Pool of Four Fauns

The Pool of Four Fauns (also known as the Four Fauns Fountain) was installed on the Country Club Plaza in 1928. The four bronze figures were reportedly 200 years old when purchased in Brindisi, Italy by John C. Taylor and were placed into a small rectangular fountain designed by J.C. Nichols Company. Originally installed near 47th and Broadway, the fountain was relocated to its current location in 1958 upon completion of the small courtyard. Due to theft of three of the four fauns in 1964, replicas were made of the existing figure and positioned in place of the originals. Each faun shoots water across the pool, creating a tranquil spattering for patrons to enjoy.

In 1928, president and chairman of the board of J.C. Nichols Company John C. Taylor purchased four small bronze fauns in Brindisi, Italy. Reportedly 200 years old at the time of purchase, each figure featured a water spigot and were all in a unique pose. They were installed on the corners of a rectangular reflection pool on Broadway between 47th Street and Alameda Road (now Nichols Road). The fountain was relocated to its current location, Plaza Central Park in 1958. Unfortunate theft occurred in 1964 and three of the four fauns were stolen. Replicas were made of the existing figure, the reason why the four are now identical. 

Designed by the Nichols Company, the Pool of Four Fauns was constructed with brick walls and uniquely shaped colorful tiles laid at the bottom, while the fauns shoot water across the pool. A plaque was installed on the east end that honors the 1928 purchase and installation of the bronze figures, as well as defines a faun. It reads, 

“A faun, in Roman mythology, is characterized as half human and half goat, similar to Pan in Greek mythology. Fauns are children of Faunus, one of the oldest and most popular of Roman deities. He was the Spirit of the forests, plains and fields.

These bronze figures were purchased in Brindisi, Italy in 1928 by John C. Taylor and placed on the Plaza that year by the J.C. Nichols Company for the enjoyment of Plaza visitors”.

The fountain is accompanied by a wooden bench inlaid with Spanish tile which invites patrons to take a break from their activities to enjoy the tranquil spattering of water. The courtyard also features tile artwork depicting a scene of a Spanish farmer which is mounted above a marble bench, relocated from its original location on Ward Parkway between Wyandotte and Central Streets.

Four Fauns Fountain, City of Fountains. Accessed January 12th 2022. https://cityoffountains.org/four-fauns-fountain/.

Marble Seat in Country Club Plaza, Missouri Valley Special Collections. Accessed January 12th 2022. https://kchistory.org/image/marble-seat-country-club-plaza-1?solr_nav%5Bid%5D=ee4ebaac28ffb2e83f3f&solr_nav%5Bpage%5D=0&solr_nav%5Boffset%5D=2.