Corpus Clock

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.

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.

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.

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.