The Street of Bronze Faces

The street of bronze faces by Jakov Brdar

The Ljubljana audio-guided tour has you discover, underfoot, an unusual work: a ribbon of bronze inlaid in the cobbles, peopled with hundreds of faces. Some smile, others grimace, others still seem to scream in silence.

A work inspired by Rilke

This strange procession is the work of the Slovenian sculptor Jakov Brdar, inspired by a text by Rainer Maria Rilke on the multitude of faces that each human being carries within. As you advance, you discover that this flood of heads is not alone: further on, a hand emerges from the ground as if to pull itself out, a cage reveals a skeleton, a symbol of fragility and memory. The whole composes a poignant meditation on the human condition.

What there is to see

Discreet but striking, the work reveals itself to whoever takes the time to look down at the cobbles and follow the bronze ribbon. Each face, each detail invites reflection and emotion. It is a singular stop of the route, which shows how present contemporary art is even in the ground of Ljubljana, meeting the attentive walker.

Practical information

The street of bronze faces can be discovered in the historic centre of Ljubljana, right on the cobbles. The work can be contemplated freely at all hours and on the level, along the walk. You must take the time to look down to notice it.

Who created this work on the ground?

The Slovenian sculptor Jakov Brdar, inspired by a text by Rainer Maria Rilke on the multiple faces of the human being.

What does this work represent?

A bronze ribbon peopled with hundreds of faces, accompanied by a hand and a cage, a meditation on the human condition.