International Fountain

International Fountain re-opened in July 2021 after a three-month renovation that replaced 56 of the fountain’s 274 water jets, installed new, colorful LED lighting and re-caulked 5,000 feet of sealant around the huge metal water dome. Technology and electricity were also upgraded.

The fountain, a mainstay from the 1962 Seattle World's Fair, was designed to reflect outer space exploration. Protruding nozzles and jagged, irregular white rocks surrounding the original silver metal dome were meant to convey a feeling of “lunar landscape.” However, they rendered the fountain unapproachable. The nozzles and rocks were removed during a rebuild in 1995 and numerous flat jets were installed on the new stainless steel dome’s surface to allow for greater play and interaction. The fountain quickly became a focal point for the grounds as children splashed in its bowl and tried to outwit its supershooters. The recent maintenance updated the mechanical elements of the fountain to extend its life so that it may remain an attraction for our community long into the future.

Did you know: International Fountain also takes care of nature. All of its water is recycled and it’s probably the cleanest in the city, with three types of natural treatments before it ever reaches the public.