Madison Square Fountain, Drinking fountain in Madison Square Park, Manhattan, United States.
Madison Square Fountain is a cast iron drinking fountain in Madison Square Park with multiple water spouts positioned at different heights. The water flows from separately arranged outlets so that adults and children can drink comfortably.
The fountain was installed in 1872 as part of a movement to improve public health in New York City. Such fountains made clean water accessible and aimed to steer people away from alcoholic beverages.
The fountain serves as a central meeting point within Madison Square Park, where local residents gather during lunch breaks and community events.
The fountain is located near several park entrances and is accessible daily from sunrise to sunset. During winter months it is shut down to prevent pipe damage from freezing.
The fountain has separate water streams for people and pets, showing that different park users were considered even in the 1800s. This multi-use approach was an unusually forward-thinking solution in urban design at the time.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
