Millennium Park Crown Fountain | Chicago

The Crown Fountain is a distinctive and popular interactive public art installation located in Millennium Park, Chicago. Designed by the renowned Spanish artist Jaume Plensa, it opened in 2004 as part of the park’s development, becoming one of its most iconic features.

Description and Design

The Crown Fountain consists of two 50-foot glass brick towers positioned at opposite ends of a shallow reflecting pool.

The towers display digital video images of faces of Chicago residents, projected on LED screens built into the glass bricks. These faces slowly change, showing a diverse range of ages, ethnicities, and expressions, symbolizing the city’s multicultural community.

Water flows from the towers, and periodically, the faces on the screens appear to “spit” water from their mouths into the reflecting pool below. This effect is created by water jets built into the towers, aligning perfectly with the digital images.

The fountain combines traditional elements (water and stone) with modern technology (digital video and LEDs), creating a dynamic, playful experience.

Function and Interaction

The shallow pool between the towers is designed for people to wade and cool off during warm weather, especially children who often play under the “spitting” water.

The installation encourages direct interaction, inviting visitors to engage physically and visually with the artwork.

It also serves as a gathering place, social hub, and photo opportunity within Millennium Park.

Symbolism and Impact

The faces displayed represent real Chicago residents, selected to reflect the city’s diversity and humanity, emphasizing community identity and inclusion.

The fountain’s name, “Crown,” refers to the historic Crown Fountain that once stood nearby (a traditional water fountain) and the idea of a “crown” as a symbol of Chicago’s architectural prominence.

It celebrates the relationship between public art, urban space, and community engagement.

Location and Accessibility

Situated on the eastern side of Millennium Park, near Michigan Avenue and the Art Institute of Chicago, the Crown Fountain is highly accessible to visitors.

It complements other park attractions like the Jay Pritzker Pavilion, Lurie Garden, and Cloud Gate (The Bean).

The Crown Fountain is a beloved landmark in Chicago’s Millennium Park, admired for its innovative use of technology and water, its celebration of local people, and its role as a vibrant, interactive public artwork.