Among the world’s largest, Grant Park’s 3-level rococo fountain (1927) offers light & water shows.

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Buckingham Fountain

The centerpiece of Chicago's Grant Park, Buckingham Fountain, is a breathtaking spectacle of water, light, and music. Designed by Edward H. Bennett, the fountain's intricate design draws inspiration from the Latona Fountain in Versailles, France. Its central sculpture depicts a majestic female figure symbolizing Lake Michigan, surrounded by four playful seahorses representing the four states bordering the lake.

As dusk settles, the fountain transforms into a mesmerizing display of light and sound. Over 130 nozzles propel water into the air, creating a dazzling choreography of cascading jets and graceful arcs. The water show is synchronized to a captivating musical score, ranging from classical masterpieces to contemporary tunes, further enhancing the immersive experience.

Beyond its visual grandeur, Buckingham Fountain holds a special place in Chicago's cultural landscape. It has served as a backdrop for countless marriage proposals, family outings, and festive celebrations. During the summer months, the fountain becomes a popular gathering spot for locals and tourists alike, offering respite from the city's hustle and bustle.

A unique feature of Buckingham Fountain is its ability to be drained completely, revealing a hidden sculpture of a turtle at the bottom. This playful detail adds a touch of whimsy to the otherwise grand monument, reminding visitors of the importance of finding joy in the unexpected.

Buckingham Fountain stands as a testament to Chicago's rich history and vibrant spirit. Its enduring beauty and captivating performances continue to captivate visitors from around the world, making it an iconic landmark that embodies the city's artistic and cultural heritage.

Introduction

Buckingham Fountain: An Art Deco Masterpiece in Chicago

The Buckingham Fountain in Chicago's Grant Park is not just a stunning display of water and light; it's a masterpiece of Art Deco design. Completed in 1927, the fountain embodies the movement's key principles: geometric shapes, stylized ornamentation, and a celebration of modern technology. 

Architect Edward H. Bennett drew inspiration from the Latona Fountain at Versailles, but with a distinctly Art Deco twist. The four basins, clad in pink Georgia marble and granite, feature intricate geometric patterns and stylized floral motifs. The four sets of Art Deco seahorses, representing the states bordering Lake Michigan, are a testament to the movement's fascination with marine life and streamlined forms. 

The fountain's lighting, originally envisioned by Kate Buckingham to resemble soft moonlight, further emphasizes its Art Deco character. The 820 lights, meticulously arranged and controlled, create a mesmerizing play of light and shadow, highlighting the fountain's geometric forms and adding a touch of theatricality. 

The Buckingham Fountain's Art Deco design extends beyond its aesthetics. The fountain's engineering, with its complex system of pumps and jets, reflects the era's embrace of modern technology. The automated light show, introduced in 1968, further exemplifies the Art Deco fascination with progress and innovation. 

Today, the Buckingham Fountain stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of Art Deco design. Its geometric forms, stylized ornamentation, and celebration of technology continue to captivate visitors, making it a must-see destination for anyone interested in this iconic artistic movement.

Art Deco Design

Buckingham Fountain: A Rococo Gem Among the World's Largest Fountains

Nestled in the heart of Chicago's Grant Park, Buckingham Fountain stands as a testament to both artistic grandeur and engineering prowess. While not the absolute largest fountain in the world, it holds its own among the giants, boasting a remarkable capacity of 5.7 million liters of water and captivating displays powered by nearly 200 jets. 

Inspired by the Latona Fountain at the Palace of Versailles, Buckingham Fountain embodies a Rococo "wedding cake" style, making it a visual feast for the eyes. Its intricate design and sheer size contribute to its status as one of the most impressive fountains globally. 

Beyond its aesthetic appeal, Buckingham Fountain offers a captivating spectacle. During the summer months, the fountain comes alive with 20-minute water shows every hour, featuring a central jet that shoots water a staggering 160 feet into the air. As dusk descends, the show transforms into a mesmerizing display of light and music, adding another layer of enchantment to this iconic landmark. 

Buckingham Fountain's significance extends beyond its size and beauty. It serves as a symbolic gateway to Chicago, welcoming visitors and travelers who arrive at the end of Route 66. Its allegorical representation of Lake Michigan, with four bronze horses symbolizing the bordering states, further cements its connection to the city and its surroundings. 

Whether you're a local resident or a curious visitor, Buckingham Fountain offers a unique experience. Witnessing its grandeur, enjoying its captivating shows, and appreciating its historical significance make it a must-visit destination in Chicago.

Largest Fountain in the World

At the heart of Grant Park, a majestic landmark stands as a testament to art, history, and engineering – the Buckingham Fountain. This iconic structure, inspired by the Latona Fountain at the Palace of Versailles, boasts a "wedding cake" design and is one of the largest fountains in the world. Its sheer size symbolizes the vastness of Lake Michigan, with which it shares a symbolic connection.

Beyond its grandeur, Buckingham Fountain offers a captivating spectacle. As dusk descends, the fountain transforms into a vibrant display of light and music, captivating onlookers with its hourly shows. During the day, a 20-minute water show enthralls visitors with its central jet soaring 150 feet into the air. These captivating performances run from May to mid-October, adding a touch of magic to the park's landscape.

