Crown Fountain

The Crown Fountain, the interactive work of Millennium Park

In Millennium Park, the Crown Fountain is a work of contemporary art that blends water, video and public participation. Two glass towers project giant faces that seem to spout water, to the great delight of children. The Chicago audio-guided tour stops here to show how public art renews the experience of the city.

A creation by Jaume Plensa

Created by the Catalan artist Jaume Plensa, the Crown Fountain was inaugurated in July 2004. It owes its name to the Crown family, who contributed to its funding. On the two glass towers scroll the faces of hundreds of Chicago residents, filmed on video, whose mouths at times release a jet of water, in a nod to traditional gargoyles.

What to see

The work is also a much-loved water play area: in summer, young and old cool off in the sheet of water separating the two towers. The projected faces, constantly changing, make it a living, shifting spectacle. It is one of the liveliest places in Millennium Park, where art is lived and shared.

Practical information

The Crown Fountain lies in Millennium Park, in the centre of Chicago, reachable on foot and by public transport. It is an open-air work, freely accessible during the park's opening hours, with no ticket office. The water jets operate mainly in the warm season; on the level, the site is easy to access, perfect for a refreshing break in summer.

Who created the Crown Fountain?

The Catalan artist Jaume Plensa; the fountain was inaugurated in July 2004 and owes its name to the Crown family, who contributed to its funding.

How does the Crown Fountain work?

Two glass towers project, on video, faces of Chicago residents, whose mouths at times release water, above a sheet of water where people cool off in summer.