Nürnberg Clock Museum, Nuremberg

The Nürnberg Clock Museum in Nuremberg is a premier destination for those fascinated by the evolution of timekeeping devices. Located in the historical part of the city, within a building of the Nuremberg Academy near the Municipal Library, the museum houses one of Europe's most significant collections of timepieces, making it a landmark for both historical and technological exploration.

The museum's collection is extensive, with approximately 1,000 objects on display from a total of about 1,450 items. It offers a comprehensive narrative of the development of portable timepieces, beginning with the innovative Nuremberg Egg, a so-called “pocket watch” invented by Peter Henlein in 1524, which could run for 40 hours after winding. The collection spans through the ages to include modern advancements such as the radio-controlled solar clock.

The Karl Gebhardt Watch Collection within the museum is a highlight, showcasing the progression of wearable watches from the late Middle Ages to the contemporary era. This includes everything from ornate pocket watches and wristwatches to cutting-edge radio-controlled timepieces, reflecting the pivotal role Nuremberg and southern Germany have played in the field.

The museum features three primary sections. The first section showcases the evolution of clocks with 11 displays from the entrance to the third floor, featuring items like Bohemian wall clocks and Swiss pocket watches. The second section, on the second floor, highlights "500 years of wearable watches" including Parisian enameled pocket watches and modern solar quartz watches. The third floor hosts a comprehensive clock library, supported by the German Society for Chronometry, serving as a valuable resource for horology enthusiasts and scholars.

With its rich displays and scholarly resources, the Nürnberg Clock Museum not only celebrates the history of timekeeping but also serves as a testament to the region’s enduring influence in the world of horology.