Perched above a brick passageway outside the Central Park Zoo in New York, you’ll find the Delacorte Music Clock. This musical clock is a must-see if you’re exploring the park with children. Even adults will delight in its whimsical charm.
The clock was created in 1965, modeled on European music clocks. Every hour, the clock springs to life as statue animals appear to dance around the clock, playing their instruments to the tune of nursery rhymes. Hickory Dickory Dock, Frere Jacques, and Singing in the Rain, are among the list of 32 songs played year-round. On the half-hour, the clock plays shorter tunes. The clock features a goat playing the pipes, a kangaroo playing the horns, a penguin on drums, a bear with a tambourine, and a hippo playing the violin. A pair of monkeys sit at the very top, poised to strike a bell to mark the hour.
From December 1 through December 25, the clock plays carols to mark the holiday season. 5th Ave may be famous for its holiday displays and gift shopping, but there is nothing like hearing the tune of “Silent Night” ring out on a snowy evening to fill you with the Christmas spirit!
