The Corpus Clock

About

Unveiled in 2008 by Stephen Hawking, the Corpus Clock is one of Cambridge’s most arresting landmarks—a fusion of art, engineering, and existential reflection. Situated outside the Taylor Library at Corpus Christi College, this 24-carat gold-plated timepiece features no hands or numerals. Instead, time is marked by concentric rings of blue LEDs and dominated by a mechanical creature known as the Chronophage, or “time-eater.” Designed by inventor Dr. John C. Taylor, the Chronophage lurches forward with each passing second, devouring time in a haunting display of mortality and impermanence. The clock’s erratic motion and eerie sounds—including a chain clanking into a coffin—underscore its philosophical message: time is fleeting, relentless, and not always predictable. Beneath the clock, a Latin inscription reads “Mundus transit et concupiscentia eius”—“The world and its desires pass away.” More than a timepiece, the Corpus Clock is a public artwork that invites reflection on the nature of time and our place within it.

Cambridge United Kingdom

Location

The Corpus Clock is a striking sculptural timepiece located at street level outside the Taylor Library of Corpus Christi College, Cambridge, positioned at the junction of Bene’t Street and Trumpington Street and overlooking historic King's Parade. Visible to the public around the clock, the clock is famed for its large golden face and the “Chronophage” (time-eating grasshopper) perched on top—a mesmerizing and somewhat unsettling artwork that celebrates the passage of time. Step across the street and you’ll find King’s College, King’s College Chapel, and the bustling Market Square, all within a few minutes’ walk. The Fitzwilliam Museum is nearby for art and history enthusiasts, and the vibrant Cambridge city centre surrounds the clock, making it an easy addition to any local itinerary. Accessible year-round and a must-see for visitors, the Corpus Clock is set against a backdrop of Cambridge’s medieval architecture and university buildings, offering not only a unique artistic experience but also direct access to some of the city’s most cherished attractions.