Welcome to the Crown Fountain, a striking blend of art and technology located in Chicago's Millennium Park. Renowned for its interactive display and innovative design, this fountain is not just a place to cool off but a significant cultural landmark that pushes the boundaries of public art. Featuring two 50-foot glass block towers at each end of a shallow reflecting pool, the fountain's LED screens showcase the faces of Chicago residents, making it a vibrant tapestry of city life.

Did you know that the Crown Fountain uses LED technology to display over a thousand different Chicagoan faces? These faces are not random; they were carefully selected through a community outreach program that aimed to represent the city's broad demographic spectrum. Every face appears for about 5 minutes, and then purses lips, creating an illusion of spouting water—a playful nod to traditional gargoyles found in historic fountains.

The history of Crown Fountain is deeply entwined with its designer, Jaume Plensa, a renowned Spanish artist known for his work with sculptures and installations that involve light, sound, and video. Opened in July 2004, this modern marvel was made possible by a generous $10 million donation from the Crown family of Chicago—hence its name. The project reflects Plensa's vision to create a space where art meets community engagement, turning an ordinary park into an interactive social arena.

For those looking to capture the perfect photo or enjoy a moment of tranquility, visit during the early morning hours when the park is less crowded. Additionally, every face displayed on the fountain has participated voluntarily—locals love spotting friends or even themselves on these towering screens! In winter, while the water features are turned off, the illuminated faces against snowfall create a mesmerizing spectacle worth seeing.

Imagine standing between two towering screens as they project a face ten times larger than life before it suddenly appears to spit water directly at you! This unexpected moment captures visitors off guard and delights them, embodying Plensa’s intention to break down barriers between art installations and public interaction. Moreover, during special events like Halloween or Christmas season, these faces occasionally wear thematic decorations which add an amusing twist to your visit!

After enjoying Crown Fountain’s playful waters and giant faces, take a short walk to explore other iconic attractions within Millennium Park like Cloud Gate (affectionately known as "The Bean") for its reflective surface and unique shape. Just across Michigan Avenue lies The Art Institute of Chicago—one of the oldest and largest art museums in America where you can admire works ranging from ancient artifacts to contemporary masterpieces.