Crown Fountain, Chicago

Crown Fountain is an iconic feature of Chicago's Millennium Park, renowned for its unique blend of interactive art and urban landscape design. Unlike traditional statues, this modern piece consists of two 50-foot glass block towers at opposite ends of a shallow reflecting pool. The towers display digital faces of Chicago residents, creating a dynamic and ever-changing canvas.

Completed in 2004, Crown Fountain was designed by Spanish artist Jaume Plensa and executed with the collaboration of Krueck and Sexton Architects. The installation was made possible through a generous donation from the Crown family of Chicago, hence its name. The fountain's design incorporates LED technology to project the video images on the inner faces of the towers, which periodically purse their lips and spout water into the pool, delighting visitors and providing a playful escape from the summer heat.

This interactive work of art has become a social hub in the heart of Chicago, with children and adults alike gathering to splash in the water or simply admire the fusion of technology and public art. It represents the diverse faces of Chicago's many neighborhoods, celebrating the city's rich cultural tapestry.

Crown Fountain operates seasonally, typically from May to October, and is free to the public. Its innovative design and inclusivity have made it not just a tourist attraction but a local favorite as well. At night, the illuminated towers offer a mesmerizing spectacle, adding to the vibrant atmosphere of Millennium Park.