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Photos: New way to tell time in Czech Village

Sundial unveiled at Buresh Immigration Clock Tower in Cedar Rapids

Elizabeth Wood

Sep. 19, 2025 9:05 pm

Community members record the rotating figurines at the Buresh Immigration Clock Tower before the sundial was unveiled in southwest Cedar Rapids on Friday, September 19, 2025. (Elizabeth Wood/The Gazette) — Attendees record the rotating figurines at the Buresh Immigration Clock Tower before the sundial was unveiled Friday, Sept. 19, in the Czech Village in Cedar Rapids. (Elizabeth Wood/The Gazette)

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The National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library unveiled a new sundial Friday on the Buresh Immigration Clock Tower in the Czech Village in Cedar Rapids.

The addition comes nearly a year after the unveiling and dedication of the tower’s astronomical clock, or Orloj, modeled after the famous Prague Orloj that dates to the 15th century.

The sundial will tell the time of day when direct sunlight shines by the apparent position of the sun in the sky. The horological device will consist of a dial and a gnomon, which will cast a shadow onto the dial.

Cedar Rapids Mayor Tiffany O’Donnell and National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library President and CEO Cecilia Rokusek spoke at Friday’s unveiling.