Centennial Fountain, Water fountain near Chicago River, United States
Centennial Fountain is a fountain in Chicago that shoots a large arc of water across the river. It sits at McClurg Court and uses moving water as its main visual feature in a modern design.
The fountain was built in 1989 to commemorate a major change that happened 100 years before. In 1900, Chicago reversed the flow direction of its river, a massive engineering event.
The fountain sits in a spot where locals and visitors gather to watch the water and feel connected to the river. Its presence shows how water management became part of Chicago's modern identity and public spaces.
The fountain operates during the warmer months from May through October and runs every hour from morning until late evening. Plan your visit during daylight hours when the water display is most visible and the weather is pleasant.
The fountain was renovated after serious damage and shows Chicago's commitment to maintaining its water projects. Many visitors overlook that this is a modern artwork commemorating one of the city's greatest engineering feats.
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