Buckingham Fountain
Buckingham Fountain, Memorial fountain in Grant Park, Chicago, United States.
Description
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.
History
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.
Culture
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.
Practical
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.
Did you know?
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.
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide. Discover all places nearby (Chicago).
Chicago is a city made up of distinct neighborhoods, parks, and buildings that each share something about who lives here and what matters to the people. You see the city's character reflected in Lake Michigan's water, in the glass buildings that rise along the river, and in museums that rank among...
Grant Park
36 m
Fine Arts Building
475 m
Petrillo Music Shell
346 m
Historic Michigan Boulevard District
452 m
Abraham Lincoln: The Head of State
273 mMagdalene
409 m
Bust of Sir Georg Solti
452 m
The Bowman
379 mThe Spearman
378 mSeahorse
27 mDove Girl
150 mSeahorse
32 mSeahorse
28 mSeahorse
31 mParis Metro Entryway (Metra)
435 mMagma
229 mEagle
415 mIn Celebration of the 200th Anniversary of the Founding of the Republic
458 mLilies
220 mTurtle Boy
150 mFisher Boy
152 mCrane Girl
151 mHedgerow
238 mWork of art
335 mWork of art, sculpture
236 mWork of art, sculpture
206 mStreetlight, Work of art
479 mStreetlight, Work of art
471 mDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes