Traveler Lifes

Browse Traveler lifes Travel to get information about the world's most popular places, tourist Attraction, holiday destinations, vacation spot, historical places, where to go, places to visit, things to do, best places to stay, top hotel and restaurant, Activities, adventure, tourism information, travel tips and travel guide with expert advice...

Friday, October 25, 2024

Clarence F. Buckingham Memorial Fountain: Chicago’s Iconic Water Landmark

  Rajesh Kumar Rana       Friday, October 25, 2024

The Clarence F. Buckingham Memorial Fountain, located in Grant Park at 301 S. Columbus Dr., Chicago, IL 60601, is one of the most recognizable and cherished landmarks in the city. Dedicated in 1927, this historic fountain is not only a striking example of art and architecture but also serves as a symbol of the city’s grandeur and its connection to Lake Michigan. As one of the largest fountains in the world, it draws millions of visitors annually, offering a spectacular display of water, light, and music. Below, we’ll explore the history, structure, and what makes this fountain a must-visit spot in Chicago.


Clarence F. Buckingham Memorial Fountain


Clarence F. Buckingham Memorial Fountain, Chicago, IL
Clarence F. Buckingham Memorial Fountain, Chicago, IL
Source: Flicker 


History of Buckingham Fountain

The Buckingham Fountain (Wikipedia) was donated by Kate S. Buckingham in memory of her brother, Clarence Buckingham, a prominent art collector and philanthropist. The Buckingham family, originally from Zanesville, Ohio, amassed great wealth through real estate, steel, and grain elevators. Kate and Clarence were both passionate about art, donating significant collections to the Art Institute of Chicago. Following Clarence’s death in 1913, Kate Buckingham wanted to commemorate him with a grand public fountain.


Renowned architect Edward H. Bennett—famous for co-authoring Daniel Burnham’s Plan of Chicago—was selected to design the fountain. French sculptor Marcel Francois Loyau was responsible for the fountain’s stunning sculptural elements, and Jacques H. Lambert served as the engineer. The inspiration for the fountain came from the Latona Basin at Versailles, but Chicago’s fountain is twice the size and circulates three times more water, symbolizing Lake Michigan. The official dedication of the fountain occurred on August 26, 1927, in front of an audience of 50,000 people, with a performance by John Philip Sousa.




Design and Structure

The Buckingham Fountain is an architectural marvel. The main structure is made from pink Georgia marble and features bronze sculptural elements that pay homage to Lake Michigan and the four states that border it—Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, and Wisconsin—represented by the Art Deco-style sea horses. The fountain is composed of four basins, each progressively smaller as they ascend to the top.


Key Features of the Fountain:

  • Size: The fountain's bottom pool measures 280 feet in diameter, while the upper basin stands 25 feet above the water level.
  • Water Capacity: The fountain holds 1.5 million gallons of water, and its central jet shoots water up to 150 feet in the air.
  • Jet Configurations: The fountain features 133 jets—with one central jet, 34 jets along the inner ring of the upper basin, and various other jets spread across the basins and around the perimeter.
  • Water Flow: Three pumps power the fountain, circulating approximately 14,100 gallons of water per minute during major displays.
  • Pump 1: 250 horsepower for 7,000 gallons of water per minute.
  • Pump 2: 190 horsepower for 5,500 gallons of water per minute.
  • Pump 3: 75 horsepower for 1,600 gallons of water per minute.


In terms of water displays, a major water show happens every hour on the hour from 9:00 a.m. until 10:00 p.m. during the fountain’s operational season, which typically runs from May to mid-October. During the show, the central jet reaches its impressive 150-foot height, captivating spectators with its grandeur. After dusk, a light and music show accompanies the water display, offering a dazzling spectacle of colored lights and synchronized music.



Lighting and Automation

One of the unique features of Buckingham Fountain is its lighting system, designed to mimic soft moonlight, creating an ethereal and mystical aura around the fountain. The fountain’s lighting was a personal project for Kate Buckingham, who worked alongside technicians to perfect the colors and intensity of the lights. There are a total of 820 lights positioned around the fountain:

  • 16 lights in the top bowl
  • 72 lights in the upper trough
  • 204 lights in the inner trough
  • 432 lights in the lower trough
  • 24 lights in the isolated jets
  • 60 lights in the sea horses
  • 12 lights in the bulrushes


Originally, the fountain was operated manually by two stationary engineers, but in 1980, the operations became fully automated. Over the years, several upgrades were made to the computer systems, ensuring the fountain's continued flawless operation. Today, all automation and monitoring take place on-site.




The Importance of Buckingham Fountain in Chicago

Buckingham Fountain is more than just a beautiful fountain; it is a Chicago landmark with a rich history. The fountain represents the vision of Daniel Burnham's Plan for Chicago, emphasizing beauty, function, and public access to green spaces. It also honors the philanthropic legacy of the Buckingham family, particularly Kate S. Buckingham, who was a significant cultural benefactor in the city.


As the centerpiece of Grant Park, often called "Chicago’s Front Yard," the fountain draws visitors from around the world. It has been designated a Chicago Landmark and contributes to the National Register of Historic Places listing for Grant Park.




