Swann Memorial Fountain
| Type | Public fountain |
|---|---|
| Address | Logan Circle, Benjamin Franklin Parkway |
| Map | View on Google Maps |
| Neighborhood | Logan Square |
| Website | Official site |
| Established | 1924 |
| Hours | Always visible (water seasonal) |
The Swann Memorial Fountain (also known as the Fountain of Three Rivers) sits monumentally in Logan Square on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway. Alexander Stirling Calder designed it. Three Native American figures represent the region's major waterways: the Delaware River, Schuylkill River, and Wissahickon Creek.[1]
History
Commission
They commissioned the fountain in 1920. Several elements came together: the Fountain Society funded it through a bequest from Dr. Wilson Cary Swann, making it part of the Parkway's grand civic design. Alexander Stirling Calder took on the design work, and they dedicated it in 1924.
The Calder Family
Alexander Stirling Calder wasn't working alone. He belonged to three generations of Philadelphia sculptors:
- Alexander Milne Calder (grandfather) — Created the William Penn statue atop City Hall
- Alexander Stirling Calder (father) — The Swann Fountain
- Alexander Calder (grandson) — Became famous for mobiles and stabiles
The Sculpture
Design
Three reclining figures represent the region's waterways. Each one has its own character and placement:
- Delaware River — Mature male figure positioned east
- Schuylkill River — Young female figure positioned south
- Wissahickon Creek — Young female figure positioned west
Symbolic animals accompany each figure. Fish and other aquatic creatures fill the design. Water shoots from multiple points, with jets reaching up to 50 feet high.
Symbolism
The three rivers shaped Philadelphia's geography. That's essential to understanding the work. Native American figures reflect the region's original inhabitants, and they're central to the whole design. Water represents the city's relationship with its rivers. The Beaux-Arts style matches the Parkway's grand design perfectly.
Logan Circle
This isn't just any fountain. It's the centerpiece of Logan Circle, one of William Penn's original five squares. They redesigned it as a traffic circle for the Parkway. Cultural institutions surround it on all sides, with views to City Hall and the Art Museum.
Surrounding Institutions
- Barnes Foundation (north)
- Rodin Museum (northwest)
- Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul (east)
- Free Library of Philadelphia (north)
- Franklin Institute (nearby)
Visiting
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Logan Circle, Benjamin Franklin Parkway |
| Access | Always visible (traffic circle) |
| Water | Seasonal (approximately April-October) |
| Time needed | 10-15 minutes |
| Best views | From Parkway sidewalks |
Tips
Water runs seasonally. You'll want to check the timing before you visit. The traffic circle makes close viewing tricky, but don't let that stop you. Best photographed from the Parkway. It's illuminated at night when it's operating. Combine your visit with nearby museums for a full day.
Getting There
Several options work well:
- SEPTA Subway — Spring Garden Station on the Broad Street Line
- Bus — Routes along the Parkway
- Walking — Central location on Parkway
- Parking — Nearby museum lots or street parking
Frequently Asked Questions
See Also
- Logan Square
- Benjamin Franklin Parkway
- Barnes Foundation
- City Hall (for William Penn statue by grandfather)
References
- ↑ "Swann Memorial Fountain". Association for Public Art. Retrieved December 23, 2025