World's largest public exhibition of cuckoo clocks opens at Waterford museum

Eva Osborne

The world's largest public exhibition of cuckoo clocks has officially opened at Waterford's Irish Museum of Time.

Housed in a specially-created wing of the museum, the exhibition aims to celebrate the craftsmanship of Germany’s Black Forest, where artistry and engineering combined to create the cuckoo clock.

Visitors to the exhibition will encounter more than 400 cuckoo clocks, with many dating back to the 19th century.

Highlights include one, two, and eight-day clocks, wall and table clocks, automaton pieces, quarter-striking clocks, oversized showpieces, and delicate miniatures.

Minister of State, John Cummins, said the opening of the exhibition is a "remarkable celebration" of craftsmanship, heritage and imagination.

"This extraordinary exhibition not only showcases the ingenuity of Black Forest clockmakers but also highlights the power of cultural investment and philanthropy in bringing world-class collections to Irish audiences.

"Waterford has long been a city shaped by artistry and innovation, and this new addition further strengthens its position as a leading cultural destination, offering visitors from Ireland and abroad a truly unique and memorable experience.”

Project manager and the project curator, Eamonn McEneaney, said: “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.”