8 Best Fountains In Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

fountains in philadelphia
Suresh
Suresh 
Updated
| 3 min read

Fountains in Philadelphia are attractions one can’t miss. The beautiful design, elegance in the structure, decorative/dynamic effect and the story behind each fountain are all breathtakingly amazing to the core. The fountains in Philadelphia are quite authentic in impression and they delineate pure, thoughtful execution of skills and art. The stone used celebrates the talent of the builder. Fountains in Philadelphia are famous for complementing the city’s historical heritage and for insight into the past Many of these fountains are built to honor great individuals, situations and occasions which are worthy to be remembered. Fountains in Philadelphia are famous tourist attractions as each one has a special tale behind it. Listed below are the top 10 fountains you must visit when in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

1. Swann Memorial Fountain

Swann Memorial Fountain, Philadelphia
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Dudva used under CC BY-SA 4.0

Swann Memorial Fountain is also referred to as the “Fountain of Three Rivers.” It was built as a memorial to Dr. Wilson Cary Swann, who founded the city’s Fountain Society. They believed everyone in the city should be able to access good drinking water.

While the fountain was designed by the late American architect Wilson Eyre, Jr., it was Alexander Stirling Calder who sculpted this iconic landmark. If you take a closer look, the brilliance of the artist is observed and you’ll see some Greek mythology come into the picture. When in Philadelphia, be sure to visit this attraction no matter whether you are traveling solo or with loved ones.

Swann Memorial Fountain

Address: Logan Square, Philadelphia, PA 19103, USA

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

Price: Free

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2. Dilworth Park Fountain

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

The Dilworth Park fountain is what one can call a contemporary fountain, with the grace and charm of a vintage structure. Set in the Dilworth Park, the fountain runs continuously and can be controlled. A perfect backdrop to events and concerts, the night adds beauty to the fountain as it lightens up the dark with its stunning design. Rainwater is taken in and is seen flowing into the basin of the fountain.

Dilworth Park Fountain

Address: Market St & N 15th St Philadelphia, PA 19107

Website: Dilworth Park Fountain

Opening hours: Monday - Sunday: 6am - 1am

Price: Free

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3. Headhouse Square Fountain

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Headhouse Square is where fun meets perfection. Every corner has the elegance and the fountain right in the middle sets the example of perfection indeed. The fountain is quite open and is in a circular formation. The center upshot is surrounded by a series of smaller outlets that shoot up water to form a breezy atmosphere around the fountain and in the park. A sign of brilliance, this fountain is a piece of fine art.

Headhouse Square Fountain

Address: 400 S 2nd St Philadelphia, PA 19147, United States

Website: Headhouse Square Fountain

Opening hours: 24hrs

Price: Free

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4. The Singing Fountain

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

The Singing Fountain, true to its name, indeed sings. Music is played throughout the day near the fountain and it is a local attraction. Many locals and tourists enjoy their morning breakfast and afternoon lunches seated around the mountain with pop music playing in the background. The Signing Fountain stands tall and it is home to the weekly market. The simple yet gorgeous fountain has been a treat to the eyes.

The Singing Fountain

Address: The Singing Fountain, Passyunk Ave And 11th St Philadelphia, PA 19147

Website: The Singing Fountain

Opening hours: 24hrs

Price: Free

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Philadelphia Tour Guide

Annie Leguennec

Annie Leguennec

My name is Annie. I am a local Tour guide based in Philadelphia enjoying fully what the city has to offer with its deep history, street arts, murals, architecture, traditional food, black history, Farmer Markets, green space, a melting pot of neighborhoods and its great locals. I am looking for to welcome you and show you this incredible city where you will gain a better understanding of the city's rich heritage and its continuing legacy as the birthplace of the United States of America. Book my tour. Explore and learn about this unique city where you will walk on the footsteps of our America's founding Fathers. My tours are conducted in English, French and Italian.

