Buckingham Fountain, Chicago (must see)

Buckingham Fountain is a centerpiece of Chicago's massive Grant Park, situated directly in the heart of the city's downtown business district. Officially called the "Clarence F. Buckingham Memorial Fountain," it was gifted to the city of Chicago by a wealthy philanthropist, Kate Sturges Buckingham, in her brother's memory. One of the world's largest fountains, it was dedicated in 1927.

Charles Buckingham and his sister were both zealous art collectors from a family that made their fortune from a grain elevator business. Charles was a successful businessman and a trustee for the Art Institute of Chicago. He died in 1913. The design and creation of Buckingham Fountain was a collaborative effort of several artists, including architect Edward H. Bennett, engineer Jacques Lambert, and sculptor Marcel Loyau.

Buckingham Fountain, designed in the Fine Arts classical style, is a sculptural work resembling a three-tier wedding cake. It was inspired by an ornate fountain at the Palace of Versailles in France. Decorating the lower pool are four charming Art Deco sea horse sculptures. These large bronze sculptures represent the four states that surround Lake Michigan.

Operating seasonally, Buckingham Fountain provides a 20-minute water show each hour. A magnificent display, the fountain shoots jets of water as high as 150 feet into the air. An entertaining spectacle of colorful lights and music accompanies the show after dusk. A visit to see this remarkable landmark fountain is a must-do during your exploration of Chicago.