Buckingham Fountain

Buckingham Fountain is a memorial fountain with water displays in Grant Park, Chicago. The installation features 134 jets that produce coordinated water sprays reaching up to 150 feet (46 meters) in height.

Kate Sturges Buckingham donated the fountain to the city in 1927 and established a maintenance fund at the same time. The architects drew inspiration from French baroque fountains, particularly those at Versailles.

The circular design evokes the lake, with four bronze horses representing the neighboring states of Wisconsin, Michigan, Indiana, and Illinois. On warm evenings, the basin becomes a gathering spot for locals who come to watch the water displays and lighting shows.

Water shows run hourly from mid-April through mid-October, with lighting effects added after sunset until 10 PM. Those sitting on the steps or near the basin edge should expect spray when wind carries the water.

The basin is lined with pink marble from Georgia, which takes on a warm glow in the evening sun. The pump system moves roughly 14,000 gallons (53,000 liters) of water per minute through the installation, circulating it continuously.

Location: Chicago

Inception: August 26, 1927

Founders: Kate Sturges Buckingham

Architects: Daniel Burnham, Edward H. Bennett

Creator: Marcel F. Loyau

Architectural style: Rococo

Accessibility: Rollstuhlgerecht

Address: South Columbus Drive

Phone: +13127423918

Website: https://chicagoparkdistrict.com/parks/clarence-f-buckingham-memorial-fountain

GPS coordinates: 41.87579,-87.61894

Latest update: December 13, 2025 00:50