Fountain Square, Cincinnati

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The greatest gathering point in downtown Cincinnati would have to be Fountain Square, a multi-level open space with a central fountain featuring classical figurines in bronze. The square is surrounded by restaurant and shopping activities, and a huge screen provides live action viewing of Reds Baseball. This is also a place to browse exhibitions of local art on display. This is also a common venue for live music.

The Fountain can be seen in the opening credits on WKRP in Cincinnati, a television sitcom. Originally built as a memorial tribute in 1871, the fountain and plaza were reconstructed during the fountain's centennial in 1971. The bronze fountain, named The Genius of Water, is the work of German artist, Ferdinand von Miller.

This is the signature spot in Cincinnati, a gathering place and focal point in the heart of of the city. The 'Tyler Davidson Fountain, rises 43 feet in the center of the square. It is the oldest sculpture in The Queen City, and is her best known and most loved symbol.

Water streams from the outstretched arms of a 9-foot-tall female figure representing the "Genius of Water." Below, four adult figures dramatize the life-sustaining uses of water and four relief panels depict the industrial uses of water. These are fitting symbols in a river city. Four drinking spouts on the lower tier once held communal cups for pedesterians to use.

The fountain was a gift to the City of Cincinnati in 1871, from local businessman Henry Probasco, in memory of his deceased brother-in-law and business partner. It is the creation of sculptor August von Kreling of Munich, Germany.

The first time I saw the fountain was on a trip from Tennessee to Cincinnati with my Dad and three of my brothers in 1954. I was at fountain square again the last week in June, 2004. The downtown area around the fountain has changed dramatically during the interim, but the fountain itself has endured - just as I always remembered it.

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Fountain Square is the heart of Cincinnati, Ohio. Located at the corner of Fifth and Vine Streets in the middle of downtown, Fountain Square is a public space where Cincinnatians gather, celebrate and connect as a city. Presiding over the Square is the historic Tyler Davidson Fountain, dedicated in 1871 to the people of Cincinnati.
There was an ice skating rink here making for a great way to spend a few hours with the family, a wedding was underway and last but not least Macy's downtown dazzle! We sure fell in love with this active and buzzing melting pot in the heart of downtown!! Only regret is the fountain never came on- no water! We were so hoping for some good pics of that! :)

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Great old photo link!

***UPDATE***
They've just recently moved the fountain (AGAIN!); it's closer in to the restaurants, perhaps in hopes to keep it out of the way of cars? Who knows!

Fountain Square in downtown Cincinnati is a wonderful place to bring the kids in the summer to feel the water spray from the fountain and an opportunity for the little kids to chase the pigeons. There are chairs & table available for the parents to hang out & watch the kids. But what we like to do best is bring a picnic dinner and lay the spread out on the table & people-watch.

During lunchtime, you'll see tons of people camped out around the Tyler-Davidson Fountain eating their lunch out of a bag.

If you opt out of the picnic there is the Rock Bottom Brewery nearby which serves a fine selection of brews, terrace seating available. You'll also find many other types of restaurants & bars nearby. During the day the Westin Hotel (ph#: 513-621-7700) across the street has a great $11 lunch buffet.

From the square you get great views of Carew Tower, the tallest building in Cincy, that sits adjacent across the street. And across the street is our very own Tiffany's! Their signature diamond & platinum Tiffany engagement rings start at just $1,000. Breakfast, anyone?

Summer evenings there's usually a sax player who plays for donations.

During the winter there is a great little outdoor skating rink.

Parking available just underneath the square.

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A Cincinnati businessman dedicated this fountain “To the People of Cincinnati” in memory of his business partner and brother-in-law Tyler Davidson on October 6, 1871. The bronze and granite fountain glorifies the blessings of water, affectionately known as “The Lady" or "The Genius of Water". Below her, large human figures represent water’s practical uses, and on the base, four child figures represent the pleasures of water. The four figures around the rim were originally drinking fountains.

The Fountain Square is also a great place to eat lunch in late spring to early fall, and is used as an ice rink in the winter. The jumbotron above the square is also used in sporting events.

The fountain was originally designed for good 'ol King Ludwig I. Another reminder of the city's German Heritage. But more importantly...

Baby, if you've ever wondered,
Wondered whatever became of me,
I'm living on the air in Cincinnati,
Cincinnati, WKRP.

Got kind of tired packing and unpacking,
Town to town and up and down the dial
Maybe you and me were never meant to be,
But baby think of me once in awhile.

I'm at WKRP in Cincinnati..

The Tyler Davidson Fountain is the centerpiece of this square which has come to symbolize Cincinnati. Originally designed by August von Kreling in the 1840's for King Ludwig I of Bavaria, it was cast in Munich in 1871 and donated to the city by Henry Probasco in honor of his brother in law and business partner, Tyler Davidson.
The fountain stands 43 feet high and is adorned with figures depicting the importance of water in our lives.

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Here is the symbolic center of Cincinnati. I remember watching "WKRP in Cincinnati" when I was younger, and this fountain was the opening scene of the credits.

The fountain itself was first completed in 1871. A Baltimore firm redesigned, and slightly reoriented, it in 1971.

A great people watching area in the heart of downtown Cincinnati. Fans of the great 1970s TV comedy WKRP In Cincinnati will no doubt recognize the "Spirit of the Waters" statue pictured here.