Iconic ‘Clock of Nations’ Returns to Downtown Rochester

3 minute read

Out of Storage and Into Public View

For more than forty years, the Clock of Nations was an iconic feature of downtown Rochester. For most of the last decade, it sat in storage. Now, the clock has been masterfully restored and rehomed in the heart of the city for visitors to learn from and enjoy.

A partnership between developer Ken Glazer of Buckingham Properties, the Community Foundation, the Landmark Society of Western New York, and Monroe County restored the clock and reinstalled it for public display at Tower 280. The Foundation contributed a grant of $25,000 to cover repairs, revitalization, and engineering work needed to properly display this rare work of art. Buckingham Properties spearheaded the project, from idea to painstaking painted details.

A Snapshot of Historical Perspectives 

The 28-foot-tall clock was originally created by sculptor and former aerospace engineer Dale Clark and installed at Midtown Plaza in 1962.  

Underneath the clock face, twelve small spinning dioramas feature “the major cultures of the world,” as interpreted by the sculptor and his patron in the 1960s. A pamphlet commissioned by Midtown Plaza and loaned to the Foundation from Rochester Historical Society’s archives says, “Midtown Plaza has recaptured for your enjoyment — and your children’s — the lively and gay atmosphere of faraway market-places of the world.”  

What an opportunity to notice which cultures were included, how they were depicted, and which are missing. 

“Meet Me at the Clock!”

Many longtime Rochester residents have fond memories of holiday visits to Midtown Plaza. The brightly colored timepiece with spinning marionettes was such a landmark during Midtown’s heyday that “Meet me at the clock!” was a common call to friends and family. 

A Piece of Rochester’s History Finds a New Home

Repairing, restoring, and re-assembling the clock in its new location ensures the secure display of a piece of Rochester’s history for future generations. By returning this artifact to its original neighborhood, the project not only feeds nostalgia for Rochester’s past but encourages visitors to learn from historical narratives and reconnect with downtown Rochester as it exists today.

Pamphlet courtesy of Rochester Historical Society

Pamphlet courtesy of Rochester Historical Society

Pamphlet courtesy of Rochester Historical Society

Pamphlet courtesy of Rochester Historical Society

Pamphlet courtesy of Rochester Historical Society

Pamphlet courtesy of Rochester Historical Society

Pamphlet courtesy of Rochester Historical Society

“By returning this unique piece of art to its original neighborhood, we’re providing an opportunity to connect with downtown Rochester and support its revitalization,” says Annette Jiménez Gleason, senior program officer for vitality at the Foundation. “Free, public access to the Clock of Nations invites residents and visitors alike to learn about the city’s history and its evolution.”

Experience the Clock of Nations for Yourself

The Clock of Nations is now open to the public during normal business hours (Monday through Friday, 7 A.M. to 7 P.M.) in the Tower 280 lobby, and viewable at all times from the exterior of 280 E Broad St, Rochester, NY.  

Catch the clock in action at the top of every hour. 

Community Foundation Grantmaking

The Community Foundation promotes two broad grantmaking goals that align with our vision for community change: creating an equitable community and strengthening our region’s vitality.

This project strengthens our region’s vitality by preserving a piece of Rochester’s history, promoting equitable access to a historical asset, and expanding educational opportunities for residents and visitors.

Learn more about preserving and sharing our history.