With its bronze seahorses, 1.5 million gallons of water, and 150-foot spray, Buckingham Fountain is one of the most photographed and most visited of all Chicago landmarks.
When it’s turned back on for the summer Chicagoans know that outdoor festivals and al fresco dining are just around the corner.
ComEd and the Chicago Park District have joined forces for the 9th year in a row to “Switch On Summer.”
In 2024, Buckingham Fountain will be turned back on May 11. From 12pm to 3pm the seasonal switch will be celebrated with free giveaways, free family activities, and live entertainment from Sixteen Candles and Today’s Trade.
Several event partners will join ComEd and the Park District in Grant Park to help kick off the city’s favorite season.
There may be affiliate links in this post, which means we may get a small commission. It’s at no extra cost to you and helps keep Your Chicago Guide free. Everybody wins!
Participating Switch on Summer Partners 2024 updates coming soon
- Adler Planetarium
- American Blues Theater
- Art Institute Chicago
- Brookfield Zoo – Chicago Zoological Society
- Chicago Academy of Sciences / Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum
- Chicago Architecture Center
- Chicago Bears
- Chicago Botanic Garden
- Chicago Children’s Theatre
- Chicago Chinatown Community Foundation
- Chicago Park District
- Chicago Shakespeare Theatre
- Chicago White Sox
- Field Museum
- Garfield Park Conservatory Alliance
- Grant Park Advisory Council
- League of Chicago Theatres
- Museum of Science and Industry
- National Museum of Mexican Art
- Navy Pier
- Northlight Theatre
- Puerto Rican Arts Alliance
- Reyes Coca-Cola Bottling
- Silk Road Rising
- The Morton Arboretum
- Uniting Voices Chicago
- Writers Theatre Inc.
Find more free things to do in Chicago
The story behind Buckingham Fountain
Clarence F. Buckingham Memorial Fountain commenced its public life in the blossoming month of May, 1927. It was a generous offering from the noble philanthropist, Kate Buckingham, as a tribute to her dear brother.
Fast forward to August 26 of the same year, the fountain witnessed its formal dedication, captivating an audience of a staggering 50,000. The spectators were regaled with a stirring rendition of “Pomp and Circumstance”, under the able baton of none other than John Philip Sousa.
The fountain’s design, a blend of Rococo aesthetics and tiered structures reminiscent of a wedding cake, found its muse in Versailles’ renowned Latona Basin.
The architectural prowess of Edward Bennett, the creative force behind Wacker Drive and the Michigan Avenue Bridge of Chicago, was employed in its creation.
Collaborating with Bennett were the skilled engineer Jacques Lambert and the eminent sculptor Marcel Loyau, whose contribution to this grand memorial earned him the coveted Prix National at the 1927 Paris Salon.
Beneath the imposing edifice of the fountain are a network of tunnels, home to the intricate mechanisms that bring this massive structure to life.
For a large part of its existence, two diligent workers ensured the smooth running of the fountain and the enchanting evening light show, dedicating twelve hours of their day to this task.
As the wheel of time turned, automation found its way into the fountain’s operation. The lighting system was automated in 1968, and by 1980, the entire operational command of this majestic fountain was transferred to computers.
Learn more about Buckingham Fountain and Grant Park in Living Landmarks of Chicago.