Clock and Watch Museum
Explore centuries of timekeeping innovation at the National Watch and Clock Museum, featuring rare timepieces and engaging exhibits.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more personal
Clock and Watch Museum
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more personal
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore centuries of timekeeping innovation at the National Watch and Clock Museum, featuring rare timepieces and engaging exhibits.
"An exceptionally cozy place that we highly recommend visiting—both for guests of the city and for locals."
Guided Tour Recommended
Take a guided tour to uncover fascinating facts about clocks and timekeeping history.
Don't Miss the Courtyard
Enjoy the cozy backyard with interesting stonework, especially beautiful in May.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
1888 E. Howard Striker
Main Exhibition Hall
Hear the powerful chime of this 2,500-pound bell, a rhythmic heartbeat of the industrial age.
English Automation Watch
Early Timepieces Exhibit
Marvel at a circa 1670 timepiece, believed to be the earliest known example of English automation.
Dudley Masonic Pocket Watch
Pocket Watch Collection
A unique blend of mechanical precision and fraternal symbolism in a rare pocket watch.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Unlock the Exhibits
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Guided Tour Recommended
Take a guided tour to uncover fascinating facts about clocks and timekeeping history.
Don't Miss the Courtyard
Enjoy the cozy backyard with interesting stonework, especially beautiful in May.
Hear the Chime!
Experience the mesmerizing chime of the 1888 E. Howard striker.
Check for Events
The museum sometimes hosts special exhibits and events, so check their schedule.
Tips
from all over the internet
Guided Tour Recommended
Take a guided tour to uncover fascinating facts about clocks and timekeeping history.
Don't Miss the Courtyard
Enjoy the cozy backyard with interesting stonework, especially beautiful in May.
Hear the Chime!
Experience the mesmerizing chime of the 1888 E. Howard striker.
Check for Events
The museum sometimes hosts special exhibits and events, so check their schedule.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the National Watch and Clock Museum for its extensive and fascinating collection of timepieces, spanning centuries of horological innovation. The friendly staff and engaging exhibits, often enhanced by tablet guides, make for a highly recommended and educational experience. While some may find the subject matter niche, most agree it's a unique and worthwhile visit.
"The house has 9 rooms in total and different era/styles in different room telling you a story about evolution of measuring time. Can use tablet for prerecorded guiding. Great collection and friendly staff. It also houses some famous oil paintings from Ukraine for some time. Also dont miss cosy and wide backyard with some intresting stone work!"
Ieva Kavaliauskaite
"A very nice place to learn about the history of watches. There is no similar museum anywhere in Europe. I definitely recommend visiting."
Juris Ozols
"An exceptionally cozy place that we highly recommend visiting—both for guests of the city and for Klaipėda locals. The museum features many fascinating historical artifacts and cleverly arranged exhibitions, along with extremely helpful staff. We strongly recommend taking a guided tour—you’ll discover truly interesting facts about clocks and much more."
Aurelija Macijauskienė
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The National Watch and Clock Museum is located in Columbia, PA. Visitors often drive, and parking is generally available nearby. Public transportation options may be limited, so checking local transit schedules is advised.
The museum strives to be accessible. It's recommended to contact them directly for specific accessibility information regarding ramps, elevators, and other facilities.
Driving is the most common method. If coming from further afield, consider flying into a nearby major airport and then renting a car or using ride-sharing services to reach Columbia.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission prices can vary. While some sources mention free entry for NAWCC members, general admission fees apply for others. It's best to check the official museum website for the most current pricing.
Yes, purchasing tickets online in advance is often recommended to secure your entry and potentially save time. Check the museum's official website for online ticketing options.
Museum hours can change seasonally. It's crucial to visit the National Watch and Clock Museum's official website for the most up-to-date information on operating hours before your visit.
Discounts may be available for seniors, students, or military personnel. NAWCC members often receive free admission. Inquire directly with the museum or check their website for details.
Policies on re-entry can vary. Typically, museums allow re-entry on the same day, but it's advisable to confirm this with the museum staff upon your initial entry.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The museum showcases a vast collection of timepieces from ancient to modern, including pocket watches, automation watches, and striking clocks. You can learn about the evolution of timekeeping and see masterpieces from various eras. +1
Yes, the museum offers a fascinating look at history that can engage children. The courtyard also provides a nice space for them to spend time.
Highly recommended! Guided tours offer deeper insights into the exhibits and historical context, making the visit more enriching.
Photography policies can vary. Generally, personal photography without flash is permitted, but it's always best to check the museum's specific guidelines upon arrival.
The museum is organized into rooms representing different eras and styles. Using the provided tablet for guided tours can enhance your understanding and appreciation of the exhibits.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The museum itself may not have a full-service restaurant, but it often has a cafe or snack area. Check their website for current offerings.
Columbia, PA offers various dining options. You can find local diners, cafes, and restaurants serving American cuisine. Ask museum staff for recommendations.
Generally, outside food and beverages are not permitted inside the exhibition halls. However, you might be able to consume them in designated areas or the courtyard.
📸 📸 Photography
The courtyard with its stonework is a picturesque spot, especially in May. Many of the intricate timepieces themselves also make for stunning photographs.
Flash photography is typically not allowed in museums to protect delicate artifacts. Always adhere to the museum's specific photography rules.
A camera with good low-light performance is beneficial, as some exhibits may be dimly lit. A macro lens can be useful for capturing the intricate details of the timepieces.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Encourage kids to look for the most unusual or visually striking clocks and watches. The sheer variety of designs, from ancient to modern, can spark curiosity. Consider focusing on the auditory experience of the striking clocks, like the 1888 E. Howard striker, which can be a memorable highlight for children.
It's a great opportunity to introduce them to concepts of history, engineering, and the importance of precision in a fun and educational setting.🕰️ History Buffs & Horology Enthusiasts
+1The museum's commitment to showcasing the evolution of measuring time is evident in its curated exhibits. Enthusiasts will appreciate the detailed explanations, often enhanced by the museum's tablet guides, which delve into the technical aspects and historical context of each artifact. Hearing the chime of the 1888 E. Howard striker is a particularly resonant experience for anyone passionate about the sounds and rhythms of historical machinery.
This is a place where you can truly immerse yourself in the world of timekeeping.Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Journey Through Timekeeping
One of the museum's standout features is its collection of historical timepieces. You'll find everything from early sundials and water clocks to complex astronomical clocks and exquisite pocket watches. The museum also highlights the craftsmanship involved, showcasing the artistry and engineering prowess of watchmakers throughout history. Special attention is given to unique pieces, such as the circa 1670 English automation watch, believed to be the earliest known example of its kind, and rare pocket watches like the Dudley Masonic piece.
+1Beyond the static displays, the museum often features interactive elements and demonstrations. The 1888 E. Howard striker, with its massive bell, provides a powerful auditory experience, a testament to the industrial age's synchronized rhythm. The museum's commitment to preserving and presenting this rich history makes it a must-visit for anyone interested in the fascinating world of clocks and watches.
Community Insights and Visitor Experiences
Social media content often focuses on specific, visually striking pieces. For instance, the 1888 E. Howard striker is a recurring highlight, with its impressive bell and historical significance capturing attention.
Videos also showcase unique items like the English automation watch and the Dudley Masonic pocket watch, demonstrating the breadth and rarity of the collection. +1 These snippets offer a glimpse into the treasures awaiting visitors and fuel interest in exploring the museum further. While the core experience is timekeeping, visitors also appreciate the pleasant outdoor spaces, such as the courtyard, which offers a relaxing environment and is particularly beautiful in May.
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