Crown Fountain
4.7(5.5K)google
4.4(130)yelp
Art InstallationInteractivePhoto SpotFamilyOutdoor
Overview
Situated inside the scenic northeast corner of Millennium Park, the Crown Fountain is an incredibly innovative, interactive piece of public art designed by Spanish artist Jaume Plensa. The fountain consists of two towering 50-foot glass brick towers that use LED screens to project changing, close-up digital video portraits of over a thousand diverse Chicago residents. In a playful twist of engineering, water intermittently spouts from the residents' mouths, drawing crowds of joyful children and tourists who splash happily in the shallow granite reflecting pool during hot summer days, blending art with community fun.
Practical Info
Suggested DurationAbout 30-45 minutes
Best TimeSunny afternoons in mid-summer (July to August) offer the absolute best experience. This is when the two massive LED glass-brick towers active display shifting video portraits of Chicagoans, periodically spouting sheets of water into the reflecting pool where local children splash around, capturing an energetic slice of urban life.
Getting TherePositioned at the southwest corner of Millennium Park. Take the 'L' Red or Blue Lines to the Monroe station; exiting the platform brings you a short 2-minute walk east to the base of the giant digital monoliths.
Travel Tips
- The massive LED towers light up year-round, but the iconic water cascading and reflection splash pool operate strictly during warmer months (typically mid-May to mid-October). The water shuts off completely during fall and winter. Wear high-traction water shoes as wet granite gets slick.
- Located inside Millennium Park, federal and municipal codes strictly ban drone operations. Park rangers aggressively patrol for unauthorized commercial photoshoots using large light reflectors or motorized sliders; violators face immediate eviction and potential fines.
Photo Tips
Photo Spots
- The continuous face loops do not feature water spouts; the mouth puckers to discharge a heavy stream exactly once every 4 to 5 minutes. Position your tripod dead center on the outer rim of the wet plaza, framing a reflections long-shot to catch the dynamic splash.
Reviews
Positive
- This interactive dual LED tower fountain in Millennium Park delivers a quirky, powerful visual impact; the iconic water-spouting faces are real.
- It is a completely free summer splash paradise open to all; kids love running in the shallow granite reflection pool, maximizing interactive fun.
- The location is flawless, seamlessly linking to CTA Red/Blue line train stations and downtown tracks, with impeccable public amenities.
- The fountain is ringed by manicured trees and benches, trash cans are well-distributed, and paved accessible trails offer flawless transit.
Heads up
- On hot summer weekend afternoons, visitor density reaches frantic levels, packed with screaming children and selfie crowds with zero calm peace.
- As an open outdoor installation, the water features are shut off entirely during the freezing cold winter months, drastically reducing its visual draw.
- Due to the massive crowds and pooling water, the black granite tiles get highly slick, lacking enough stationary safety guards to manage slips.
- Free parking is non-existent nearby; the grand Millennium Park underground garage fees are steep, adding financial weight for visiting drivers.