Andrew W. Mellon Memorial Fountain

The Andrew W. Mellon Memorial Fountain is a bronze sculpture with three nested circular basins positioned at the intersection of major downtown streets. The central water jet flows downward through the tiered basins and terminates in a granite basin that supports the entire structure.

The fountain was dedicated in 1952 to honor a prominent financier and art patron who had established one of the city's major museums. The dedication ceremony took place during the early cold war period and reflected the city's commitment to public monuments.

The fountain creates a gathering space where water sounds and reflections draw people's attention as they pass through this important intersection. Visitors often pause to watch the cascading jets, making it a moment of stillness in the busy downtown area.

The fountain sits at a major street intersection in the government district and is easy to reach by public transit or on foot. You can visit at any time since it occupies public space that remains accessible throughout the day and evening.

Workers discovered an underground tunnel during the construction digging for this site, which was an unexpected complication for building the monument. The discovery required engineers to use reinforced foundations to ensure the structure remained stable on the unstable ground below.

Location: Washington, D.C.

Inception: 1952

Creator: Sidney Waugh

Made from material: bronze, granite

Address: 401 Constitution Ave NW, Washington, DC 20565

GPS coordinates: 38.89239,-77.01942

Latest update: December 12, 2025 17:46