Visitors to Prague’s Old Town Hall can now, for the first time, explore the heart of one of the city’s most important technical treasures: the Old Town Astronomical Clock. A new digital 3D reconstruction of the historic mechanism brings the medieval masterpiece to life virtually.
Visitors and residents of the Czech capital now have the opportunity to take a unique look inside one of the world’s most significant technical monuments: the Old Town Astronomical Clock, the oldest still-functioning astronomical clock in the world. This has been made possible by a newly opened digital 3D reconstruction of the historic mechanism, which has been accessible to the public since early December in the Rytířský Hall of Prague’s Old Town Hall. The project, “Digitalisation of the Old Town Astronomical Clock,” was created in collaboration with the CESNET association, Prague City Tourism, and the company st.dio.
The digital version offers both experts and laypeople the chance to virtually “experience” the clock’s complex workings and gain a deeper understanding. Combining historical knowledge with modern technology opens up a new way of presenting this Prague cultural asset.
“Our aim is to connect visitors and citizens more closely with the city and to show them more than just Prague’s beautiful backdrop. The digital twin model of the clock allows a look inside this unique timepiece and demonstrates how technically skilled and creative our ancestors were. Those who not only witness the brief chimes but also understand how the mechanism works develop a deeper connection to Prague,” says Jana Adamcová, Deputy Chair of Prague City Tourism.
The Old Town Astronomical Clock is the oldest still-functioning medieval clock in the world with its original mechanism. The intricate work combines richly decorated sculptures, a painted calendar plate, and the central astrolabe. The daily chimes attract around two million viewers each year.
Alongside the exhibition, there is a web application at prague.eu/orloj, which presents the history and technology of the clock online.
