Ankeruhr, Art Nouveau clock in Hoher Markt, Austria
The Ankeruhr is an Art Nouveau clock on Hoher Markt that spans about 10 meters wide. Its face, roughly 4 meters in diameter, displays twelve historical figures that move throughout the day.
Franz von Matsch designed this mechanical clock, which was built between 1911 and 1914 for the Anker Insurance Company building in central Vienna. Its construction took place during an era when decorative mechanical clocks symbolized progress and craftsmanship.
Every hour a different historical figure from Austrian and European history appears with organ music. These moving characters tell stories of people who shaped life in this region.
The clock mechanism operates daily, with the most impressive display happening at noon when all twelve figures rotate in sequence. Plan to spend some time observing the movements and viewing the details from different angles.
During winter, the mechanism plays traditional Christmas carols every day at 5 PM, adding seasonal charm to the location. This extra musical performance makes visits in the cold months feel special.
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