Revson Fountain

Revson Fountain. The Revson Fountain is a prominent architectural water feature located at the heart of the Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts complex in Manhattan. Designed by renowned architect Philip Johnson and dedicated in 1964, it serves as a central gathering point and visual anchor for the performing arts campus. The fountain is named for Charles Revson, the founder of Revlon, whose philanthropic foundation provided significant funding for its construction.

History

The fountain's creation was integral to the development of Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, a major urban renewal project led by figures like Robert Moses and John D. Rockefeller III. It was funded by a grant from the Charles H. Revson Foundation, established by the cosmetics magnate. Upon its completion in 1964, the fountain was dedicated alongside the opening of the central Josie Robertson Plaza, becoming an immediate fixture of New York City's cultural landscape. Its history is intertwined with the center's iconic institutions, including the Metropolitan Opera House, David Geffen Hall, and the David H. Koch Theater.

Design and features

Conceived by architect Philip Johnson, the fountain's design is a study in modernist geometry and hydraulic engineering. The primary structure consists of a large, circular basin made of granite, from which a single, powerful central jet propels water approximately 60 feet into the air. This main jet is surrounded by a concentric ring of smaller nozzles that create a lower canopy of water. The fountain's mechanics and lighting were advanced for its time, featuring an automated system that could vary the height and pattern of the water display. The materials, including polished stone and bronze fittings, were chosen to complement the surrounding International Style architecture of buildings like the New York State Theater.

Location and context

The fountain is the centerpiece of the Josie Robertson Plaza, the main pedestrian plaza at Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts on the Upper West Side of Manhattan. It is strategically positioned between the grand staircases of the Metropolitan Opera House and the facade of David Geffen Hall, formerly known as Avery Fisher Hall. This location places it within the Broadway corridor, adjacent to the Juilliard School and the Vivian Beaumont Theater. The plaza and fountain are framed by the iconic Henry Moore sculpture, "Reclining Figure," and are a stone's throw from Columbus Avenue and the Dante Park.

Cultural significance

As a focal point of one of the world's premier cultural complexes, the fountain has appeared in numerous films and television shows, cementing its status as a symbol of New York City's artistic life. It provides a dramatic backdrop for pre-performance gatherings, public events like the Lincoln Center Out of Doors festival, and notable celebrations such as the New York Film Festival. The site has been used for major public announcements and has been featured in works by filmmakers like Woody Allen. Its image is closely associated with the prestige of institutions like the New York Philharmonic and the New York City Ballet.

Renovations and maintenance

The fountain underwent a significant restoration in the early 21st century as part of a larger redevelopment of Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts led by architects Diller Scofidio + Renfro. This renovation, which included the adjacent public spaces, updated the fountain's aging mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems to improve efficiency and reliability. The work ensured the preservation of Philip Johnson's original design intent while incorporating modern water conservation technologies. Ongoing maintenance is managed by the Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts organization in coordination with the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation.

Category:Fountains in New York City Category:Lincoln Center Category:Philip Johnson buildings and structures