
Corpus Clock
A captivating, handless clock featuring a 'time-eating' grasshopper and illuminated by blue LEDs.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Mesmerizing blue lights glow

Corpus Clock
Best Time
Mesmerizing blue lights glow

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A captivating, handless clock featuring a 'time-eating' grasshopper and illuminated by blue LEDs.
"A unique and fascinating landmark, it's a striking reminder that time is precious, fleeting, and unstoppable."

Nighttime Glow ✨
Visit after dark to see the clock's mesmerizing blue LED lights. It's a different, more impressive experience .
Embrace the Art 🎨
Don't expect a traditional clock; it shows the exact time only every 5 minutes. Enjoy its artistic and philosophical message .

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Chronophage
Top of the clock
A mechanical grasshopper that 'eats' time, symbolizing its fleeting nature. It's both artistic and unnerving .

The Gold-Plated Dial
Clock face
A rippling 24-carat gold-plated stainless steel disc with no hands or numerals, illuminated by blue LEDs at night .

Stephen Hawking's Unveiling
Corpus Christi College
Unveiled in 2008 by the renowned physicist Stephen Hawking, adding a layer of scientific significance .
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Crowds and Capturing the Moment
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Nighttime Glow ✨
Visit after dark to see the clock's mesmerizing blue LED lights. It's a different, more impressive experience.
Embrace the Art 🎨
Don't expect a traditional clock; it shows the exact time only every 5 minutes. Enjoy its artistic and philosophical message.
Photo Patience 📸
The spot is often crowded. Be patient for your photo opportunity, or try early morning for fewer people.
Unique Design 🤩
Marvel at the 'Chronophage' grasshopper and the handless, numeral-less dial. It's a true work of art and engineering.
Tips
from all over the internet
Nighttime Glow ✨
Visit after dark to see the clock's mesmerizing blue LED lights. It's a different, more impressive experience.
Embrace the Art 🎨
Don't expect a traditional clock; it shows the exact time only every 5 minutes. Enjoy its artistic and philosophical message.
Photo Patience 📸
The spot is often crowded. Be patient for your photo opportunity, or try early morning for fewer people.
Unique Design 🤩
Marvel at the 'Chronophage' grasshopper and the handless, numeral-less dial. It's a true work of art and engineering.
Free to See! 🆓
Admission is free, making it an accessible and worthwhile stop on your Cambridge exploration.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
The Corpus Clock is a unique and fascinating landmark, praised for its artistic design, the intriguing 'Chronophage' sculpture, and its mesmerizing blue LED lights at night. While its unconventional timekeeping and busy location are noted, it's widely considered a must-see free attraction in Cambridge, offering a thought-provoking experience.
"A unique and fascinating landmark in Cambridge. The Corpus Clock was unveiled in 2008 by Stephen Hawking and created by John C. Taylor, a former student of Corpus Christi College. The clock is known as the Chronophage – the “time eater.” Instead of hands, it shows the time with blue LEDs. On top sits a large mechanical grasshopper that “devours” each second as it passes.
There are no numbers on the face, and the movement is deliberately uneven, to remind us that the flow of time feels subjective. In fact, the clock shows the exact time only once every five minutes. Both artistic and philosophical, it is a striking reminder that time is precious, fleeting, and unstoppable. Definitely worth seeing in person when in Cambridge."
Olga L.
"The Corpus Clock is an intriguing and unusual piece of public art located right on the corner of one of Cambridge’s busiest intersections. The craftsmanship is fascinating — especially the way the grasshopper-like Chronophage “eats time.” It’s a brilliant fusion of art, science, and engineering, and worth seeing if you’re nearby.
That said, the spot is quite cramped and always busy, so it’s hard to stop and take photos without being in the way. Still, a quick look as you pass by is well worth it."
Kamaldeep Singh
"The Corpus Clock is free, and that’s the right price. It’s a striking design, but the real show is the beast above the clock. It blinks, crawls, and adds a touch of unease. At night, the glow makes it more impressive. Worth a quick stop, though it’s more spectacle than depth.
3.5/5"
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Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Corpus Clock is centrally located at the junction of Bene't Street and Trumpington Street, outside Corpus Christi College, overlooking King's Parade. It's easily accessible on foot from the city center. Many visitors arrive via train to Cambridge station and then walk or take a short bus ride into the city center.
Parking in Cambridge city center can be challenging and expensive. It's recommended to use the Park & Ride services available on the outskirts of the city, which offer frequent buses into the center.
Yes, numerous bus routes stop near the college. If arriving by train, you can take a local bus or enjoy a pleasant walk to reach the clock's location.
The walk from Cambridge train station to the Corpus Clock is approximately 20-25 minutes. It's a straightforward route through the city center.
Many visitors combine a visit to the Corpus Clock with exploring other Cambridge University colleges, punting on the River Cam, and visiting the Fitzwilliam Museum. The clock is a great starting point for a walking tour.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, the Corpus Clock is a public art installation and is free to view from the street. You do not need a ticket to see it.
