Crown Fountain — Attraction in Chicago

The Crown Fountain is a striking and interactive public art installation located in Millennium Park, Chicago. Here’s a detailed overview of its design, features, and significance:

Design and Concept Artist: The fountain was designed by Spanish artist Jaume Plensa and was completed in 2004. Structure: It consists of two 50-foot-tall towers made of glass bricks. The towers are designed to resemble a large video screen, displaying high-resolution video images of the faces of 1,000 Chicago residents. Faces of Chicago: The video images are taken from close-ups of the residents' faces, which are projected onto the surfaces of the towers. This feature aims to create a connection between the art and the community, celebrating the diversity of Chicago's population.

Water Features Water Flow: Water spouts from the mouths of the projected faces, creating a playful fountain effect. This feature encourages interaction, allowing visitors, particularly children, to run through the water. Shallow Pool: At the base of the towers, there is a shallow pool where visitors can splash and cool off during hot days, making it a popular spot for families.

Technology Lighting: The fountain is illuminated at night, with colorful lights enhancing the visual experience. The combination of water, light, and video creates a dynamic and captivating atmosphere. Sound: Along with the visual elements, the installation includes sound effects, further enriching the experience.

Cultural Significance Community Engagement: By featuring the faces of local residents, the Crown Fountain serves as a reflection of Chicago’s community, fostering a sense of belonging and pride among its inhabitants. Artistic Innovation: The installation is celebrated for its innovative use of technology in public art, blending digital media with traditional fountain design.

Location and Accessibility Millennium Park: The Crown Fountain is situated in Millennium Park, a major cultural hub in Chicago that attracts millions of visitors each year. The park itself is home to various art installations, gardens, and performance spaces. Open to the Public: The fountain is free to access and is open year-round, though the water features are typically operational from late spring to early fall.

Conclusion The Crown Fountain is more than just a water feature; it is a vibrant piece of public art that invites interaction and celebrates the community of Chicago. Its unique design and innovative use of technology make it a beloved landmark in the city. If you're ever in Chicago, it's definitely...

Let me tell you about my recent visit to the Crown Fountain, it a splash-tacular experience!

First things first, this place is a true gem nestled in the heart of the Windy City. You simply cannot miss the striking glass towers that make up this fantastic fountain. As soon as I laid eyes on it, I knew I was in for something special.

The best part? The interactive feature! Two massive LED screens showcase the faces of Chicagoans, smiling and goofing around. It's like they come to life! The moment the water starts gushing out of their mouths, it's pure magic. Kids and adults alike couldn't resist running and playing in the refreshing spray, bringing laughter and joy to everyone present.

Now, let me tell you, the ambiance around Crown Fountain is contagious. People from all walks of life gather here, creating an incredible sense of community. It's the kind of place that breaks down barriers and brings people together, even if just for a few moments. I couldn't help but smile at the sight of strangers-turned-friends, sharing a laugh as they dodged the water spouts.

Speaking of dodging, let's talk about the surrounding area. Millennium Park, where Crown Fountain resides, is an urban oasis. Lush greenery, stunning art installations, and the iconic Cloud Gate sculpture (you know, that shiny bean thing!) make it a must-visit destination. Soak up the sun, have a picnic, or simply take a leisurely stroll—it's all right there, waiting for you.

I must commend the maintenance crew because this place is always squeaky clean! The water is crystal clear, and the surrounding grounds are well-kept. It's evident that the city takes great pride in maintaining the beauty of this spot, and it truly shows.

Crown Fountain is an absolute must-see when you're in Chicago. It's a vibrant, interactive masterpiece that will leave you with a smile on your face and memories to cherish. So grab your swimwear, join in the fun, and make a splash at the Crown Fountain—it's a five-star experience you won't...

The Millennium Park in Chicago houses the most iconic landmarks of Chicago. It is a public park located in the Loop community area. It's inception was to celebrate the second Millennium. It houses the state of the art collection of architecture,landscape design and art - also a host to a number of cultural events in the city. And the park is very lively and bustling with people.

Excerpts from the official website of the city of Chicago: "Designed by Spanish artist Jaume Plensa, the Crown Fountain in Millennium Park is a major addition to the city's world-renowned public art collection. The fountain consists of two 50-foot glass block towers at each end of a shallow reflecting pool. The towers project video images from a broad social spectrum of Chicago citizens, a reference to the traditional use of gargoyles in fountains, where faces of mythological beings were sculpted with open mouths to allow water, a symbol of life, to flow out. Plensa adapted this practice by having faces of Chicago citizens projected on LED screens and having water flow through an outlet in the screen to give the illusion of water spouting from their mouths. The collection of faces, Plensa's tribute to Chicagoans, was taken from a cross-section of 1,000 residents. The fountain’s water operate during the year between mid-spring and mid-fall, while the images remain on view year-round."

It is okay - not a must visit I would say, yet you could enjoy the water flowing out of the mouth.

Cheers to life!!

~Journey of a thousand miles begins with a...