The church remained abandoned for over 40 years before the art installation was introduced.
The ghostly figures are cast from live models, primarily students from the University of West Bohemia.
Funds raised from visitors are dedicated exclusively to the preservation and structural repair of the church building.
The church was originally built in 1352 and served the local community for centuries.
The name Luková translates to 'Meadow Village,' reflecting its rural setting in the Plzeň Region.
St. George's Church in Luková is globally recognized for its installation of 32 hooded, ghostly sculptures created by artist Jakub Hadrava. The 14th-century Gothic building had fallen into ruin and been abandoned following a roof collapse during a 1968 funeral service. Hadrava installed the white, plaster-cast figures in 2012 to symbolize the Sudeten Germans who once lived in the village and worshipped there. The sculptures are positioned in the pews and aisles to evoke the feeling of a congregation frozen in time. The church remains in a state of intentional decay to preserve its historical narrative and authentic atmosphere. It serves as a symbolic bridge between the region's pre-war past and its modern identity.
From the back of the nave looking toward the altar to capture the scale of the ghostly congregation.
Check the official website to verify opening dates, as the site is maintained by volunteers and operates on a limited schedule.
Bring a camera with a low-light lens, as the interior is intentionally dark to maintain the somber aesthetic.
Consider that the floor is uneven and crumbling due to long-term neglect; wear sturdy, comfortable footwear.
Do not attempt to touch or lean on the sculptures, as they are fragile and integral to the art installation.
Open seasonally, typically on weekends, and often closed during the winter months for maintenance.
Maintain silence inside the church out of respect for its history and the somber nature of the art installation.
