Crown Fountain Chicago
Iconic Chicago art installation featuring two 50-foot glass towers with changing faces that spout water.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the heat & crowds
Crown Fountain Chicago
Best Time
Beat the heat & crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Iconic Chicago art installation featuring two 50-foot glass towers with changing faces that spout water.
"A brilliant installation that balances serious artistic scale with a delightful sense of playfulness."
🎯 Prepare to Get Wet!
Don't be afraid to get close; the faces spit water unexpectedly. Great for cooling off! :ocean:
📸 Best Photo Ops
Capture the faces and water spouts. Early morning or late afternoon light is magical. :camerawithflash:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Iconic Faces
Glass Towers
Two 50-foot glass towers showcasing changing faces of real Chicagoans.
Surprise Water Spouts
Fountain Pool
Watch as the faces on the towers unexpectedly spit water, delighting visitors of all ages.
Reflecting Pool Fun
Fountain Pool
A shallow reflecting pool that's perfect for cooling off on hot days and capturing playful moments.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Embrace the Interactive Art
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Prepare to Get Wet!
Don't be afraid to get close; the faces spit water unexpectedly. Great for cooling off! :ocean:
📸 Best Photo Ops
Capture the faces and water spouts. Early morning or late afternoon light is magical. :camerawithflash:
🚶♀️ Walk the Pool
The shallow pool is perfect for a stroll. Kids love splashing around. :athletic_shoe:
💡 Interactive Art
It's more than a fountain; it's art! Appreciate the faces and the surprise element. :bulb:
What’s going on with Crown Fountain?
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Prepare to Get Wet!
Don't be afraid to get close; the faces spit water unexpectedly. Great for cooling off! :ocean:
📸 Best Photo Ops
Capture the faces and water spouts. Early morning or late afternoon light is magical. :camerawithflash:
🚶♀️ Walk the Pool
The shallow pool is perfect for a stroll. Kids love splashing around. :athletic_shoe:
💡 Interactive Art
It's more than a fountain; it's art! Appreciate the faces and the surprise element. :bulb:
📍 Millennium Park Gem
Located in Millennium Park, combine with The Bean and other attractions. :world_map:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Crown Fountain's unique blend of art and interactive fun, calling it a captivating and playful experience for all ages. The dynamic LED faces and surprising water spouts are consistently highlighted as memorable features, making it a vibrant addition to Millennium Park's landscape.
"Crown Fountain is an immense and captivating experience that strikes a truly unique chord in public art. This brilliant installation manages to balance serious artistic scale with a delightful sense of playfulness, making it appealing to visitors of all ages. The towering video screens, which showcase the faces of everyday Chicagoans, paired with the sudden cascade of water, create a powerful blend of thought-provoking art and pure, unfiltered fun. It’s an experience that invites both reflection and participation, encouraging you to appreciate the creativity while also letting loose and enjoying the interactive nature of the fountain.
Beyond its artistic merit, Crown Fountain is also a beautiful landmark set against the backdrop of the Chicago skyline. Whether you’re walking through Millennium Park, sitting nearby to enjoy the ambiance, or simply stopping for a quiet moment of reflection, the fountain enhances the space with both vibrancy and tranquility. It’s something very different, and that’s precisely what makes it unforgettable—a true mix of art, culture, and joyful energy that captures the spirit of Chicago."
Elijah Foster
"Two 15-meter glass towers display the face of a Chicago resident, and suddenly, the mouth opens and spits out water!
It’s surprising, playful, and really fun to watch. This wonderful piece of interactive art by Jaume Plensa was inaugurated in 2004. A must-see in Millennium Park! 😍"
Marie
"It's a great spot whether you're a Chicago native or a tourist to go check out.
The wide open space is a blast to walk back and forth in, the mist from the fountain cools you down if it's a hot day, and it's really fun when the fountains spit water out."
