Buckingham Fountain- Chicago, IL

Buckingham Fountain is probably one of the most recognizable water features in the United States. Really. Who hasn’t watched Married with Children, at least once. Over twenty years later, it remains a syndication staple; which means, several times a day you can see the iconic intro featuring the fountain from the comfort of your own home. Even so, you should really go see it in person. Spectacularly sandwiched between the surrounding skyscrapers and Lake Michigan, its dancing waters are absolutely magical.

Competed in 1927, the fountain was designed by Beaux Arts architect Edward H. Bennett, with sculptures by Marcel Loyau. Based on the Latona Fountain in Versailles, it’s meant to represent Lake Michigan, with four sets of bronze Art Deco sea horses symbolizing the four states that border the lake: Illinois, Wisconsin Michigan and Indiana. Constructed of pink Georgia marble and carved granite, it contains 820 lights, and 133 water jets, with a center stream that reaches an impressive 150 feet.

Donated by Chicago philanthropist and avid art collector Kate Buckingham, in honor of her brother Clarence, the fountain cost a staggering $750,000. However, Kate was the last member of a wildly wealthy family, so she had the money to spend. She was approached with the idea by Edward Bennett, as he prepared updated plans for Grant Park. Originally, Daniel Burnham envisioned building the Field Museum of National History on the site. This plan was vehemently opposed by Aaron Montgomery Ward, on the basis it would obstruct the park’s lakefront view. Following a 1910 Illinois Supreme Court ruling in Ward’s favor, the spot remained unimproved until the fountain was constructed.

Nearly a century later, the fountain is still breathtaking. During the warmer months, the fountain performs a spectacular 20 minute show at the top of the hour; as night falls, the display is accompanied by music and a light show. During the harsh winter, it waits stoically for spring, still lovely when silent. Whatever the season, it is a landmark not to be missed. That said, it is much more pleasant in the summer. That wind off the lake is brutal in the winter.

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