Meret Oppenheim fountain

The Meret Oppenheim fountain is a spiral sculpture made of concrete and aluminum located at Waisenhausplatz in central Bern. Water flows through its twisting column structure, serving as a public drinking source while plants naturally grow from parts of its surface.

Swiss artist Meret Oppenheim created this fountain, which was officially opened in 1983 as one of her major late-career works. Its creation coincided with a growing interest in integrating art installations into urban public spaces across Europe.

The fountain blends art and everyday utility, showing how artists shape public spaces for people who pass through daily. It demonstrates that creative works can serve practical purposes while remaining visually engaging.

The fountain sits on a central public square that is easy to reach on foot and accessible to all visitors at any time. The location serves as a natural landmark when navigating through the city center.

The fountain's appearance shifts with the seasons as minerals deposit and vegetation grows on its surface, making it look different with each visit. This natural transformation turns the sculpture into a living work that evolves continuously through weather and time.

Location: Bern

Inception: November 25, 1983

Creator: Meret Oppenheim

Elevation above the sea: 538.5 m

Height: 800 cm

Made from material: concrete, plant, aluminum

Operator: Energie Wasser Bern

Part of: Waisenhausplatz, Fountains in Bern, Public art works in Bern

GPS coordinates: 46.94980,7.44443

Latest update: December 12, 2025 12:00