Uhrenstube Aschau

The focus of the collection is on early tower clocks and spit roasters from over five centuries – from Gothic to Renaissance and from Baroque to the early industrial age. The gear trains made of wrought iron or wood illustrate the development of technology, craftsmanship, the form and design of the clocks, as well as their regional characteristics. Based on the exhibits in the Uhrenstube, supplemented by descriptions and display panels, visitors are shown the history of clocks and the watchmaking craft.The tower clocks and spit roasters of the Uhrenstube Aschau are part of the clock collection of Ing. Wolfgang Komzak, who began collecting antique clocks in 1963. The collection consists of wall and console clocks, grandfather clocks, clocks with musical movements, as well as other clocks from the 15th – 19th centuries, the style periods of Gothic and Renaissance, Baroque and the early industrial age. The focus of the Uhrenstube Aschau collection is on early forged tower clocks from the Gothic and Renaissance periods and those with wooden gear trains.The exhibits largely originate from Austria, or the cultural sphere of the former k.u.k. Monarchy. The regional focus of the collection covers tower clocks and spit roasters from Burgenland, the tri-border region of Burgenland – Lower Austria – Styria and Western Hungary. The oldest tower clock in the collection was created around 1460 to 1470 in Steyr, Upper Austria. It is the oldest currently known tower clock in Austria. Another tower clock from Burgenland, a Gothic tower clock from the first half of the 16th century, stood in the parish church of Litzelsdorf.A highlight of the collection are some tower clocks and spit roasters that were made entirely of wood. These extremely rare works are a magnet for many international experts. A key feature of the collection is that primarily the movement of the clock, which gives it life, is shown in its technical, artisanal, and design diversity.Over the years, the collection has grown to 64 tower clocks and 27 spit roasters, making it one of the largest and, especially due to its extensive collection of Gothic exhibits, most significant collections in Central Europe. In the exhibition rooms, text panels explain the history, craftsmanship, and technology of the development of clocks and tower clocks based on the exhibited examples. A key feature of the collection is that primarily the movement of the clock, which gives it life, is shown in its technical, artisanal, and design diversity. Most of the movements are functional and are set in motion during guided tours.Visits by appointment only!