Crown Center Square Fountain

Completed in 1973, the Crown Center Square Fountain is the centerpiece of the Crown Center business and shopping district. The 2,000 square-foot playful fountain is situated in the center of a landscaped courtyard across from the entrance of the Crown Center Shops. Its ground-level surface is made of checkerboard patterned pavers with dozens of jets that shoot water spouts 60 feet into the air. Water shows are performed daily and synchronized to music recorded by members of the Kansas City Symphony.

Conceptualized by the founder of Hallmark Cards Joyce Clyde "J.C." Hall, Crown Center first opened in 1971 in an effort to revitalize the once-deteriorating district. The 3.5 acre public courtyard that is Crown Center Square was part of the original design of the Crown Center district by Edward Larrabee Barnes. Installed in 1973, the Square features landscaped terraces, walkways, and seating, and provides an area for respite and space for public events. It is also the site of the Ice Terrace ice skating rink and the Square Fountain. 

The Crown Center Square Fountain is made with 2,000 square feet of checkerboard patterned pavers containing 49 water jets and 48 water shooters that send water 60 feet into the air.  

A 37,500-gallon underground reservoir recycles the water at a rate of 2,200 gallons per minute. Daily, the fountain presents synchronized water shows where the high pressure water jets are choreographed to music recorded by members of the Kansas City Symphony. 

Regular show schedule: 

Weekdays: Shows at noon and on the hour from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m

Weekends: Shows on the hour from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m

Friday and Saturday: Additional show at 10 p.m

In 2007, Crown Center’s architect Edward Larrabee Barnes (1915-2004) was posthumously awarded the American Institute of Architects highest honor of Gold Medal for his collective work in a 40-plus year career. Barnes was known for “crisp, geometric buildings in both rural and urban landscapes that didn’t call attention to themselves.” Crown Center was described by the AIA as a “low-rise commercial office complex that handsomely shapes the cityscape.”

Please note: Patrons are asked to stay behind the railing and are not allowed on the surface of the fountain. 

Crown Center Fountains, Crown Center. Accessed June 23rd 2022. https://www.crowncenter.com/about-crown-center/fountains.

NPS Form 10 900 OMB No. 1024 0018, Missouri State Parks. Accessed June 23rd 2022. https://mostateparks.com/sites/mostateparks/files/Crown-Center-Historic-District.pdf.

Stahly, Nichole. Crown Center, Clio: Your Guide to History. June 8th 2022. Accessed June 23rd 2022. https://theclio.com/entry/152546.

Boniface, Russell. Edward Larrabee Barnes, FAIA, Selected for 2007 AIA Gold Medal, American Institute of Architects. December 8th 2006. Accessed June 23rd 2022. https://info.aia.org/aiarchitect/thisweek06/1208/1208n_gold.htm.