A sample of one of the items of the Hexter Collection

The Irving Hexter Collection

On display in the Reinberger Hall of Astronomy adjacent to the Shafran Planetarium resides an exquisite assortment of astronomical and navigational instruments. Officially donated by Mr. and Mrs. Irving B. Hexter to the Cleveland Museum of Natural History on April 6, 1962, the collection of antique items originated with 35 instruments, which had been given to the Museum over a period of time beginning in 1958. 

Richly engraved and expertly executed, the assortment of sundials, compasses, globes, and maritime instruments embody the craftsmanship of Dutch, English, French, German, and Persian artisans from the 16th through 18th centuries and represent the state-of-the-art of astronomical and timekeeping devices of their day. Wrought from materials such as brass, ivory and tortoise shell, the exacting details demonstrate both art and science.

In addition to the Hexter collection, the display features marine chronometers and antique navigational instruments including a quadrant (which preceded the use of the sextant) for measuring altitudes of the Sun or stars in the sky, and a marine sextant for determining the height of celestial objects above the horizon.

Visitors will be impressed with the distinct artistry and workmanship of instrument makers handsomely displayed at the Cleveland Museum of Natural History.

Irving B. Hexter

Irving B. Hexter was a prominent Cleveland businessman and trustee of The Cleveland Museum of Natural History. A graduate of East High in Cleveland and the University of Michigan, he was raised in the city where he made his career. From 1930 until his death in 1960 he was publisher of several noted trade magazines. By 1960, his company, Industrial Publishing Co., had grown into a formidable corporation, providing 13 influential industrial and technical publications to hundreds of thousands of subscribers every month.

A philanthropist and civic leader, Hexter was in service to the community throughout his entire lifetime. He served on the board of Mount Sinai Hospital; he was chairman of the Cleveland League of Human Rights; and he was active nationally with the American Heart Association—at one time, he was even a stockholder in the Cleveland Indians. Before succumbing to a heart attack on May 22, 1960, he and his wife, Eva, amassed a collection of fine navigational items, including the sundials, celestial globes, and maritime instrumentation that are currently on display in the Reinberger Hall of Astronomy adjacent to the Shafran Planetarium. Longtime supporters of the Museum, the Hexters kindly gifted their collection to the Museum for the enjoyment of all visitors.

Celebrate The Irving Hexter Collection with the Museum
on Clock Day, February 9. 

Clock Day
Saturday, February 9, 10 am to 4 pm

Co-sponsored by the National Association of Watch and Clock Collectors

It’s time again for Clock Day. Find your old clocks and watches and bring them to the Museum to discover if their value is real or just sentimental. Members of the NAWCC will be available to tell you what you've got and, if it isn't working, whether it's worth the effort to fix it. While you're visiting, explore the beautiful Hexter Collection of timepieces, sundials and astronomical instruments on display in the Reinberger Hall of Astronomy outside the Shafran Planetarium. Free with Museum admission.