Fountains of Kansas City

CITY OF FOUNTAINS

Kansas City is said to be the home of more fountains than any city in the world except Rome. However, it is not only the number of exquisite fountains that makes the city so unique, it is the craftsmanship, artistry, imagination, and presentation of these celebrations of water. Many of the most famous fountains are located on the Country Club Plaza, but you will find a virtually endless array on both private and public properties throughout the city. Just a few of the major attractions are described here. For more information, contact the City of Fountains foundation:

City of Fountains Foundation
Kansas City, MO
816-842-2299
www.kcfountains.org

Boy and Frog Fountain
Nichols Road and Central
Purchased in 1929 in Florence, Italy, this fountain has earned a reputation for impressing and amusing visitors to the Plaza. A young boy is delighted and surprised by a shower from the friendly bronze frog.

The Children’s Fountain
North Oak Trafficway & Missouri 9
Look no further for the “fountain of youth.” The massive piece of artwork features six bronze sculptures of children playing in the water. The statues were placed by the artist over a basin that measures 60 feet by 100 feet.

Crown Center Fountains on the Square
Hallmark’s Crown Center
North of Westport
Renowned as one of the most spectacular of the water displays, the fountain serves as a centerpiece for the entire complex. Occupying a full 200 square feet, the fountain area consists of a cobblestone-paved surface with no visible sign of nozzles or hoses. Water soars from “the fountains” as far as 30 feet into the air and feature colorful lights at night.

The Firefighters Fountain
North of Country Club Plaza
31st Street & Broadway
Distinguished as one of the city’s larger fountains, it boasts an 80-foot diameter basin that holds 76,000 gallons of water.

J.C. Nichols Memorial Fountain
Country Club Plaza
47th Street & Nichols Parkway
One of the city’s signature fountains depicts four equestrian figures that represent a famous river of the world. Water sprays 30 feet from the center.

The Muse of Missouri
Downtown Kansas City
Based on classical mythology, this creation of artist Wheeler Williams personifies the spirit of a goddess bestowing her guidance on the Missouri River. The nine fish netted by the muse feature bluefish heads, since the artist considered native catfish as “too ugly.”

Neptune Fountain
47th and Wornall
Miller Nichols purchased the 8,000- pound cast lead fountain for its weight in scrap metal from a Kansas City dealer. Installed in the 1950s, the god of the sea moves in his chariot pulled by three mythological sea horses.

The Vietnam Veterans Fountain
Broadway south of Westport
Dedicated in 1986 to Vietnam War veterans, the fountain gives a special salute to the veterans from the Kansas City area. A memorial wall holds the names of 336 area soldiers killed or missing in action.