Tinguely Fountain

What makes it special

The ten figures in the pool are machine sculptures by the Swiss artist Jean Tinguely, built between 1975 and 1977. Small low-voltage motors keep each one moving, and each throws its own jet of water into the air. Look closely at the ironwork: part of it was made from movable pieces of the old city theatre's stage set.

The pool's irregular outline, about 16 by 19 metres, traces the footprint of that theatre's stage, demolished in the 1970s. The rim stands barely 25 centimetres high, so you can stand right at the water's edge.

The local name is the Fasnachts-Brunnen, the carnival fountain, after the costumed revellers who walk the streets at Fasnacht.

Come in a hard January frost and you see a different fountain. The water is not drained over winter, so the crews stop the figures and let the spray freeze evenly over them, turning each machine into an ice sculpture.

Ice is heavy, so the figures are given extra support in winter to carry the load. Crews have also cut big pieces of ice away with chainsaws to protect them.

Visiting

Open on every side, the fountain has no entrance: you walk onto the square from Steinenberg or Klostergasse and the machines are already working. Walk once around the rim to see every figure, then pick a bench.

The stone benches stand against the hedges around the pool, and from there you can watch the figures move together. The water is only about 19 centimetres deep, but it is not for paddling or drinking: this is one of three Basel fountains where both are banned.

Stand close to the rim and some of the spray will reach you, so keep a camera lens or a phone wiped.

Tips

Come on a sunny late afternoon: the low light throws rainbows into the spray and the benches start to empty.

Do not confuse the fountain with the Museum Tinguely, a separate building at Paul Sacher-Anlage 1 that holds a collection of the artist's work. Its guided tours run inside the museum, in German.