Envision a space where art meets community. That’s Crown Fountain in Chicago’s Millennium Park. This fountain is more than just water and lights. It’s a gathering place, a symbol of innovation, and a reflection of Chicago itself.
Crown Fountain opened in July 2004. Spanish artist Jaume Plensa designed it. Krueck and Sexton Architects executed his vision. The Crown family sponsored the project. They donated $10 million of the $17 million cost. The Goodman family also contributed greatly.
The fountain consists of two glass brick towers. They stand 50 feet tall. A black granite reflecting pool lies between them. The towers display digital videos of Chicago residents. Water cascades down the towers and spouts from their faces.
Plensa wanted to create an interactive fountain. He sought to involve the viewer with his art. The Crown Fountain encourages visitors to splash and play. It’s a water park for kids in the summer.
The selection of faces was a community affair. Around 75 Chicago organizations nominated candidates. Students from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago filmed them. They used high-definition cameras. Each face appears for five minutes. Then water appears to spout from the subject’s mouth.
The construction of Crown Fountain was complex. Over 22000 glass blocks were custom-made. They were produced in Mount Pleasant Pennsylvania. Each block is 5 by 10 by 2 inches. A special stainless steel frame supports the walls. The frame withstands wind forces.
The fountain uses 11000 gallons of water per hour. About 97% of that water is recycled. LED lights illuminate the towers. There are over one million LEDs. The lights change color. This adds to the fountain’s dynamic appearance.
Crown Fountain has become a Chicago icon. It is a popular spot for photographers. It is a common gathering place. The fountain highlights themes of dualism light and water. Plensa feels that faces can represent the diversity of the city. He aims to portray Chicago’s sociocultural evolution.
The fountain operates from May to October weather permitting. The images remain on the screen year-round. At night the towers display changing colors. The control center for the fountain is beneath one of the towers. It houses video servers and temperature sensors.
Crown Fountain has faced some controversies. Some worried about the height of the towers. Surveillance cameras were briefly installed atop the fountain. Public outcry led to their removal.
Despite the controversies Crown Fountain has thrived. It has found its way into Chicago pop culture. It is featured in TV shows like Prison Break. The fountain is a modern take on the gargoyle theme. The enlarged faces humanize the work.
So the next time you are here at Crown Fountain take a moment. Consider the art the community and the innovation that makes it special. It is more than just a fountain. Crown Fountain is a symbol of Chicago.