Editing Swann Memorial Fountain

{{Infobox LocalBusiness
| name = Swann Memorial Fountain
| type = Public fountain
| address = Logan Circle, Benjamin Franklin Parkway
| neighborhood = Logan Square
| website = https://www.associationforpublicart.org
| established = 1924
| hours = Always visible (water seasonal)
| public_transit = Spring Garden Station (BSL)
}}

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.<ref name="swann">{{cite web |url=https://www.associationforpublicart.org/artwork/swann-memorial-fountain/ |title=Swann Memorial Fountain |publisher=Association for Public Art |access-date=December 23, 2025}}</ref>

== History ==

=== Commission ===

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 ===

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 ==

=== Design ===

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 ===

* 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 ==

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 ===

* [[Barnes Foundation]] (north)
* [[Rodin Museum]] (northwest)
* Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul (east)
* Free Library of Philadelphia (north)
* [[Franklin Institute]] (nearby)

== Visiting ==

{| class="wikitable"
|-
! 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—check timing
* Traffic circle makes close viewing tricky
* Best photographed from Parkway
* Illuminated at night (when operating)
* Combine with nearby museums

== Getting There ==

* '''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 ==

{{FAQ
|q1=What do the three figures represent in Swann Fountain?
|a1=The three figures represent Philadelphia's major waterways: the Delaware River (mature male), Schuylkill River (young female), and Wissahickon Creek (young female). The Native American figures reflect the region's original inhabitants.

|q2=Who designed Swann Memorial Fountain?
|a2=Alexander Stirling Calder designed the fountain, dedicated in 1924. He was the middle of three generations of Philadelphia sculptors—his father created the William Penn statue atop City Hall, and his son became famous for mobiles.

|q3=When is the fountain running?
|a3=The fountain operates seasonally, typically from April through October. It's turned off during winter months. The sculpture is always visible, but you'll need to visit during warmer months to see the water features.

|q4=Where is the best place to view Swann Fountain?
|a4=The fountain is in a traffic circle, so the best views are from the surrounding sidewalks along the Benjamin Franklin Parkway. The north and south approaches offer good sightlines. The fountain is illuminated at night during operating season.
}}

== See Also ==

* [[Logan Square]]
* [[Benjamin Franklin Parkway]]
* [[Barnes Foundation]]
* [[City Hall]] (for William Penn statue by grandfather)

== References ==
<references />

== External Links ==

* [https://www.associationforpublicart.org/artwork/swann-memorial-fountain/ Association for Public Art - Swann Memorial Fountain]

{{#seo:
|title=Swann Memorial Fountain - Logan Circle's Three Rivers Landmark
|description=Swann Memorial Fountain in Logan Circle features three figures representing the Delaware, Schuylkill, and Wissahickon waterways. Designed by Alexander Stirling Calder in 1924.
|keywords=Swann Memorial Fountain, Logan Circle, Alexander Stirling Calder, Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Philadelphia fountains, Three Rivers fountain
|type=Article
}}

[[Category:Landmarks]]
[[Category:Public Art]]
[[Category:Logan Square]]
[[Category:Benjamin Franklin Parkway]]