In Prague, a giant metronome sits in a space previously occupied by a fifty foot statue of Josef Stalin. On a ridge looking over the Vltava in Letna Park, this enormous red memento is more than art. It was placed in 1991 at the demolished site of the Stalin statue (built in 1955 and destroyed by Krushchev in 1962). The metronome symbolizes an alteration, a metamorphosis of time and culture. A separation from communism, pacing time toward the future.
I have never seen the metronome move, but on occasion had noticed that the clicker had moved to the opposite side. It's been almost six years since I've been. Recent information indicates that it goes on at 1:00 p.m. everyday. It is also said to have a potato storage facility in its base capable of holding a million kilos of potatoes. Hmmmm, I think my Czech friends just liked to have a bit of fun with me.