Prague Metronome | |
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Czech: Pražský metronom | |
Artist | Vratislav Novák |
Year | 1991 |
Location | Prague 7, Czech Republic |
50°05′41″N 14°24′56″E / 50.09472°N 14.41556°E | |
Website | www |
The Prague Metronome (Czech: Pražský metronom) is a 75-foot-tall (23 m) functioning metronome in Letná Park, overlooking the Vltava River and the city center of Prague.[1] The kinetic sculpture was erected in 1991, on the plinth left vacant by the late-1962 demolition of an enormous monument to former Soviet leader Joseph Stalin. The silent red metronome was designed by international artist Vratislav Novák, and officially named "Time Machine".[2][3] It may be the largest metronome in the world, although Geneva (since 1972) and Gdańsk (since 2016) each have a larger pendulum clock.[4][5]
The Prague Metronome is functional, but it is not always in operation.[6] A plaque at the base reads "In time, all things pass..." The inverted pendulum of the motorized metronome has swung at both 4 and 6 beats per minute.[7][8]
The site offers a scenic view of the city and now is mostly used as a meeting place for skateboarders and others.[9]