Crown Fountain

Crown Fountain is an interactive public artwork in Millennium Park, at 201 E Randolph St in downtown Chicago. Two glass towers display digital portraits of Chicago residents, with water flowing from the faces into a shallow black granite pool. On warm days, children and adults wade and splash; from the edge, you can watch the changing faces and photograph their reflections. The towers light up after dark, giving the installation a different look. It is close to Cloud Gate, known as The Bean, and has wheelchair-accessible entry and parking.

How the fountain works

Crown Fountain is a video sculpture in Millennium Park, designed by Spanish artist Jaume Plensa and opened in 2004. Two glass-block towers stand at opposite ends of a shallow black granite reflecting pool. Their LED screens show video portraits of Chicago residents. At intervals, water comes from the mouths shown on screen, echoing the open-mouthed figures traditionally used as gargoyles on fountains.

The towers are about 50 feet tall. The pool connects the digital portraits with the water below, where people can wade and play in warm weather. The work brings together a moving image and a public fountain in one space.

What to see during your visit

Take time to watch the faces change on both towers, then look down at their reflections in the pool. The water feature draws families on hot days, so the fountain can be lively around the edges. Keep some distance if you do not want to get splashed.

The screens and changing lights are also visible after dark. Nearby benches provide a place to sit and watch. Crown Fountain is close to Cloud Gate, making it easy to see both works during a stop in Millennium Park. The fountain is free to visit and has wheelchair-accessible entry and parking.