Buckingham Fountain Verified listing

The Clarence F. Buckingham Memorial Fountain, located in the heart of Grant Park, is one of the largest and most iconic ornamental fountains in the world. It was donated to the city in 1927 by philanthropist Kate Sturges Buckingham in honour of her brother, Clarence. Inspired by the Latona Fountain at Versailles, its elaborate rococo design features a tiered structure made of pink Georgia marble and bronze sea horse sculptures, each symbolizing one of the four states that border Lake Michigan—Illinois, Wisconsin, Michigan, and Indiana.

The fountain operates seasonally, typically from early May through mid-October, running daily from 8:00 AM to 11:00 PM. Every hour on the hour, it features a 20-minute water display with the central jet shooting water up to 150 feet in the air. In the evenings, these displays are enhanced with synchronized lighting and music, creating a dramatic and memorable experience for visitors. The final show of the night takes place just before the fountain shuts down at 11:00 PM.

Admission to Buckingham Fountain and the surrounding areas of Grant Park is free to the public. The fountain is situated near major city attractions and is often a focal point during city events such as Taste of Chicago and Lollapalooza. During the off-season, particularly in winter, the fountain is turned off and may be covered for protection. Whether you're passing by during the day or catching a night-time show, Buckingham Fountain remains a must-see landmark and a perfect photo opportunity in downtown Chicago.