Musical fountain on Margaret Island

The musical fountain on Margaret Island is a circular basin featuring 154 nozzles that create coordinated water patterns synchronized to music. The installation includes 227 colored lights that illuminate the display and project water streams to create a dynamic visual show.

The fountain began operating in 1962 with live musicians performing alongside the water displays, representing an innovative approach to public entertainment. Over decades, the system evolved to use computerized controls, replacing the original live orchestration.

The fountain serves as a gathering place where visitors experience classical music, Hungarian melodies, and world songs brought to life through water choreography. It embodies how this landmark connects different musical traditions and creates shared moments for locals and travelers alike.

The fountain operates from May through October with shows running throughout the day and evening hours. Visit from the surrounding area to get a clear view, and come when dusk falls to see the colored lights at their most vivid.

The system combines traditional water nozzles with modern LED technology to produce thousands of different pattern combinations. This means no two shows are ever exactly the same, even when the same music plays.