The renowned gilded spherical clock and the world timetable showcasing ten metropolises, housed within the distinctive plastic structure crafted by artist Rudolf Svoboda at Prague’s Florenc metro station in Prague 8, have been reactivated after a meticulous three-year restoration. The clocks officially resumed operations yesterday, delighting commuters and art enthusiasts alike.

Tomáš Jílek, the director of the company Technology of the Capital City of Prague, emphasized the necessity of the restoration, stating that the original twelve-meter steel structure had suffered extensive degradation, posing a risk of collapse. To preserve the artistic and historical significance of the work, a successful replica, treated with a special paint to resist spray creations, has taken its place in the station.

The ambitious reconstruction, costing approximately two million crowns, commenced in the summer of 2020. The Lang locksmith’s shop played a pivotal role in crafting the replica, while the intricate task of repairing the clocks was entrusted to the same company that initially produced them—the Prague-based Elektročas. Remarkably, a veteran from the company’s ranks, possessing intimate knowledge of the clocks, was enlisted to oversee the restoration.

Michal Hroza, Prague councilor from TOP 09, noted the rarity of these clocks among the five hundred maintained by the Technology of the Capital City of Prague. Originating from the brutalist era, the clocks, created in 1985, serve both functional and artistic purposes by displaying world time for ten metropolises.

The initiative for the renovation came from the eighth part of the Town Hall, recognizing the historical and cultural significance of the clocks. Deputy Mayor Tomáš Hřebík (STAN) hinted at future investment plans for the area, urging developers to integrate these plans into their projects.

During the restoration, changes were made to the slope of the area to prevent water from flowing into the structure, according to Councilor Tomáš Slabihoudek (TOP 09). Despite delays caused by unexpected issues with the quality of granite stones, the clocks were unveiled a month and a half ago, signaling the culmination of a meticulous restoration process that ensures the continued appreciation of this unique artistic and functional landmark.

Article by Prague Forum