Chiming Fountain

The Chiming Fountain is a cast iron fountain in Washington Park featuring two round bronze basins mounted on a narrow pedestal. The roughly 12-foot-tall structure is decorated with four gargoyle figures that frame the water flowing between the basins.

Swiss woodcarver Hans Staehli created this fountain in 1891 as a watering trough for horses pulling carriages into the park. This work marked a turning point in Portland's relationship with public art patronage.

The fountain represents Portland's early commitment to public art and was among the first works that established the city as a place for outdoor sculptures. Visitors can see how this location continues to serve as a gathering point and reflects the importance of public art in shaping community spaces.

The fountain is centrally located in Washington Park and is easily accessible on foot from several park entrances. Water flows regularly through the basins, especially on warmer days when the system is active.

The fountain originally featured a statue of a young boy, likely depicting Cupid, that vanished during the 1940s and was never replaced. This absence is a quiet testament to how time and weather have shaped the monument over the decades.