On Wednesday, July 23^rd from 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM, Dr. Cecelia Rokusek, CEO, National Czech & Slovak Museum and Library (NCSML), will present the famous Czech Astronomical Clock and Tower in Cedar Rapids.  The presentation is at the German American Museum in St. Lucas. 

Dr. Rokusek was instrumental in the renovation of the clock tower and the installation of the new astronomical clock.  She will be accompanied by Dr. Robert Petrik, former board member of the NCSML.  This event is jointly sponsored by the Czech Heritage Partnership of Protivin and the German American Museum of St. Lucas. Ken Zajicek, president of the CHP will introduce the speaker.  The presentation is followed by refreshments and pastries, and lively discussions.

Located in the Czech Village by the Cedar River, North America’s only Orloj—a Prague-style astronomical clock—stands in front of the National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library.  Unveiled in 2024 for the National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library 50th anniversary, the clocktower is modeled after the Prague astronomical clock built in 1410. The renovated clock tower includes an astrolabe with both astronomical and timekeeping functions. All components were manufactured by the SPEL Company in Prague, using stainless steel; the symbols are gilded with 24-karat gold.

The tower houses 12 figurines sculpted by Andrej Harsany of Bratislava, Slovakia, each approximately four feet tall, positioned on two carousels. Every hour, these figures rotate in sync with music composed by Czech composers Antonin Dvorak and Bedrich Smetana. The figurines represent various immigrant stories, including figures such as a farmer, coal miner, and meatpacker, symbolizing groups who settled in Cedar Rapids from Czechia, Slovakia, Moravia, and other regions.  A presentation not to be missed.