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Prague Metronome

Prague Metronome is a functioning kinetic sculpture in Letná Park, overlooking the Vltava River and Prague’s city center. Erected in 1991 on the plinth left by the 1962 demolition of a huge monument to Joseph Stalin, it was designed by international artist Vratislav Novák and officially named Time Machine. The silent red metronome is functional, though it is not always operating, and its motorized inverted pendulum has swung at 4 and 6 beats per minute. A plaque at the base reads, “In time, all things pass...” The site is also known for its scenic view and is now mostly used as a meeting place for skateboarders and others.

Prague Metronome mechanism with a red arm and counterweight against a cloudy sky.
The Prague Metronome’s metal mechanism and red arm rising above Letná Park.
© · CC BY-SA 4.0
The Prague Metronome, a large red kinetic sculpture, stands on a stone pedestal above a tree-covered hill.
The Prague Metronome rises above the hilltop, overlooking the city below.
May 2008 © · CC BY 2.0
Prague Metronome rising above a tree-lined hillside with a large yellow and blue banner below it.
The Prague Metronome stands above a hillside decorated with a large yellow and blue banner.
March 2022 © · CC BY-SA 4.0
A long queue of people stands below the Prague Metronome near display panels and trees.
Visitors wait in line beneath the Prague Metronome in Letná, Prague.
May 2014 © · CC BY 3.0
Winter view of the Vltava River with moored boats, a snowy embankment, and a wooded hill across the water; the Prague Metronome is not clearly visible.
A winter panorama of the Vltava River in Prague, with boats along the snowy embankment and a wooded hill on the opposite bank.
January 2026 © · CC0

Identification

TitlePrague Metronome
Original namesEl metrónomo de Praga; Le Métronome; Praski metronom
TypeGiant kinetic sculpture; functional metronome installation
Common nameMetronome
Alternative nameTime Machine (Stroj času)

Historical context

Installation date15 May 1991
Installed forThe General Czechoslovak Exhibition
Intended durationTemporary installation
Later statusKept by city authorities as a landmark
Site historyBuilt on the plinth left vacant after the demolition of the Stalin Monument in late 1962
Previous monumentStalin Monument
Previous monument demolished1962

Creator

Artist lifespan1942–2014
Artist descriptioninternational artist
ArtistVratislav Karel Novák

Location and ownership

ViewOffers a scenic view of the city
LocationLetná Park, Prague, Czech Republic, overlooking the Vltava River and the city center
Specific siteOn the former Stalin Monument plinth
Current use of siteMostly used as a meeting place and resting place for skateboarders and others
VisibilityClearly visible from Prague's Old Town

Physical characteristics

Height24 meters
Total heightApproximately 25 meters including the pointer
Total weightApproximately 7 tons
Rod length20 meters
AppearanceSilent red metronome
CounterweightVisible metal counterweight in the lower part of the pointer

Materials

Counterweight materialMetal

Technique

Motor locationMotor and moving parts are housed in the triangular base structure, except for the pointer and counterweight
Installation methodInstalled by helicopter for static reasons
MechanismMotorized inverted pendulum
Public accessNo public access to the base structure
Drive systemElectric motor

Operation

Operational statusFunctional, but not always in operation
Swing rate4 to 6 beats per minute
Pointer motionThe pointer describes an arc of about 60° in 10 seconds
Power supplyElectrical supply cable is clearly visible
Objects on cableSeveral tied pairs of shoes hang on the cable almost year-round, even after removal by city authorities

Appearance

Appearance in mediaFeatured in the TV series Octopus (Spрут), sixth season
Scene description in mediaIts movement and a mournful sound, similar to a ship's bell, accompanied a scene and dialogue between agent Miloš and Italian policeman Licata
Inscription on baseIn time, all things pass...

Iconography and meaning

SymbolismThe relentless passage of time
InterpretationA warning to remember the past

Significance

Comparative noteGeneva (since 1972) and Gdańsk (since 2016) each have a larger pendulum clock
Possible distinctionMay be the largest metronome in the world

History and restoration

Role in 2009Used to visualize the beginning of the Czech EU Council Presidency
Current site contextThe area later became abandoned for a while and the metronome was not working