World’s Largest Public Exhibition of Cuckoo Clocks Officially Opens at Waterford’s Irish Museum of Time

As Ireland prepares to put the clocks forward this spring, Waterford City will mark a major cultural milestone with the opening of the world’s largest public exhibition of cuckoo clocks. The brand-new exhibition is to be officially opened to the public by Minister of State at the Department of Housing, Local Government & Heritage with special responsibility for Planning & Local Government, John Cummins, on March 27th, 2026, at the Irish Museum of Time, part of the Waterford Treasures collection of museums.

Housed in a specially created wing of the museum, within a restored 19th-century building (Central Hall), the exhibition celebrates the craftsmanship of Germany’s Black Forest, where artistry and engineering combine to create one of the world’s most recognisable and enchanting timepieces—the cuckoo clock.

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In 2024, Museum co-founder, Colman Curran, became aware that Maz and Roman Piekarski were closing their private cuckoo clock museum in Knutsford, near Manchester, after more than fifty years of collecting. The remarkable collection was then acquired thanks to the unique generosity of museum benefactor David Boles, and David has also funded the restoration of the building and the exhibition fit-out in its entirety. The new gallery at Central Hall will permanently confirm Waterford’s reputation as a centre of excellence for Irish and international horology. The imaginative display has been curated by David Boles and Colman Curran, co-founders of the Irish Museum of Time, who, together with project manager Eamonn McEneaney, have spent the last two and a half years bringing the clocks to Waterford and preparing them for exhibition. Eamonn McEneaney designed the stunning Black Forest setting, along with award-winning architect Rupert Maddock, who was also the project architect.

Cuckoo clock making began in the Black Forest valleys of southwest Germany in the 18th century. Farming families turned to clockmaking during long winters, developing a unique style that incorporated intricate carvings and the familiar call of the cuckoo bird. Over time, the Black Forest became synonymous with these distinctive timepieces, which evolved into works of art admired across Europe and beyond.

David Boles says, “For centuries, the dramatic landscapes of the Black Forest have inspired storytellers, writers, artists, musicians, and master clockmakers alike. Its flora, fauna and sounds not only captured imaginations but also shaped one of the most iconic forms of timekeeping in the world. This exhibition, the largest public display of Black Forest cuckoo clocks in the world, offers a rare opportunity to explore how this enchanting region gave rise to timepieces that are both mechanical marvels and timeless works of art.”

Minister John Cummins says, “Today’s opening at the Irish Museum of Time is a remarkable celebration of craftsmanship, heritage and imagination. This extraordinary exhibition not only showcases the ingenuity of Black Forest clockmakers but also highlights the power of cultural investment and philanthropy in bringing world-class collections to Irish audiences. Waterford has long been a city shaped by artistry and innovation, and this new addition further strengthens its position as a leading cultural destination, offering visitors from Ireland and abroad a truly unique and memorable experience.”

Visitors will encounter more than 400 extraordinary cuckoo clocks, with many dating back to the 19th century when the craft reached its artistic and technical peak. Highlights include one, two and eight-day clocks, wall and table clocks, automaton pieces, quarter-striking clocks, oversized showpieces, and delicate miniatures. The carvings range from woodland scenes to elaborate architectural designs, each a testament to the imagination and skill of Black Forest artisans. Many of the clock cases have been cleaned and treated under the direction of conservator Sven Habermann from Conservation Letterfrack.

Among the curiosities is a century-old fairground organ — a spectacular mechanical wonder that captivates both the eye and the ear. The fairground organ has been lovingly restored by two expert conservators, Alberic Godderis and Tim Thyssen of the “Museum Speelkolk” in Utrecht.

The Irish Museum of Time, in the heart of Waterford’s Viking Triangle, first opened in June 2021 as part of the Waterford Treasures suite of museums. It has since earned international recognition for its exceptional collection of Irish and European timepieces, from early 16th-century watches to exquisite 20th-century clocks. With the addition of this new wing, the museum continues to celebrate the artistry and innovation of horology while strengthening Waterford’s position as a leading cultural destination.

Project manager and the project curator Eamonn McEneaney says, “The Irish Museum of Time is proud to honour the legendary mastery of Black Forest cuckoo clock makers. This new wing is unlike anything seen in Ireland before. The collection is not only a celebration of German artistry and craftsmanship, but also a joyful and imaginative addition to Waterford’s cultural offering.”

Co-founder Colman Curran adds, “Visitors will be delighted by the scale, variety, and charm of what awaits them. I firmly believe that what our team has achieved will ensure that our shared horological heritage will be preserved in Waterford City and appreciated for generations to come.”

The extended Museum of Time promises a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience the world’s most enchanting clocks in one place. Tickets and visitor information are available at www.waterfordtreasures.com

The occasion will include the launch of a three-volume book, ‘Irish Clock and Watch Makers, with examples of their work’ by David Boles. This major work is the result of twenty-five years’ research, and it is now an indispensable source of information about all aspects of Irish horology for the future.

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