As it's an outdoor sculpture, the Corpus Clock can be viewed at any time. However, its blue LED lights are most visible and impressive after dark.
There is no admission fee for the Corpus Clock. It's a free attraction for all visitors.
The Corpus Clock is located on the exterior of the Taylor Library at Corpus Christi College, accessible from the street. You cannot go inside the college to view it, but its exterior placement makes it easily visible.
While the clock is a permanent fixture, it has undergone maintenance and repairs in the past, including after vandalism. It's always a good idea to check local updates if you're planning a visit during a specific event.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The Corpus Clock doesn't have traditional hands or numerals. It uses blue LEDs to indicate the time, and the 'Chronophage' grasshopper moves to signify the passing seconds. It only shows the exact time every five minutes, reflecting the subjective nature of time.
The grasshopper is actually a 'Chronophage,' meaning 'time-eater.' It's a mechanical sculpture that moves and snaps its jaws, symbolizing time being devoured.
The clock is designed to be artistically and philosophically significant rather than precisely accurate. It shows the exact time only once every five minutes, highlighting the subjective experience of time.
The clock face is a 24-carat gold-plated stainless steel disc, and the entire mechanism was designed by engineer John C. Taylor, incorporating patented inventions.
Some visitors find the 'Chronophage' and the clock's concept a bit eerie or unsettling, while others find it fascinating and thought-provoking.
📸 📸 Photography
For clear shots without too many people, early mornings are ideal. For dramatic lighting, visit at dusk or after dark when the blue LEDs illuminate the clock.
The clock is at a busy intersection, so finding a clear shot can be tricky. Experiment with different angles from across the street or slightly further back to capture the entire sculpture.
Absolutely! The blue LED lights make the Corpus Clock particularly striking at night, offering a unique photographic opportunity.
For daytime shots, a standard aperture and shutter speed should work. For nighttime, use a tripod and a longer exposure to capture the LED lights effectively. Consider a wider lens to fit the entire clock in the frame.
Yes, the area around the clock can be quite cramped and busy, making it challenging to get unobstructed photos. Patience is key, or consider visiting during off-peak hours.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Since it's free and located on a busy street, it's an easy stop for families. However, the area can get crowded, so keeping a close eye on children is important. It's best viewed as a quick, fascinating stop rather than an extended activity. Combine it with a walk through the city or a visit to a park for a well-rounded family outing.
🚶 Budget Travelers
Combine your visit with a picnic lunch or snacks from a local market to keep costs down. Since it's an outdoor exhibit, you can enjoy it at your leisure. It's a perfect example of how Cambridge offers rich cultural experiences that don't require a hefty price tag.
📸 Photographers
Be prepared for crowds, as the clock is a popular spot. Consider using a tripod for sharper nighttime images and a wider lens to capture the entire sculpture. Experiment with different angles to find a unique perspective, as the busy intersection can make framing difficult. The clock's artistic nature means it offers a visually interesting subject beyond just telling time.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Art and Science of the Corpus Clock
Atop the clock sits the 'Chronophage,' a mechanical grasshopper-like creature that symbolizes time's relentless consumption. Its jaw snaps shut, 'devouring' each passing second, a stark reminder of time's fleeting nature. The deliberately uneven movement of the clock and the lack of traditional markers are intended to reflect the subjective and often unpredictable flow of time. This artistic choice encourages contemplation on how we perceive and value our time. The clock's unique mechanism incorporates six patented inventions, showcasing Taylor's innovative approach to timekeeping.
Despite its artistic merit, the Corpus Clock has also been described as 'creepy' by some due to its 'time-eating' theme and the unsettling movement of the Chronophage. However, its striking design and philosophical undertones have made it a popular and iconic landmark in Cambridge. At night, the clock's blue lights create a mesmerizing spectacle, adding to its allure and making it a must-see attraction for visitors.
Experiencing the Corpus Clock: Tips from Visitors
However, the location of the clock at a busy intersection means it can get quite crowded, making it challenging to get unobstructed photos. Redditors suggest being patient or visiting during off-peak hours, such as early mornings, to capture better shots. Some visitors note that the clock's design, with its lack of hands and numerals and its five-minute accuracy window, is more about artistic expression and philosophical reflection than precise timekeeping. It's an experience to be savored rather than relied upon for exact timing.
For those interested in the technical aspects, the clock's intricate engineering and the story behind its creation by John C. Taylor OBE are often mentioned as points of interest. The clock was even recognized by Time magazine as one of the Best Inventions of 2008. Overall, the Corpus Clock is celebrated as a distinctive and thought-provoking landmark that adds a unique character to the historic city of Cambridge.



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