Moscow / Munich - It is a most unusual sight for visitors and residents in the Russian capital city. Since the 6th July 2008, an almost twelve metre high hourglass has been standing on the Red Square - the largest hourglass in the world. The construction of seemingly record-breaking proportions made from acrylic glass and steel was commissioned by German automobile manufacturer BMW.

Assembly took nine days to complete behind a huge hoarding in front of the would-famous backdrop of the historical St. Basil's Cathedral and The Kremlin. Now the impressive hourglass has been unveiled, a combination of aesthetic design and state-of-the-art engineering. The upper cone contains some 180,000 metallic glistening balls, which slowly but surely descend into the lower half. They count down the time to 8th July 2008. On this day BMW is celebrating an event of the most unusual kind in Moscow. The motto for the event is "Never stand still". At night the hourglass is bathed in light - and the mere sight of it serves to shorten the waiting time for viewers until Tuesday night.

Courtesy: BMW Group, Russia

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Posted by Jigar Gondalia on 19 July, 2008 11:44:41 AM IST #