The fountain's rich history is deeply intertwined with Grant Park. It was commissioned by Kate Sturges Buckingham as a memorial to her brother Clarence, and its design reflects the park's dedication to public art and cultural enrichment. The Art Deco-style seahorses adorning the fountain represent the four states bordering Lake Michigan, further solidifying its connection to the park's natural surroundings.

Buckingham Fountain stands as a crown jewel of Grant Park, offering a unique blend of artistic expression, historical significance, and captivating entertainment. Its presence enhances the park's allure, making it a must-visit destination for anyone seeking a glimpse into Chicago's cultural heart.

Grant Park

Buckingham Fountain: A French Sculptor's Masterpiece in Chicago

The majestic Buckingham Fountain in Chicago, Illinois, stands as a testament to the artistry of French sculptor Marcel Loyau. Inspired by the Latona Basin at Versailles, Loyau's intricate bronze sculptures and elaborate ornamentation adorn this iconic landmark, adding a touch of French elegance to the heart of the city.

Loyau's seahorse sculptures, meticulously crafted after studying specimens at a Parisian zoological institution, represent the four states bordering Lake Michigan. These Art Deco masterpieces, along with the fountain's cascading water displays, evoke a sense of movement and fluidity, reminiscent of the French Baroque style.

The fountain's design, a collaboration between Loyau and architect Edward H. Bennett, pays homage to the grandeur of French fountains while incorporating elements unique to Chicago. Its massive size, twice that of its Versailles counterpart, and its powerful water jets, reaching heights of 150 feet, symbolize the vastness and dynamism of Lake Michigan.

Loyau's artistic vision earned him the prestigious Prix National at the 1927 Paris Salon, solidifying his contribution to the fountain's international acclaim. The interplay of light and water, especially during the evening light shows, creates a mesmerizing spectacle, reminiscent of the illuminated fountains of Paris.

Buckingham Fountain stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of French artistry in Chicago. Loyau's sculptures, infused with the spirit of French Baroque and Art Deco styles, continue to captivate visitors and locals alike, making the fountain a cherished landmark and a symbol of the city's rich cultural heritage.

French Sculptor

Buckingham Fountain: A Jewel in Chicago's Crown

Buckingham Fountain, a majestic centerpiece of Chicago's Grant Park, stands as a testament to the city's artistic spirit and philanthropic legacy. This iconic landmark, inspired by the Latona Fountain at the Palace of Versailles, embodies the grandeur of nearby Lake Michigan, with its four sets of seahorses symbolizing the bordering states of Illinois, Wisconsin, Michigan, and Indiana.

Dedicated in 1927, the fountain was a gift to the city from philanthropist Kate S. Buckingham in memory of her brother, Clarence. Designed by Edward H. Bennett and adorned with sculptures by Marcel F. Loyau, Buckingham Fountain boasts an intricate "wedding cake" style, a unique feature among Chicago's landmarks.

Beyond its aesthetic appeal, Buckingham Fountain offers a captivating spectacle. From May to mid-October, the fountain comes alive with hourly water shows, its central jet soaring 150 feet into the air. As dusk descends, the fountain transforms into a canvas of light and music, captivating visitors with its synchronized water and light displays.

Buckingham Fountain's significance extends beyond its visual splendor. It serves as a gathering place for locals and tourists alike, a vibrant hub for celebrations, festivals, and community events. Its presence in Grant Park, overlooking the picturesque Lake Michigan, reinforces the city's connection to nature and its commitment to public art.

As a Chicago Landmark, Buckingham Fountain stands as a symbol of the city's rich history, artistic heritage, and philanthropic spirit. It is a testament to the enduring vision of Kate S. Buckingham and a cherished landmark that continues to captivate generations of visitors.

Chicago Landmark

Buckingham Fountain: A Rococo Tribute to Lake Michigan

Nestled in the heart of Grant Park, Buckingham Fountain stands as a majestic tribute to Lake Michigan, its vastness mirrored in the fountain's expansive design. Inspired by the Latona Fountain at the Palace of Versailles, Buckingham Fountain boasts a rococo wedding cake style, echoing the elegance of the French masterpiece while reflecting the grandeur of the Great Lake.

The fountain's four sets of bronze seahorses, each representing a state bordering Lake Michigan – Illinois, Wisconsin, Michigan, and Indiana – symbolize the lake's unifying presence. The central jet, soaring 150 feet into the air, evokes the power and dynamism of Lake Michigan's waters.

During the summer months, the fountain comes alive with captivating water shows, synchronized to music and light. The interplay of water and illumination creates a mesmerizing spectacle, mirroring the ever-changing moods of the lake. As dusk descends, the fountain transforms into a canvas of vibrant colors, reflecting the hues of the setting sun on Lake Michigan's surface.

Buckingham Fountain serves as a constant reminder of Lake Michigan's significance to Chicago. It is a place of gathering, a stage for celebrations, and a testament to the city's deep connection with the Great Lake. Whether witnessing the grandeur of its water shows or simply enjoying the serene beauty of its cascading waters, visitors are captivated by the fountain's embodiment of Lake Michigan's spirit.