The Ankeruhr Clock is a unique art nouveau clock that connects two buildings of the Anker Insurance Company in Vienna, Austria. It was designed by the painter and sculptor Franz Matsch and built between 1911 and 1914. The clock features 12 historical figures or pairs of figures from Vienna’s past, such as Joseph Haydn, Marcus Aurelius, Charlemagne, and Empress Maria Theresa. Each hour, a different figure appears on the bridge with a musical accompaniment. At noon, all 12 figures parade around the clock with a longer musical performance.
The Ankeruhr Clock is open to the public every day from 00:00 to 00:00. There is no ticket required to see the clock, but you can join a guided tour of the Ankerhof building for a fee. The tours are available on weekdays from 10:00 to 16:00 and on weekends from 10:00 to 18:00. You can book a tour online or by phone at 01 534740.
To get to the Ankeruhr Clock, you can take the subway line U1 or U4 to Schwedenplatz station and walk for about 5 minutes to Hoher Markt street, where the clock is located. Alternatively, you can take the tram line 1 or 2 to Rotenturmstraße station and walk for about 3 minutes to the clock. The clock is also within walking distance from other attractions such as St. Stephen’s Cathedral, the Jewish Museum, and the Roman Museum.
Some tips for visiting the Ankeruhr Clock are:
- The best time to see the clock is at noon, when you can enjoy the full parade of figures and music.
- The clock also plays Christmas songs at 17:00 during Advent season.
- You can learn more about the history and symbolism of the clock from the plaque next to it or from the tour guide.
- You can take photos of the clock, but be respectful of other visitors and traffic.
- You can also admire the architecture and design of the Ankerhof building, which is an example of Viennese Jugendstil.
The Ankeruhr Clock is a fascinating piece of art and culture that showcases Vienna’s rich history and heritage. It is a must-see attraction for anyone who loves clocks, history, or art nouveau.
