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The Enchanting Crown Fountain: A Must-See Attraction in Millennium Park

Experience the Crown Fountain in Chicago's Millennium Park, where art meets playfulness in a stunning water and light display.

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Discover the Crown Fountain in Chicago's Millennium Park, a unique blend of art and technology that captivates visitors with its stunning visual displays and playful water features. This artistic marvel features two large glass block towers that project video images of Chicagoans, creating a vibrant interaction between art and the public. The fountain's interactive water jets invite both children and adults to cool off and engage with this iconic installation. Open year-round, the fountain offers a perfect backdrop for relaxation, photography, and a deeper appreciation of urban art.

A brief summary to Crown Fountain

  • Monday 6 am-11 pm
  • Tuesday 6 am-11 pm
  • Wednesday 6 am-11 pm
  • Thursday 6 am-11 pm
  • Friday 6 am-11 pm
  • Saturday 6 am-11 pm
  • Sunday 6 am-11 pm

Local tips

  • Visit during the summer months to enjoy the interactive water features, perfect for cooling off.
  • Come early in the morning or late afternoon for fewer crowds and better photography opportunities.
  • Check the schedule for special events or performances in Millennium Park that may coincide with your visit.
  • Bring a towel if you plan to get wet, especially for children who want to play in the water jets.
  • Explore the surrounding park area for other attractions, including art installations and beautiful gardens.
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Getting There

  • Public Bus

    From Arlington Heights, walk to the nearest bus stop for Pace Bus Route 696 at the intersection of E Northwest Hwy and S Arlington Heights Rd. Take the bus heading towards Arlington Park. Get off at the Arlington Park Train Station. From there, purchase a ticket to Chicago Union Station. Once you arrive at Union Station, exit the station and walk to the nearby State/Lake 'L' Station. Take the Brown Line towards Kimball. After 8 stops, transfer at the Washington/Wells station to the Orange Line. Take the Orange Line towards Midway and get off at the State/Adams station. From there, walk east on Adams St for about 0.5 miles until you reach Crown Fountain at 201 E Randolph St, located in Millennium Park.

  • Train

    Begin your journey at the Arlington Heights Metra Station. Board a train on the Union Pacific Northwest Line heading towards Chicago Union Station. The journey takes approximately 45 minutes. Once you arrive at Union Station, follow the signs to the 'L' station and take the Brown Line towards Kimball. After 8 stops, transfer at the Washington/Wells station to the Orange Line. Ride the Orange Line towards Midway and disembark at the State/Adams station. Walk east on Adams St for about 0.5 miles, and you will find Crown Fountain at 201 E Randolph St, Millennium Park.

  • Walking

    If you are near the downtown area of Arlington Heights, you can take a scenic walk to the Metra Station and then follow the train instructions mentioned above. Alternatively, if you are in a nearby neighborhood, locate your way to E Northwest Hwy, and head towards the Arlington Park Train Station where you can catch the train to Chicago Union Station.

  • Ride-sharing Service

    Use a ride-sharing app like Uber or Lyft to request a ride from your current location in Arlington Heights directly to Crown Fountain at 201 E Randolph St, Millennium Park in Chicago. The ride will take approximately 40-50 minutes depending on traffic conditions.

Unlock the Best of Crown Fountain

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Discover more about Crown Fountain

Nestled in the heart of Millennium Park, the Crown Fountain is a dazzling contemporary installation that artfully combines water and digital imagery to create a unique visitor experience. Designed by artist Jaume Plensa, the fountain features two 50-foot glass block towers that project the faces of Chicago residents, showcasing the city's diverse culture. These towers act as a canvas for various visual displays, with water cascading from their mouths, creating an interactive environment where visitors can step in and cool off during warm summer days. Beyond its aesthetic appeal, the Crown Fountain serves as a gathering spot for locals and tourists alike. Families often visit to watch children play in the shallow reflecting pool, while couples and friends enjoy the scenic beauty of the park. The surrounding area is beautifully landscaped with native plants, benches for relaxation, and pathways that wind through the vibrant environment, making it an ideal place for a leisurely stroll or a picnic. The fountain is open year-round, offering a different experience in each season. In winter, the surrounding park is transformed into a winter wonderland, while in summer, the fountain comes to life with playful water displays. Visitors are encouraged to bring their cameras, as the fountain provides a stunning backdrop for photographs, especially during sunset when the lighting enhances its beauty. With its captivating visuals and interactive features, the Crown Fountain is a testament to Chicago's commitment to public art and serves as a beloved attraction for all ages.

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