The metronome in Prague – an unusual work of art

When you are on the bridge “Cechuv most” and peek over the Vltava you can see a huge metronome high up in the Letná Park.

Originally, that was the location of a Stalin monument that was inaugurated after more than 5 years of construction in 1955. It was built on a huge granite-clad pedestal. The Stalin Memorial in Letná Park rose to a height of more than 15m. In the course of de-Stalinization, the monument to the Communist Party became a problem. In 1962, it was finally destroyed by the army with 800 kg of explosives. The plans were kept a secret but the people of Prague found out on hearing the massive explosion.

In 1990 the pirate radio station Radio Stalin began to send from a bunker near the foundation. Later, the first rock club in Prague was founded right here.

In 1991, Vratislav Karel Novák built a huge metronome on the still existing base. The red pendulum swings calmly day in, day out in complete silence! We have observed how the metronome is turned off in the evenings.

From the banks of the Vltava, a staircase leads up to the metronome. You should take your time to climb the countless steps (we, unfortunately, miscounted on the way up and did not want to start again from the beginning). At the top, you will be rewarded with a breath-taking view over Prague. From here, you can also take a walk through the adjoining park, which takes you to the Prague Castle.