Chicago’s Buckingham Fountain
Buckingham Fountain is one of Chicago’s most-recognizable landmarks. It is located close to Lake Michigan in Grant Park, and is one of the world’s largest fountains. It operates from late Spring through early Fall, and is decorated in lights during the Christmas Holiday season.
The rococo style fountain was finished in 1927, and was inspired by the Latona Fountain at the historic Palace of Versailles in France and was designed by well-respected architect Edward H. Bennett.
Buckingham Fountain has seen a few major rennovations, the last one taking place in 2008 & 2009. In another piece of unique trivial, the fountain is they symbolic eastern terminus of the historic Route 66.
I can’t recall the number of times I’ve heard it referred to as the “Married with Children” Fountain, as it appears in the opening credits of that show. For a couple years in the late 1990s, I had the good fortune of working at a great travel bookstore on nearby Michigan Avenue, and on certain sunny days I used to walk out to the fountain and enjoy my lunch while people watching. Those days are some of my finest memories of living years I spent living in Chicago.
Clarence F. Buckingham Memorial Fountain‘s website
You are so right! The Buckingham Fountain is a definite must-see while in Chicago! And its super close to the Bean! We ended up walking about 10 miles around the city last time we visited, and the fountain was one of our most favorite sites.
Oh this is so majestic looking!! I would love to be there on a lovely summer’s day xx
When the weather is good, it’s a great place to hang out. the problem with Chicago is- three months of the year this spot is freezing and another three months it’s flame-throwing hot!
I’ve never been to Chicago city (only the airport) so am unfamiliar with the landmarks. This certainly looks like a fabulous fountain, so much art and water. I bet kids love to play in it in the summer.
Great city- I went to University there. I doesn’t get the same pub as NYC or LA, but it offers everything. The weather does suck 7 months of the year however
Looks like THE break spot in summer.
It looks really massive and so amazing at the same time. Lucky you Erik!
It really does make me want to watch Married with Children
Great shots. Always a treat to see Buckingham Fountain. Beautiful in the summer!
Looking at our grey skies I certainly wish I was there!Oh yes!xxxxx
I took these this past July and the temp was well over 30C and I was not loving it!