North America’s only astronomical clock will awaken from its winter slumber at noon, March 20, 2025, at the National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library.
Twelve figurines depicting the stories of Czech and Slovak immigrants will rotate for spectators to view as music from influential Czech composers Bedrich Smetana and Antonin Dvorak plays.
Tiffany O’Donnell, Cedar Rapids mayor, and Cecilia Rokusek, National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library president and CEO, will give remarks at the foot of the Buresh Immigration Clock Tower. Following the brief program, the public is invited to come inside the museum and library for coffee and kolache.
Starting with the March 20 reopening, the Orloj figures will emerge, and music will play every hour from 9 a.m. until 9 p.m. The Orloj season ends November 17, International Students’ Day.
Last year, NCSML celebrated its 50th anniversary by renovating its clock tower that was built in 1995 to include an astrolabe and other visual components. It was modeled after the famous Prague Orloj — the oldest functioning astronomical clock in the world dating back to medieval 15th century AD. Slovakia President Peter Pellegrini, Czech Republic President Petr Pavel and Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds traveled to Cedar Rapids, Iowa, for the dedication of the NCSML Orloj in 2024.
Located on 16th Avenue SW at the entrance to the Bridge of Lions, the NCSML Orloj is a monument for Czech Village, New Bohemia, and all of Cedar Rapids.
