Wallace fountain, type of public drinking fountain designed by Charles-Auguste Lebourg
Wallace fountain is a cast iron sculpture about 9 feet tall (2.71 meters) found throughout Paris. It features four decorative figures called caryatids supporting a rounded top with ornamental details, and water flows from a central spout into a basin for drinking.
The fountain was donated by Sir Richard Wallace in 1872 to provide clean drinking water to Parisians after the city suffered water shortages during wartime. About 50 were originally installed and have been part of the cityscape for nearly 150 years.
The fountain is named after Sir Richard Wallace, a wealthy British man who supported Paris. Today it serves as a symbol of the city and appears often in films and stories, representing Paris's history and character to people around the world.
The fountain stands in public spaces and operates during warmer months to provide free drinking water. It is often located at busy intersections or in squares and is easy to spot, making it perfect for a quick drink while walking through the city.
In 2021, some fountains were equipped with a misting system that activates automatically during extreme heat, spraying cool mist for refreshment. This addition shows how these historic structures adapt to the needs of today's city.
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