Buckingham Fountain, Chicago

Buckingham Fountain, a majestic Chicago landmark, is a beacon of grandeur amidst the city's bustling urban landscape. Situated in Grant Park, this fountain is one of the largest in the world and serves as a focal point for both residents and visitors alike. Designed by architect Edward H. Bennett, it was dedicated in 1927 and is an allegorical representation of Lake Michigan.

The fountain consists of four pairs of seahorses symbolizing the states bordering the lake – Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, and Michigan. With its rococo wedding-cake style, the fountain is a fine example of Beaux-Arts architecture and is constructed of Georgia pink marble. It operates from April to October, with water displays every hour that are accompanied by a major water show with a central jet shooting up to 150 feet in the air.

At night, the fountain's display is a spectacle of light and water choreography. Colored lights illuminate the water, creating a play of light against the dark sky, a feature that was not part of the original design but added later to enhance the evening experience.

Buckingham Fountain also marks the starting point of the famous Route 66 and is an essential part of Chicago's cultural heritage. It was named after Kate Buckingham, who donated the fountain in memory of her brother, Clarence Buckingham. The fountain's official name is the Clarence Buckingham Memorial Fountain.

Open to the public, the fountain offers a moment of respite and beauty. It is a popular spot for tourists for its picturesque views, especially against the backdrop of Chicago's skyline. The fountain's operation is seasonal, with the grand water shows occurring every hour on the hour and lasting for 20 minutes.