03/26/08

Romantic!

by sixkids

My husband proposed to me at Buckingham fountain! It's a beautiful sight and it's amazing when it's lit.

10/12/06

This Grant Park attraction is the perfect spot for a romantic stroll.

by Contributor

Overview
Buckingham is one of the largest fountains in the world, with 134 jets spraying more than 14,000 gallons of water per minute as high as 135 feet in the air. A computer controls the entire display, including the dazzling colored light show that takes place nightly every hour on the hour beginning at dusk. Music was added in 1999 to coordinate with some displays. In the summer, people find restful spots to eat lunch, but skateboarders, in-line skaters and cyclists have been banned due to damage to the stone and concrete stairs. In the winter, the fountain glitters with white Christmas lights.

The Background
The pink Georgia marble fountain was donated to the city by philanthropist Kate Buckingham in 1927 in memory of her brother Clarence, a director of the Art Institute. The fountain was modeled after Latona Basin in Versailles.

05/16/06

Beautiful simplicity

by heylucy22

Spent hours relaxing, watching people and taking in the wonderful view. Shaded areas are great to get out of the summer sun and let the lake breeze cool you, and there are ample benches and picnic tables too. Even in the middle of this bustling city, it is really peaceful here. Just blocks away from the lakefront, hotels, and museums. My husband and I fell in love here, and come back when ever we can!

05/02/03

Great "Walkby" Attraction

by canabomb

Beautiful sculpted artwork in this huge fountain. Was on our way back from the Field Museum and neat to look at. Wouldn't pay cab fare or go out of my way to go to it again though. Chicago takes great pride/care of their architecture and landscaping. This is no exception! They could use some plaques aroudn the fountain describing the history of the fountain, etc.

• Pros: Beautiful

12/19/02

Visual Pleasure

by jayterrell

Situated in an Ideal location in the beautifully maintain Grant Park area. With great Hot Dogs

and a magnificent view of Lake Michagan. Even

beautiful when not lit. More beautiful with the lights

on. Recently restored and the addition of moving

the computer that controls the lighting closer to

the city. Truly Chicago.

• Pros: Free, ample Parking, open area

10/26/02

The Beauty Of Europe

by Christi_Ovchinnikov

This is an awesome place to visit. It remined me of some thing you would find in England. It takes your breath away.

08/08/02

beautious!

by jank

great spot to visit, especially on a beautiful summer night-the colors of the fountain are gorgeous!

• Pros: inexpensive
• Cons: parking

08/05/02

romantic spot

by chicago16

The light show was beautiful and set again the chicago skyline on one side and the moon over Lake Michigan on the other, it was simply amazing.

07/29/02

Calming Waters

by kellyandken

This place is extremely beautiful. Excellent for a first date. The water is calming and relaxing. The music sucks but it is very romantic. Definitely a must see in the heart of downtown Chicago.

• Pros: Free, Beautiful
• Cons: Parking

06/13/02

Impressive sight

by robyngalbos_citysearch

You see pictures of this fountain everywhere--on postcards, calendars and in movies--but you don't get a sense for how impressive and large this fountain is until you see it up close. Great place to take a romantic stroll in the summertime.

• Pros: Romantic spot