[1] The kinetic sculpture was erected in 1991, on the plinth left vacant by the late-1962 demolition of an enormous monument to former Soviet leader Joseph Stalin.

The silent red metronome was designed by international artist Vratislav Novák, and officially named "Time Machine".

[2][3] It may be the largest metronome in the world, although Geneva (since 1972) and Gdańsk (since 2016) each have a larger pendulum clock.

[6] A plaque at the base reads "In time, all things pass..." The inverted pendulum of the motorized metronome has swung at both 4 and 6 beats per minute.

[7][8] The site offers a scenic view of the city and now is mostly used as a meeting place for skateboarders and others.