture was considered one of the largest in the Czech Republic. It was created by sculptor Josef Klimeš (1928–2018). The work, also known as "The Conquering Worm," was made between 1989 and 1990.

Klimeš is known for several other large-scale artworks in Prague, and gained wider recognition for his work on the Czechoslovak pavilion at the EXPO 58 world's fair in Brussels.

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By the Around Prague newsroom