John Wanamaker exhibited this working small-scale reproduction of the famous Strasbourg clock in his Philadelphia department store. An enthusiastic art collector, Wanamaker put spectacular pieces on display — including the famous pipe organ — to elevate customers' experience. The clock's intricate design depicts themes relating to the passage of time, religion, astronomy, and mythology. Its machinery includes a celestial globe, calendar dial, and planetarium, and sprang to life several times an hour. Imagine shopping as bells chimed, figures moved, and the rooster crowed and flapped its wings!

The Franklin Institute
Philadelphia, PA

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