Millennium Park’s Crown Fountain is an interactive work of art. If you’ve never experienced it yourself, the fountain consists of two 50-foot glass towers at each end of a thin pool. The towers project digital images of Chicago residents with water flowing through an outlet on the screen to give the illusion that it’s actually coming out of their mouth. Yes, it’s as funny looking as it sounds. And a fun way to play with your kids or cool down from a nearby music festival.
If you’ve been to Millennium Park recently, you might’ve noticed that these towers have been covered in tarp. Every year, Crown Fountain is turned off during the cold winter months. Typically, the fountain’s water features function between mid-spring and mid-fall, but the images remain on the screen year-round. This year, the fountain is going through some upgrades and will resume flowing around April 15. A few glass blocks and granite surfaces are being repaired and they are improving technology while it’s closed for the season.
Crown Fountain opened in July 2004 and it was designed by Catalan artist Jaume Plensa and implemented by Krueck + Sexton Architects. The famous piece of public art sits in close proximity to The Bean and McCormick Tribune Ice Rink.
If you’ve never experienced Crown Fountain, we recommend doing so as soon as it opens!
