Anker Clock

At the heart of majestic Vienna, on the historic Hoher Markt square, stands the Ankeruhr, a monumental clock that captivates onlookers and silently tells the story of the Austrian capital. This Art Nouveau masterpiece, designed by the talented painter and sculptor Franz Matsch between 1911 and 1914, is much more than a simple timekeeping instrument – it is a true living spectacle connecting two parts of the building of the former Anker insurance company.

The Ankeruhr is distinguished by its extraordinary parade of twelve historical figures who, like sentinels of time, march across a bridge at each striking hour. These iconic characters embody the soul and history of Vienna: Emperor Marcus Aurelius stands alongside Charlemagne, while Empress Maria Theresa and composer Joseph Haydn represent the city's cultural golden age. Each silhouette emerges accompanied by a specific melody, creating a perfect symbiosis between visual art and music.