“High-concept art for all to enjoy” is an apt description of Crown Fountain, a modern installation in the heart of Chicago’s Millennium Park. Designed by Catalan artist Jaume Plensa and installed in 2004, it has quickly become one of Chicago’s most beloved public art objects.
Two huge 50-foot (15-meter) tall towers display short videos of 1,000 Chicagoans who smile, frown and finally, pucker up, letting streams of water flow into the reflecting pool below. Let yourself be transfixed by these modern-day gargoyles, standing out against the backdrop of downtown.
Be hypnotized by the changing faces as you approach. They appear gargantuan, even in the midst of the surrounding skyscrapers. Sit on a bench and track the screen, looking for a familiar face or a duplicate. Return several times a day to see more people. The 1,000 were selected as a cross-section of Chicagoans and include regular people as well as local celebrities. Giggle as you imagine the filming session, when people were asked to make an infinite variety of faces before they were cut into the video played today.
Let your kids run loose playing in the shallow reflecting pool at the tower’s base, enjoying their squeals as the figures on screen pucker and water streams from their mouths.
Appreciate the refreshing coolness of the statue’s mist on a hot summer day. In winter, be warmed by the expression of community contained in the statue.
Stop by while on a visit at the Art Institute to continue your education in modern art. Step onto the pool and look at the reflections of your own face or the sky above.
In the southeastern corner of Millennium Park, Crown Fountain is a short walk from Cloud Gate, better known as The Bean. Drive here in 30 minutes from O’Hare International Airport. Find metered parking in nearby lots or on the street. Millennium Park is a public transportation hub.
The fountain’s video installation operates year-round, from early morning to late at night, but the water feature is in use only from May to October. Access to the fountain is completely free.
