First Four Statues to be Removed from Prague Astronomical Clock on Monday - News Directory 3

First Four Statues to be Removed from Prague Astronomical Clock on Monday

May 10, 2026 Robert Mitchell News
News Context
At a glance
  • The first four statues of the Prague Astronomical Clock, known as the Orloj, are scheduled for removal on May 11, 2026, as part of a planned restoration project.
  • The project focuses on the conservation of the clock's external figures, which are subject to continuous environmental stress.
  • The statues of the Orloj are crafted from sandstone, a porous material that is particularly susceptible to erosion and chemical weathering.
Original source: novinky.cz

The first four statues of the Prague Astronomical Clock, known as the Orloj, are scheduled for removal on May 11, 2026, as part of a planned restoration project. The removal marks the initial phase of a broader effort to preserve the medieval monument, which remains one of the most visited landmarks in the Czech Republic.

The project focuses on the conservation of the clock’s external figures, which are subject to continuous environmental stress. Located in the heart of Prague’s Old Town Square, the sculptures are exposed to urban pollution, fluctuating temperatures, and moisture, all of which contribute to the degradation of the sandstone material.

Preservation of Sandstone Elements

The statues of the Orloj are crafted from sandstone, a porous material that is particularly susceptible to erosion and chemical weathering. Over time, the accumulation of soot and pollutants can lead to the formation of gypsum crusts, which trap moisture and cause the stone to flake or crack.

Preservation of Sandstone Elements
Prague Astronomical Clock Preservation of Sandstone Elements

Restoration specialists typically remove such figures to perform detailed work in a controlled workshop environment. This process allows for more precise cleaning and stabilization than is possible while the statues remain attached to the clock tower. Standard conservation procedures for the Orloj’s figures generally include:

  • The removal of biological growth, such as algae or fungi, from the stone surfaces.
  • The cleaning of atmospheric deposits using specialized chemical compresses or laser technology.
  • The consolidation of the stone structure using mineral-based binders to prevent further crumbling.
  • The filling of deep cracks and losses with compatible mortar to protect the interior of the sculpture from water ingress.

    • Technical and Historical Significance

    Installed in 1410, the Prague Astronomical Clock is a complex mechanical device that represents the astronomical knowledge of the early 15th century. Beyond its internal gearing, the clock is defined by its exterior iconography, which includes a series of moving and static figures.

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    The clock features a “Walk of the Apostles,” where figures emerge from the sides of the clock every hour. It is flanked by four static figures that traditionally represent themes of human frailty and vice: Vanity, Greed, Lust, and Death. The removal of the first four statues is a necessary step in ensuring these symbolic representations do not suffer permanent loss of detail due to weathering.

    The Orloj has undergone several major overhauls throughout its history to maintain both its mechanical precision and its artistic integrity. These interventions are scheduled periodically to address the wear and tear caused by the clock’s constant operation and its exposure to the elements in the Old Town Square.

    Impact on Public Access

    While the removal of the statues alters the visual appearance of the clock’s facade, such maintenance is standard for monuments of this age. The removal of the figures in stages is designed to minimize the overall impact on the site’s accessibility.

    Impact on Public Access
    Prague Astronomical Clock Orloj

    The restoration of the statues is a separate process from the maintenance of the clock’s internal astronomical and calendar dials. The mechanical functions of the Orloj typically continue to operate even when external decorative elements are undergoing conservation.