Tim Cech
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Crown Fountain is located in Millennium Park, easily accessible by public transportation. Several CTA 'L' train lines stop nearby, including the Adams/Wabash (all lines), Washington/Wabash (all lines), and Monroe/Red. Numerous bus routes also serve the area. Parking garages are available, but can be expensive. :bus: :train:
Yes, Crown Fountain is a central feature of Millennium Park and is hard to miss. It's situated between Pritzker Pavilion and Cloud Gate (The Bean). Follow the signs for Millennium Park attractions. :compass:
Absolutely! Millennium Park has bike racks, and the area is very bike-friendly. Divvy bike share stations are also located throughout the park. :bike:
Yes, Millennium Park and Crown Fountain are designed to be accessible. Paved pathways and ramps ensure easy navigation for wheelchairs and strollers. :wheelchair:
From most downtown hotels, walking to Millennium Park is feasible. Alternatively, a short taxi or rideshare will get you there quickly. Public transit is also very efficient. :taxi: :train:
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Crown Fountain is a public art installation and is completely free to visit. No tickets are required. :free:
The fountain is typically operational from late spring through early fall, usually from May to October. The exact dates can vary slightly each year. It's best to check the official Millennium Park website for current hours. :clock:
Millennium Park, including Crown Fountain, is free and open to the public. Enjoy the art and amenities without any cost. :moneywithwings:
Yes, the fountain is often illuminated at night, offering a different and beautiful perspective. However, the water features may be turned off after a certain hour. :moon:
Generally, no. However, during special events or maintenance, temporary closures or access restrictions might occur. It's always a good idea to check for any advisories before your visit. :warning:
📸 📸 Photography
Early mornings offer soft light and fewer crowds, ideal for capturing the towers and faces without many people. Late afternoons provide a warm, golden hour glow. Evenings offer dramatic lighting with the fountain illuminated. :sunrise: :sunset: :nightwithstars:
Yes, photography is encouraged! The dynamic LED faces are a unique subject. Be patient, as the faces change frequently. :camera:
No, drones are generally not permitted in Millennium Park, including over Crown Fountain, due to park regulations and safety concerns. :noentrysign:
Experiment with wide shots showing the scale of the towers against the skyline, close-ups of the faces, and action shots of the water spouts. Capturing people interacting with the fountain is also great. :iphone:
It can be challenging during peak times. Visiting early in the morning or on a weekday can significantly reduce crowds and make photography much easier. :person_running:
🎫 💧 Onsite Experience
Yes, the shallow reflecting pool is designed for interaction! Kids and adults alike can splash and cool off, especially on hot days. Just be mindful of others. :joy:
It's a unique blend of public art and interactive fun. You'll see towering screens with faces that unexpectedly spout water, and a shallow pool perfect for cooling off. It's playful and thought-provoking. :thinking_face:
Absolutely! Children are often mesmerized by the faces and love playing in the water. It's a highlight for many families visiting Millennium Park. :child:
Comfortable walking shoes are a must for exploring Millennium Park. If you plan to play in the water, consider bringing a change of clothes or wearing quick-drying attire. :sneakers: :tshirt:
Yes, public restrooms are available within Millennium Park, typically located near the Pritzker Pavilion and the visitor center. :restroom:
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, Millennium Park has several options, including cafes and food carts. For more extensive dining, the surrounding Loop area offers a wide variety of restaurants, from casual to upscale. :pizza: :coffee:
Picnics are generally welcome in Millennium Park. You can bring your own food and enjoy it on the lawns or at designated seating areas. :sandwich:
You'll find grab-and-go options, snacks, and beverages from park vendors. For sit-down meals, explore nearby restaurants offering diverse cuisines. :forkandknife:
Alcohol consumption is typically restricted to designated areas or licensed establishments within Millennium Park. Check park rules for specifics. :wine_glass:
Yes, many nearby restaurants cater to families with children, offering standard kid-friendly menus. Park vendors also have simpler snack options. :ice_cream:
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Key recommendations: Bring towels and a change of clothes, as getting wet is part of the fun! Visit early in the morning to avoid the biggest crowds and give your children ample space to play. The shallow pool is safe for little ones, but always supervise them closely. Nearby restrooms and food vendors make it a convenient stop.
📸 Photographers & Art Enthusiasts
Art enthusiasts will appreciate the innovative design by Jaume Plensa. The fountain is a prime example of how public art can be both aesthetically pleasing and deeply engaging with its audience. Consider visiting during the 'golden hour' for soft, warm light or at night when the towers are beautifully illuminated for a different mood.
🚶♀️ Budget Travelers
Tips for saving money: Pack a picnic to enjoy in the park, as on-site food options can add up. Utilize Chicago's excellent public transportation system to get there instead of paying for expensive parking. Combine your visit with other free Millennium Park attractions like Cloud Gate (The Bean) and Lurie Garden.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Artistry of Jaume Plensa
The fountain's design is deceptively simple yet profoundly effective. Two rectangular glass towers stand at opposite ends of a shallow reflecting pool. Embedded within the towers are high-resolution LED screens that project the faces of ordinary Chicagoans. As the faces appear, their mouths often contort into expressions that mimic speaking or smiling, and then, unexpectedly, they spout jets of water. This element of surprise is a key part of the experience, drawing laughter and delight from visitors. The reflecting pool not only adds to the visual appeal but also serves as a playful space for interaction, especially during warmer months.
Plensa's work often explores themes of humanity, communication, and the interconnectedness of people. The Crown Fountain embodies these themes by literally bringing the faces of Chicagoans to the forefront of public art. It transforms a traditional fountain into a living, breathing monument to the city's residents. The juxtaposition of monumental scale with intimate portraits creates a powerful dialogue between the individual and the collective, making it a truly unique and memorable landmark.
Experiencing Crown Fountain with Kids
Beyond the water play, the dynamic LED faces themselves are fascinating for younger visitors. They love watching the different expressions and anticipating when the next spout will occur. It’s a great way to introduce children to public art in a way that is engaging and not intimidating. The sheer scale of the towers also impresses, making it feel like a grand adventure.
Practical tips for families: Bring a change of clothes or wear swimwear, as getting wet is almost inevitable and highly encouraged! Pack towels. Restrooms are conveniently located nearby. Consider visiting earlier in the day to avoid the largest crowds and ensure more space for your little ones to explore and play freely.
Crown Fountain: A Year-Round Landmark?
In cooler weather, the fountain serves as a striking piece of public art. The illuminated towers at night provide a dramatic and artistic ambiance, making it a great spot for an evening stroll or a unique photo opportunity. While you won't be getting sprayed with water, the visual impact of the faces and the modern design remain captivating. It’s a testament to Jaume Plensa's design that the fountain retains its artistic integrity and visual interest regardless of the season.
It's important to note that the fountain's operational season is typically from late spring to early fall. Outside of these months, the water features are usually shut down for winterization. However, the art installation itself remains a prominent and engaging feature of Millennium Park year-round.
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