Buckingham Fountain

About

Buckingham Fountain is a renowned landmark located in the heart of Grant Park, Chicago. Dedicated in 1927, it was donated by philanthropist Kate Sturges Buckingham as a memorial to her brother Clarence. The fountain is designed in a rococo wedding cake style, inspired by the Latona Fountain at the Palace of Versailles. It features a massive structure with three basins, constructed from pink Georgia marble, and is adorned with bronze sculptures of seahorses representing the states bordering Lake Michigan. The fountain is notable for its grand scale, measuring 280 feet in diameter, and its ability to shoot water up to 150 feet high. It operates from May to mid-October, offering spectacular water and light shows. During these displays, over 14,000 gallons of water are recirculated per minute. The fountain holds approximately 1.5 million gallons of water and is equipped with an elaborate security system. Its beauty and historical significance make it a cherished attraction in Chicago, attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors annually.