Meier Clock

Members of the Meier Family pose with the Meier Clock, c. 1970. Members of the Meier Family pose with the Meier Clock, c. 1970.

 

After an absence of a year and eight months, an old favorite is at last set to return to take its place among the new sights, sounds, and experiences at the Detroit Historical Museum.  Today, Friday October 25th, marks the rededication of the newly renovated Meier Clock on the landing between the first and second floors. It will be open for the public to see on Saturday, October 26th. The clock was originally completed by jeweler Louis Meier Sr. in 1904, following 12 years of labor. It has been displayed at the 1906 Michigan State Fair, the 1934 Chicago World’s Fair, and at Meier’s jewelry store at East Grand Boulevard and Gratiot Avenue. The clock’s mahogany frame includes ornately carved sea monsters, angels, and busts of both Meier and Galileo. Among its mechanisms are thirteen clocks reporting time in major cities, globes that track the Earth’s rotation and the Moon’s phases, and a procession of figures representing different nations. A video showing these features will be included with the exhibit.

The Meier Clock being disassembled in preparation for its 1982 move from the Meier-owned. L.M. Gear Company to the Detroit Historical Museum. The Meier Clock being disassembled in preparation for its 1982 move from the Meier-owned. L.M. Gear Company to the Detroit Historical Museum.

 

The clock’s mechanism is revealed during its 1982 disassembly for transport to the Detroit Historical Museum. The clock’s mechanism is revealed during its 1982 disassembly for transport to the Detroit Historical Museum.

 

Meier Clock Logo