The Umbrella Trick Fountain

The Umbrella Trick is a water feature in the Lower Park of Peterhof made up of a large green canopy supported by a central pillar and decorated with carved wooden flowers. Small armchairs are arranged in a circle beneath it for visitors to sit and experience the structure up close.

The fountain was designed by architect F. Brouer in 1796 as part of Peter I's vision to create entertaining water features for guests. It was reshaped in the 1860s before being returned to its original form in 1949.

The name comes from the large green canopy that crowns the structure, making it instantly recognizable among the other water features in the park. Visitors notice the mushroom-like silhouette and the small benches arranged around the central support, which define its character.

The feature operates through hidden water tubes that activate during scheduled times in the summer months to create unexpected water jets. Visit during these activation times to experience the full effect of the water play.

Hidden water nozzles concealed beneath the canopy suddenly activate when visitors sit down, spraying them with streams of water from below. This playful surprise element was built into the original design and turns each visit into an unpredictable experience.