7 Beautiful Fountain Shows Across the Globe

Fountain or sometimes called water fountain, is a piece of architecture which pours water into a basin or jets it into the air either to supply drinking water or for decorative or dramatic effect.

Fountains were originally purely functional, connected to springs or aqueducts and used to provide drinking water and water for bathing, but in ancient Rome they began to be used as decorative elements in gardens and courtyards.

The art of fountains reached its peak in the fountains of the palaces of Moorish Spain in the 14th century; in the Italian Renaissance garden in the 15th and 16th century; in the fountains of the Gardens of Versailles in the seventeenth century; and the decorative fountains of Rome in the seventeenth and eighteenth century.

Fountains today may be practical, such as drinking fountains and village fountains which provide clean drinking water; or designed for recreation, such as splash fountains, where residents can cool off in summer; or ornamental, decorating city parks and squares and home gardens.  Fountains may be wall fountains or free-standing.

In fountains sheets of water may flow over varied surfaces of stone, concrete or metal. Basins may overflow from one into another, or the overflow may imitate a natural cascade. Many fountains are located in small, artificial, ornamental ponds, basins and formal garden pools, and often they include sculpture.

Today in Odd Stuff Magazine we are presenting some modern fountains that has pretty awesome shows across the globe.

Fountains of Bellagio : Location: Las Vegas, USA. Bellagio Fountains Statistics: Dimensions: 50,000 square feet Gallons released per minute: up to 17,000 Cost: 50 million USD

Fountains of Bellagio in Action—

One of Las Vegas’ most captivating (and certainly more elegant) spectacles, the Fountains of Bellagio dance every fifteen minutes to the tune of everything from Frank Sinatra to Andrea Bocelli. The Bellagio Casino glitters above the 20 million gallon man-made lake, which houses the 1,000 individual fountains that create the show.  Interlocking arcs of sparkling water are perfectly synchronized to the state-of-the-art sound system, prompting Steven Spielberg, of all people, to call it “the greatest single piece of public entertainment on planet Earth.”

Dubai Fountain - Location: Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Statistics: Dimensions: 1870 square feet Gallons released per minute: 22,000 Cost: 220 million USD Fountains at Dubai

Fountain in Action—

An anemone of light and water blooms from the artificial lake’s dark surface. Impressive, you think. However, is it Dubai impressive? Then another anemone appears, and another, and another, and another. The water arcs high and explodes in massive stars of light like the finale of a major fireworks display.  Located just blocks from the world’s tallest building, Dubai Fountain plumes to nearly 500 feet (equivalent to a 50-story building), often to the ethereal tune of that perennial fountain favorite, “Time to Say Goodbye” as performed by Andrea Bocelli and Sarah Brightman. The display uses 6,000 lights and can be seen from over 20 miles away. Performances take place every 20 minutes.

King Fahd’s Fountain – Location: Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, Statistics: Dimensions: Height up to 1023 feet Gallons released per minute: 9,000 Cost: N/A

King Fahd’s Fahd’s Fountain in Action—

A single plume of salt water from the Red Sea spouts to 1023 feet at a speed of 233 miles per hour, frothing and cascading against the deep blue Saudi Arabian sky. More of a spectacle than a show (this plume doesn’t assume a swan shape), King Fahd’s Fountain is worth seeing for the sheer majesty of a tower of water which reaches heights of the Eiffel Tower.

Moonlight Rainbow Fountain – Location: Seoul, Korea Moonlight Rainbow Fountain Statistics: Dimensions: 3740 square feet Gallons of water released per minute: 190 Cost: 16.1 million USD

Moonlight Rainbow Fountain in Action—

The Guinness Book of Records lists the Moonlight Rainbow Fountain as the world’s longest bridge fountain. Programmed to display about 100 different formations, the fountain undulates and pulses in a shifting rainbow as cars zoom across the bridge, the glow of headlights adding an element of spontaneity and immediacy to the delicate play of water and light.

Musical Fountain – Location: Jerudong Park, Brunei. Musical Fountains  Statistics: Dimensions: (Jerudong Park) 57-hectare Gallons of water released per minute: N/A Cost: (Jerudong Park Building Cost) 1 Billion USD

Musical Fountain in Action—

The tiny country of Brunei (on the island of Borneo) hosts one of Asia’s most impressive fountain shows, notable for its glowing jewel tones and delicate floral motifs.  Located in Brunei’s Jerudong Amusement Park, the fountain also serves as a backdrop for laser shows and holographic cartoons.

Big Wild Goose Pagoda Music Fountain – Location: Xi’an City, China, Statistics: Dimensions: 65,000 square foot Gallons of water released per minute: N/A Cost: 14.7 billion USD

Fountain in Action—

Worth mentioning for its name alone, the Big Wild Goose Pagoda Music Fountain is notable for its majestic backdrop, the ancient and eponymous pagoda, built over 1200 years ago. The fountain show is free and can attract crowds of up to 100,000 people in the summertime. The beautiful display spouts folding landscapes of water and fire while the atmospheric mist rises below the ancient pagoda.

Old Faithful – Location: Yellowstone National Park, USA. Statistics: Dimensions: Height 110-185 feet Gallons of water released per minute: approx. 2500 Cost: NA

Old Faithful in Action—

There’s nothing like a classic. Located in Yellowstone National Park, Old Faithful geyser has been delighting visitors for hundreds of years. Water jets from 100-180 feet, roiling in fluffy clouds. Shows may last between 1.5 and 4.5 minutes but show times remain unpredictable.

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