Buckingham Fountain | Chicago

Buckingham Fountain is one of Chicago’s most iconic landmarks and one of the largest fountains in the world. Located in the center of Grant Park, it serves as a dramatic centerpiece and a symbol of the city's civic pride. Both a work of art and engineering, the fountain dazzles visitors daily with choreographed water and light shows during the warmer months.

1. Overview

Location: Center of Grant Park, between Lake Shore Drive and Columbus Drive at Congress Parkway.

Opened: May 26, 1927

Donated by: Kate Sturges Buckingham, in memory of her brother, Clarence Buckingham.

Designer: Edward H. Bennett (architecture) and Jacques Lambert (sculpture).

Inspiration: Modeled after the Latona Fountain at the Palace of Versailles in France.

2. Design and Symbolism

Size and Scale

Dimensions: 280 feet in diameter.

Water Capacity: Holds 1.5 million gallons of water.

Jets: Contains 133 water jets.

Central Jet: Shoots water up to 150 feet in the air.

Structure

Four concentric basins made from Georgia pink marble.

Each level feeds the next, with water cascading down in dramatic fashion.

The entire structure weighs more than 600 tons.

Bronze Sculptures

Designed by Jacques Lambert.

Features four sets of Art Deco sea horses, each pair representing one of the four U.S. states that border Lake Michigan: Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, and Wisconsin.

3. Technology and Lighting

Originally operated using manually controlled mechanisms housed in an underground pump room.

Later upgraded with automated computer systems.

Night Shows: Feature synchronized colored lights and music, creating a stunning visual performance.

Over 800 lights are used in each nighttime show.

4. Operation Schedule

Season: Operates from early May through mid-October, weather permitting.

Daily Shows:

Water displays every hour, lasting about 20 minutes.

From dusk to 10:00 PM, shows include colorful lights and music.

The central jet erupts at the climax of each show, shooting water skyward in a dramatic finale.

5. Historical and Cultural Significance

Built during the City Beautiful Movement, which emphasized monumental architecture and civic beauty.

It was the largest fountain in the world at the time of completion.

Designed to represent Lake Michigan with its surrounding states symbolized by sea horses.

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Featured in countless movies, TV shows, and postcards (notably in the opening credits of Married... with Children).

6. Visiting Tips

Best Time to Visit: Early evening for the full light and music experience.

Accessibility: The fountain plaza is fully accessible, with surrounding walkways and ramps.

Photography: Popular photo spot with the Chicago skyline as a backdrop.

Nearby Attractions:

Art Institute of Chicago

Grant Park Music Festival

Millennium Park

Lakefront Trail

Museum Campus (Shedd Aquarium, Field Museum, Adler Planetarium)

7. Fun Facts

Gift to the City: Kate Buckingham also provided a $300,000 endowment to maintain the fountain after its completion.

Pump Room: Located underground, it’s about the size of a small house and houses all operational equipment.

Energy Use: The fountain system can recirculate up to 14,000 gallons of water per minute.

Summary

Buckingham Fountain is more than a decorative water feature—it's a tribute to Chicago's grandeur, a marvel of early 20th-century engineering, and a beloved gathering place for both residents and visitors. Whether you're watching the dramatic central jet leap skyward or enjoying the romantic evening lights, the fountain offers one of the most memorable experiences in Chicago.