George Robert Fountain

If you're planning a trip to Boston and looking to explore a mix of history, art, and outdoor beauty, the George Robert White Memorial Fountain is a hidden gem you don’t want to miss. This stunning fountain, designed by renowned sculptor Daniel Chester French, offers visitors a peaceful retreat in the middle of the Boston Public Garden, and it’s more than just a work of public art – it’s a celebration of generosity and history.

 

What to Know

Sculptor Henry Kennard created a stunning glamorous slit of water in the northwest corner of the Boston Public Garden, titled the George Robert White Memorial Fountain also referred to as the Robert White Memorial Fountain is built in honor of the Boston benefactor, George Robert White. He was one of those who greatly contributed to defining this city; thus, this fountain is dedicated to him. It is also another work carved by Daniel Chester French, the same artist who gave to Americans the magnificent Lincoln Memorial in the capital city of Washington D.C.

 

The current common name for the sculpture is the Angel of the Waters; it depicts a tranquil female angel dropping her Dove on the water. The exterior of what French has done for the Public Garden is brilliant, plain, and almost invisible yet gorgeous sitting right in the middle of the Public Garden, which is by itself a tourist attraction in Boston.

 

How to Get There

Getting to the George Robert White Memorial Fountain is however very easy. The Boston Public Garden situated close to downtown has convenient and easy access by public means. You can take the Green Line on the MBTA to either Arlington or Boylston stations and then take a brisk walk to appreciate the best of this rich garden. Located in the northwest of the park, make sure to look carefully if you are walking through the greenery of the area.

 

If you prefer to drive, there are a few parking garages nearby but nothing like truly strolling through Boston on foot. For first-time visitors in Boston, it is located conveniently in close proximity to many of the other tourist destinations such as Beacon Hill and the Boston Common, and therefore, can form part of a visitor’s full-day itinerary.

 

Highlights

The fountain is easily one of the main attractions in the Boston Public Garden named in honour of George Robert White Memorial Fountain. Being a small yard structure it contributes an extra level of relaxation to the already serene atmosphere of the garden. Legend has it that there are visitors all around the year to appreciate the rightful work of Daniel Chester French, where the angel looks like a real person because of the fine detailing done on it. This fountain that exists to date was designed by the French to celebrate the spirit of White of giving back to society, and philanthropy if you may in the city of Boston.

 

Features

The major focus of this memorial however is this magnificent bronze angel. But it also compliments the beauty of nature with landscaping and water fountains. Whether you’re using the fountain for photography sitting on the nearby bench, or simply enjoying the calm amidst the chaos of the urban environment, Robert White Memorial Fountain is still more of a thinking park.

 

This and other areas of the Park are tended by Friends of the Public Garden, an organization whose aim is to protect and enhance the dictated aneroydage of Boston’s Park. Due to their impact, the fountain and its vicinity are still one of the examples of the best pieces of art in public spaces in the city.

 

 

Best Time to Visit

The George Robert White Memorial Fountain being an installation is always accessible, but the best moment to come is during spring and summer when the Boston Public Garden blooms. Marvelous flowers and trees surround the fountain and the weather is perfect enough for a morning or afternoon stroll.

 

Autumn is also one more favorable time to do so since the trees in the Public Garden turn bright red, orange, and yellow and set off the fountain splendidly. Cold as it is it has its appeal if you are a fan of quiet vacant places Nana Winter.

 

History

The history of the George Robert White Memorial Fountain was created in the early part of the year 1924 when the fountain was installed in memory of George Robert White who was a prominent businessman of Boston and a generous philanthropist. White was a passionate enthusiast of the city’s public areas and charitable organizations; this water feature is one of the many works financed by his trust.

This was of course commissioned for Chester French due to his expertise in carving meaningful and realistic statues. The angel in French’s design correlates with White’s generosity, where an angel’s hand is showering the city.