Buckingham Fountain
Grant Park (Columbus Drive and Congress Parkway)
Audio Tour
From the main Michigan Avenue entrance to the Art Institute -- the one with the lions -- walk south to Jackson Boulevard. Head east (left) on Jackson to Columbus Drive. Cross Jackson Boulevard, then Columbus Drive. Once you've crossed the intersection, take one of the park’s southbound paths to Buckingham Fountain.
The fountain was donated to the city in 1927 by Kate Buckingham, a Chicago art patron and philanthropist, in honor of her brother Clarence. The Buckingham family made its money in grain elevators, real estate, and steel, and they donated many objects to the Art Institute of Chicago. Kate was the last member of the Buckingham family.
The design of the fountain is said to be influenced by a fountain at Versailles, and is composed of pink Georgia marble, granite, and bronze sculptures. The four sea serpents represent the four states which touch Lake Michigan: Illinois, Wisconsin, Michigan and Indiana.
The fountain operates from 8:00am through 11:00pm during warm-weather months, generally May through mid-October. During the season, the fountain entertains with a 20 minute major water display every hour on the hour, featuring a center jet that shoots water 150 feet into the air. At night, the fountain adds an impressive blend of colored lights and music, making it a favorite spot on a hot summer night.
For more information on Buckingham Fountain, tap the blue "More Info" button below.
When ready to move to the next stop, tap the "Next" button.
The fountain was donated to the city in 1927 by Kate Buckingham, a Chicago art patron and philanthropist, in honor of her brother Clarence. The Buckingham family made its money in grain elevators, real estate, and steel, and they donated many objects to the Art Institute of Chicago. Kate was the last member of the Buckingham family.
The design of the fountain is said to be influenced by a fountain at Versailles, and is composed of pink Georgia marble, granite, and bronze sculptures. The four sea serpents represent the four states which touch Lake Michigan: Illinois, Wisconsin, Michigan and Indiana.
The fountain operates from 8:00am through 11:00pm during warm-weather months, generally May through mid-October. During the season, the fountain entertains with a 20 minute major water display every hour on the hour, featuring a center jet that shoots water 150 feet into the air. At night, the fountain adds an impressive blend of colored lights and music, making it a favorite spot on a hot summer night.
For more information on Buckingham Fountain, tap the blue "More Info" button below.
When ready to move to the next stop, tap the "Next" button.