As we had no plans for the weekend Dean (my Partner) and I toddled off to Lier.   We had previously visited Lier around Christmas 2015 yet the Zimmer Museum was at that time closed for holidays.  As the weather was good, we decided to take the opportunity of spending some time together whilst also going for a bicycle ride.  A picnic was soon packed and off we headed.  From Mechelen to Lier it took around 45 minutes – yet we were riding straight into the wind!

So it was a battle in parts due to us riding along the canals.  Yet the scenery was very pretty, with every now and then a rabbit, various birds and the odd jogger or fellow cyclist.  If you are interested in wildlife, then there is plenty to see.

The Zimmer Museum which houses the Zimmertoren (in Dutch) showcases the works of the well known local figure Louis Zimmer.  He was a Clock Maker and Astronomer.

Who is Louis Zimmer
Louis Zimmer was born on the 8th September 1888 and died on the 12th December 1970. His Father was a watchmaker.  Whilst at High School he studied mathematics and astronomy where he excelled. During World War I he studied Astronomy and Geology.

The Museum is housed in two buildings, the main entrance and the Jubilee Clock (Zimmer Tower). Upon entry you are greeted by staff and they guide you into the main room which houses the “Wonder Clock” .

The “Wonder Clock” which was displayed at the 1935 Belgium World Expo and later exhibited at the World Fair in New York and is said to have impressed Einstein. In 1960 the clock was installed in the Zimmer Pavilion where it continues to be shown.  The clocks times given are sidereal time (star time), Belgian legal time (GMT + 1) and decimal time.  It contains the slowest moving mechanical hand in the world: one rotation per 25,800 years together with the precession of the Earth.

 

Other displays within the Zimmer Pavillon contain the tools used by Louis Zimmer and other interactive display cabinets.  As a strong Royalist, Louis Zimmer also gifted various works to the Belgian Royal Family.  In recognition for his work various awards and medals were presented to Louis Zimmer.  These are also displayed for you to see.

Dividing the Zimmer Pavillon and the Zimmer Tower a outdoor area  which surprisingly is quiet and very tranquil. It overlooks a stream and has the open pagoda area.

Within the outdoor area is a bronze bust of Louis Zimmer.

The second building is known as the Zimmer Tower.  Traditionally this Tower was built during the medieval period. Over the years the Tower became run down and whilst the City Council had purchased it, the view was to demolish it.  In 1928 Louis Zimmerman donated a special clock to his hometown.

On the 29th June 1930 the Tower was opened to celebrate the Centenary of Belgium and was known as the Jublelklok.   It was subsequently renamed as the Zimmer Tower.  The multiple faces of the clock provide the following:

• official time
• equation of time
• zodiac
• solar orb and dominical letter
• the weekdays
• the terrestrial globe
• the months
• the dates
• the seasons
• tides
• moon’s age
• phases of the moon
  and
• moon’s orbit with epact –

On the first floor of the Tower you are able to partake in an interactive display relating to Louis Zimmer’s Astronomische Studio which was completed in 1932.  This uses the same mother watch as the Jubilee Clock.

On the 3rd Floor you are able to see the workings of the Jubilee Clock.

Outside the Zimmer Museum stands a Bronze replica of the Zimmer Tower.

This beautiful craftsmenship of the Zimmer Tower overlooks a quiet part of Lier where one can sit and enjoy the sun whilst sipping a cup of coffee or even a Belgium beer!

Whilst you are visiting Lier, why not explore the City further and see the Gothic Buildings, the circular waterway and many other historical gems.

Zimmer Tower for further information:
Entrance fee (as of February 2016) is 4 Euro for Adults
Some parts of the Museum are wheelchair friendly. The Tower does have stairs to climb inside.
Information is available in English, French and Nederlands.
Visit Lier website provides more information about Lier.
The main Zimmer Museum website provides basic information and not all images are currently up to date.