Due to a lack of funds the sandstone plinths remained unoccupied after the museum building was completed in 1898 and waited a long 122 years to be claimed. It was only after the extensive reconstruction of the museum, which was completed in 2020, that the statues were added to the steps. The lion and lioness sculptures were created by the famous artist Jaroslav Róna, who also designed the Devil seated in front of the gallery opposite, as well as the Little Martian by the Hotel Ještěd.