Swann Memorial Fountain
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) is a monumental fountain in Logan Square on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway. Designed by Alexander Stirling Calder, the fountain features three Native American figures representing the region's major waterways: the Delaware River, Schuylkill River, and Wissahickon Creek.[1]
History
[edit | edit source]Commission
[edit | edit source]The fountain was commissioned in 1920:
- Funded by the Fountain Society through a bequest from Dr. Wilson Cary Swann
- Part of the Parkway's grand civic design
- Designed by Alexander Stirling Calder
- Dedicated in 1924
The Calder Family
[edit | edit source]Alexander Stirling Calder (1870-1945) was the middle of three generations of Philadelphia sculptors:
- Alexander Milne Calder (grandfather) — Created William Penn statue atop City Hall
- Alexander Stirling Calder (father) — Swann Fountain
- Alexander Calder (grandson) — Famous for mobiles and stabiles
The Sculpture
[edit | edit source]Design
[edit | edit source]The fountain depicts three reclining figures representing the region's waterways:
- Delaware River — Mature male figure (east)
- Schuylkill River — Young female figure (south)
- Wissahickon Creek — Young female figure (west)
Each figure is accompanied by symbolic animals:
- Fish and other aquatic creatures
- Water shoots from multiple points
- Jets reach up to 50 feet
Symbolism
[edit | edit source]- The three rivers that shaped Philadelphia's geography
- Native American figures reflect the region's original inhabitants
- Water represents the city's relationship with its rivers
- Beaux-Arts style matches the Parkway's grand design
Logan Circle
[edit | edit source]The fountain is the centerpiece of Logan Circle:
- One of William Penn's original five squares
- Redesigned as a traffic circle for the Parkway
- Surrounded by cultural institutions
- Views to City Hall and Art Museum
Surrounding Institutions
[edit | edit source]- Barnes Foundation (north)
- Rodin Museum (northwest)
- Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul (east)
- Free Library of Philadelphia (north)
- Franklin Institute (nearby)
Visiting
[edit | edit source]| 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
[edit | edit source]- Water runs seasonally—check timing
- Traffic circle makes close viewing tricky
- Best photographed from Parkway
- Illuminated at night (when operating)
- Combine with nearby museums
Getting There
[edit | edit source]- SEPTA Subway — Spring Garden Station (Broad Street Line)
- Bus — Routes along the Parkway
- Walking — Central location on Parkway
- Parking — Nearby museum lots or street parking
Frequently Asked Questions
[edit | edit source]See Also
[edit | edit source]- Logan Square
- Benjamin Franklin Parkway
- Barnes Foundation
- City Hall (for William Penn statue by grandfather)
References
[edit | edit source]- ↑ "Swann Memorial Fountain". Association for Public Art. Retrieved December 23, 2025