As Ireland prepares to put the clocks forward this spring, Waterford City will mark a major cultural milestone with the opening of the world’s largest public exhibition of cuckoo clocks.
The brand-new exhibition is to be officially opened to the public by Minister of State at the Department of Housing, Local Government & Heritage with special responsibility for Planning & Local Government, John Cummins, today, at the Irish Museum of Time, part of the Waterford Treasures collection of museums.
Housed in a specially created wing of the museum, within a restored 19th-century building (Central Hall), the exhibition celebrates the craftsmanship of Germany’s Black Forest, where artistry and engineering combine to create one of the world’s most recognisable and enchanting timepieces—the cuckoo clock.
Visitors will encounter more than 400 extraordinary cuckoo clocks, with many dating back to the 19th century when the craft reached its artistic and technical peak.
Highlights include one, two and eight-day clocks, wall and table clocks, automaton pieces, quarter-striking clocks, oversized showpieces, and delicate miniatures. The carvings range from woodland scenes to elaborate architectural designs, each a testament to the imagination and skill of Black Forest artisans.
Many of the clock cases have been cleaned and treated under the direction of conservator Sven Habermann from Conservation Letterfrack.
[caption id="attachment_2991964" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Pictured are Rupert Maddock, Design Architect, Sara Dolan, CEO of Mount Congreve Gardens, Colman Curran, John Cummins TD Minister of State at the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Cllr. Seamus Ryan, Mayor of Waterford City & County, David Boles, Elizabeth Clooney, Eamonn McEneaney, Project Manager and Clíona Purcell, Head Curator of Waterford Treasures. Photograph: Patrick Browne[/caption]
Among the curiosities is a century-old fairground organ — a spectacular mechanical wonder that captivates both the eye and the ear.
The fairground organ has been lovingly restored by two expert conservators, Alberic Godderis and Tim Thyssen of the “Museum Speelkolk” in Utrecht.
The Irish Museum of Time, in the heart of Waterford’s Viking Triangle, first opened in June 2021 as part of the Waterford Treasures suite of museums.
It has since earned international recognition for its exceptional collection of Irish and European timepieces, from early 16th-century watches to exquisite 20th-century clocks. With the addition of this new wing, the museum continues to celebrate the artistry and innovation of horology while strengthening Waterford’s position as a leading cultural destination.
Project manager and the project curator Eamonn McEneaney says, “The Irish Museum of Time is proud to honour the legendary mastery of Black Forest cuckoo clock makers. This new wing is unlike anything seen in Ireland before. The collection is not only a celebration of German artistry and craftsmanship, but also a joyful and imaginative addition to Waterford’s cultural offering.”
Co-founder Colman Curran adds, “Visitors will be delighted by the scale, variety, and charm of what awaits them. I firmly believe that what our team has achieved will ensure that our shared horological heritage will be preserved in Waterford City and appreciated for generations to come.”
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