Visiting Buckingham Fountain

If you’re planning to visit Buckingham Fountain, it’s located within Grant Park at the intersection of Columbus Drive and Congress Parkway. The fountain operates daily from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m., with major water displays every hour starting at 9:00 a.m. and ending with the final light and music display at 10:35 p.m. The fountain typically runs from early May through mid-October, but its operational hours may vary depending on special events in the park or weather conditions.


Things to Do When Visiting:

1. Enjoy the Water Displays: Watch the hourly water displays with the central jet shooting water 150 feet into the air. After dusk, experience the magic of the light and music show, which adds an extra layer of beauty to the fountain.


2. Take a Stroll Through Grant Park: The fountain is situated in the heart of Grant Park, which offers walking paths, gardens, and beautiful views of the Chicago skyline and Lake Michigan.


3. Capture Stunning Photos: The fountain, with its vibrant water displays and intricate sculptures, is a photographer’s dream. Whether during the day or at night with the lights, it offers countless photo opportunities.


4. Nearby Attractions: While in the area, you can also visit nearby landmarks such as The Art Institute of Chicago, Millennium Park, and the Museum Campus.





FAQs about Clarence F. Buckingham Memorial Fountain


1. Where is Buckingham Fountain located?

Buckingham Fountain is located in Grant Park, at 301 S. Columbus Drive, Chicago, IL 60601. It’s near the intersection of Columbus Drive and Congress Parkway, in the heart of downtown Chicago.


2. When was Buckingham Fountain built?

The fountain was completed and opened to the public on May 26, 1927, and it was officially dedicated on August 26, 1927. It was a gift to the city from Kate S. Buckingham in memory of her brother, Clarence Buckingham.


3. What are the operating hours of Buckingham Fountain?

The fountain operates daily from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. Typically, the fountain is operational from early May through mid-October, depending on weather conditions. The hourly water displays begin at 9:00 a.m. and run every hour on the hour.


4. What time does the light and music show start at Buckingham Fountain?

The light and music show begins at dusk each day, accompanying the major water displays. The last light and music display occurs at 10:35 p.m., and the fountain shuts down around 10:55 p.m. after the final show.


5. How high does the fountain’s central jet shoot?

The fountain’s central jet shoots water up to 150 feet into the air during its major hourly water displays.


6. How much water does Buckingham Fountain hold?

Buckingham Fountain has a water capacity of 1.5 million gallons. The fountain’s recirculating system can process up to 14,100 gallons of water per minute during its major water shows.


7. Who designed Buckingham Fountain?

The fountain was designed by architect Edward H. Bennett in collaboration with French sculptor Marcel Francois Loyau, who created the bronze sea horse sculptures. Jacques H. Lambert served as the engineer for the project.


8. What inspired the design of Buckingham Fountain?

The design of Buckingham Fountain was inspired by the Latona Basin at the Palace of Versailles in France, although Buckingham Fountain is twice the size and uses three times more water than its French counterpart.


9. How many lights are used in Buckingham Fountain’s light show?

The fountain features a total of 820 lights placed throughout the structure, which were originally designed to create a “soft moonlight” effect. The lights are distributed across the basins, jets, and sculptures, enhancing the fountain’s beauty after dark.


10. Can you visit Buckingham Fountain year-round?

While the fountain itself operates only from May to mid-October, you can visit the site year-round. However, the fountain does not operate during the colder months to prevent damage from freezing temperatures.


11. What is the significance of the sea horses in the fountain?

The Art Deco sea horses that adorn the fountain represent the four states bordering Lake Michigan: Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, and Wisconsin. These bronze sculptures are a key feature of the fountain’s design.


12. Is Buckingham Fountain a Chicago Landmark?

Yes, Buckingham Fountain is designated as a Chicago Landmark and is also a contributing feature to Grant Park’s listing on the National Register of Historic Places.


13. How is Buckingham Fountain powered?

The fountain's water displays are powered by three large pumps. The largest pump is 250 horsepower, capable of circulating 7,000 gallons of water per minute, while two smaller pumps manage the additional water flow during the major displays.


14. How is Buckingham Fountain maintained?

The Chicago Park District manages and maintains Buckingham Fountain. Since its opening in 1927, it has undergone several upgrades, including automation in 1980 and a significant conservation project in 1994 to preserve its historic features.


15. Is there an admission fee to visit Buckingham Fountain?

No, visiting Buckingham Fountain is free and open to the public. The fountain is located within Grant Park, a public space in downtown Chicago.




Conclusion

The Clarence F. Buckingham Memorial Fountain is one of Chicago’s most iconic landmarks, offering a unique combination of art, engineering, and natural beauty. Whether you're a local Chicagoan or a visitor exploring the city's vast attractions, a trip to see this majestic fountain in action is a must. Not only will you witness one of the finest ornamental fountains in the world, but you'll also be taking part in a piece of Chicago’s history and its lasting legacy as a city that celebrates public art and green spaces.





logoblog

Thanks for reading Clarence F. Buckingham Memorial Fountain: Chicago’s Iconic Water Landmark

Previous
« Prev Post