MSI – Time Exhibit Gallery

Replica of Giovanni de Dondi’s Astronomical Clock (1348-1364)
Thwaites and Reed
England, 1971
Atwood Collection 375

This is a replica of the earliest known mechanical clock designed to indicate minutes. The original clock was constructed in Padua, Italy between the years 1348-1364, and was in a state of disrepair and possible incompleteness by the early 1500’s. The seven dials show the motions of the Sun, Moon, and the five then known planets Mars, Mercury, Jupiter, Venus and Saturn. These objects are all shown revolving around the earth, as was the prevailing belief in the 14th century.

Photo by Dirk Fletcher