Tours by Annie

Philadelphia Tour Guide

Stephanie Eley

Stephanie Eley

I'm a graduate of ITMI, International Tour Management Institute and 17 years as a licensed Tour Director and Program Director. My expertise began in NYC and Washington, DC where I'm a licensed guide and has expanded to Europe, South America, Cuba and the Western / Southwestern National Parks of the US. I'd love to introduce you for a day or a week to Denver, Colorado and the 4 corners region of the US: Colorado, Utah, New Mexico and Arizona! Let's GO!! stepheley@gmail.com

Tours by Stephanie

Philadelphia Tour Guide

Vance Lehmkuhl

Vance Lehmkuhl

Tour operator and tour guide for American Vegan Center in historic Old City Philadelphia, administering walking tours focusing on Philadelphia's "veg history" - the vegans and vegetarians through history that started the US vegetarian and vegan movements in this city. Author of "Eating Vegan in Philly" (2016) and also "V for Veg: The Best of Philly's Vegan Food Column," a collection of my columns for the Philadelphia Daily News 2011-2016. Also a proficient musician (founded eco-conscious pop band Green Beings, 1999) and cartoonist (Philadelphia City Paper, VegNews, New York Times Syndicate). Developing french-language walking tour focusing on Anthony Benezet for March 2024.

Tours by Vance

5. Fountain at Franklin Square

2013 Franklin Square Fountain
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Beyond My Ken used under CC BY-SA 4.0

The 180-year old fountain is still going strong in Franklin Square. Over the century, the fountain has withstood natural calamities and has witnessed occasions that bought both happiness and distress to the heart of Philadelphia. A 21st-century makeover has set guns blazing with the fountain attaining new LED lights to add to its beauty. Choreographed shows entertain the city lovers and the water effects are amazing.

Fountain at Franklin Square

Address: 950 13th St NW, Washington, DC 20005, USA

Website: Fountain at Franklin Square

Opening hours: 24hrs

Price: Free

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6. Key Fountain in Morris Arboretum

Morris Arboretum - DSC00231
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Daderot used under CC0

Morris Arboretum holds the key fountain in its clutches, the fountain is truly one of the most remarkable in Philadelphia. The reason is evident, the structure, for instance, is brilliant, the design is spot on, the location is perfect and the local touch shouts the beauty of Philadelphia. Known to many as the key of the city, the fountain holds the key to elegance and also undeniable overall charms.

Key Fountain in Morris Arboretum

Address: 100 E Northwestern Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19118, USA

Website: Key Fountain in Morris Arboretum

Opening hours: Monday - Friday: 10am - 4pm; Saturday and Sunday: 10:00am - 5:00pm

Price: Members: Free; Adults: USD 20.00; Seniors (65+ years): USD 18.00; Youth (3-17 years): USD 10.00; Children under 3: Free

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7. Rittenhouse Square Fountain

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Rittenhouse Square, one of the five original squares of the city, is home to the Rittenhouse Square Fountain. Set in a luxurious backdrop, the fountain is situated amidst tall buildings and fancy restaurants. The authentic design sings a classic tone around the fountain’s breeze. Right at the center, the fountain is undeniably the most appreciated sculpture around the city. May it is its design or charismatic demeanor, the fountain is enchanting.

Rittenhouse Square Fountain

Address: 210 W Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia, PA 19103, USA

Website: Rittenhouse Square Fountain

Opening hours: Monday - Sunday: 6am - 1am

Price: Adult (age 21 - 99) USD 45.50 each

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8. Fountain in JFK Plaza/Love Park

Love at Philadelphia Love Park, JFK Plaza (259493468)
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user nakashi used under CC BY 2.0

The JFK Plaza is also known as the Love Plaza, surrounded by the energy and serenity, the fountain in the middle is a perfect spot to stop and observe. The water in the fountain is dyed in different colors to honor and entertain various occasions throughout the year. The sculpture at the center of the fountain is engaging and beautiful. Love is in the air around the fountain as couples and friends take pictures to capture the moment. This is a great place to carry a picnic hamper to and enjoy the breeze and sunshine with family and loved ones!

Fountain in JFK Plaza/Love Park

Address: Arch St, Philadelphia, PA 19102, USA

Website: Fountain in JFK Plaza/Love Park

Opening hours: Monday - Sunday: 7am - 10pm

Price: Free

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The magical fountains in Philadelphia

Frog in Logan Square fountain Philadelphia
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user AmPartnership used under CC BY-SA 4.0

Philadelphia is a city that has history, traditions, customs and culture dating back centuries. The culture of the Native Americans, the pages of the colonial rule, the struggle of independence followed by liberalism has struck chords in the architecture of the city. The fountains in Philadelphia are magical and are rooted in history on every crack and curve. The charismatic approach to the city can be seen in the enchanting fountains, kids can have a blast while everyone can enjoy the day out around these fountains with a smile quite wide.

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Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
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