new chairs – New movable chairs inspired by Paris’ Luxembourg Gardens have debuted around Buckingham Fountain, giving visitors a spot to linger as the fountain runs. But the $54,438 price tag—partly funded by the city and partly by Lollapalooza—has already drawn reactions
On Saturday morning. Yale Sage eased into one of the new green metal chairs around Buckingham Fountain. tilting his face toward the sun as water cascaded into the basin. For a few minutes. it looked like Chicago’s famed landmark had quietly added something it had been missing for years: room to sit. slow down. and stay.
The Chicago Park District’s new seating program debuted with 100 movable chairs, manufactured by Paris-based Fermob. City officials said the effort is designed to “encourage social gathering” and give visitors a place to relax and enjoy the fountain’s show.
Sage, 80, of Streeterville, said the chairs made the morning feel nearly perfect. “Right here, with the view, the sound and the changing flow of the water, it’s been the almost perfect morning,” he said.
Other visitors were already treating the chairs like part of the experience. Barbara Kay Herring and Robin Strand. members of Plein Air Painters Chicago. came to sketch and paint. hoping for a little inspiration in the park’s scenery. Herring said she expected something “a little, you know, Frenchier,” but settled into the design anyway. “I was expecting something a little. you know. Frenchier. but I think these are just lovely. ” she said as she drew. She added that the colors fit comfortably with the scene and that the chairs feel good for most people. Strand agreed, sitting near her easel. “I like them. I think they’re nice,” she said.
The program’s physical details are part of the appeal for regulars. The chairs are as light as a folding chair and are evenly split between those with an upright back and those that slightly recline. Nathan Zito of the Loop. 29. sat back after his morning run. saying the surprise for him was that he could finally rest right where the landmark pulls attention. “They’re very loungy, they feel good,” he said. He also pointed to the social side of the change—how lingering can turn into conversation. “I think it’s nice,” he said. “And I’m single, so maybe you sit next to somebody and you start talking.”.
Buckingham Fountain has long been a popular draw in Grant Park, but the lack of seating and amenities often meant many visitors treated it like a quick stop. With chairs now placed around the fountain, several people said they could stay longer and linger for the full experience.
Still, the added comfort comes with a price tag that didn’t escape notice. At roughly $500 apiece, the total cost for the chairs is $54,438, according to the park district. Of that amount, $24,438 was funded by the city. Lollapalooza. which partnered on the project. paid the remaining $30. 000; the festival is set to host its 21st event in Grant Park July 30-Aug. 2.
When Sage heard the cost, his reaction was immediate. “Get out of here,” he said. “Seems like a lot for a metal chair.” Then he softened, returning to the point that brought him to the seat in the first place. “But I am comfortable,” he added.
The fountain itself is already built for regular viewing: it runs for 20 minutes every hour, with a center jet that shoots as high as 150 feet. Buckingham Fountain was turned on for the season in early May. The chairs are available at 8 a.m., while the display begins daily at 9 a.m.
Park officials framed the seating as a way to extend civic pride and encourage visitors to make their own view of the park. “Celebrating its 99th season. this beloved fountain is where the entire city gathers to enjoy its breathtaking displays and the civic pride that grows when Chicagoans come together. ” Chicago Park District general superintendent and CEO Carlos Ramirez-Rosa said in a statement. “We invite Chicagoans and tourists to enjoy this new amenity and create their own view of Grant Park.”.
For some visitors, the promise of a place to rest is paired with a practical worry. Olga Goronok. 49. a tourist from Houston visiting Chicago for the first time. said the chairs looked like an ideal stop during her Saturday walk through downtown. “I think it’s going to give the locals a nice place to gather,” she said. But she also wondered how the city would keep the chairs in good condition and prevent them from being stolen. The park district said the chairs will be secured each evening after the last fountain display at 11 p.m.
Buckingham Fountain Chicago Park District Fermob Luxembourg Gardens Lollapalooza Grant Park seating program public amenities Chicago news