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Tinguely Fountain

Squares & fountains ·Basel ·Open now
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About

Tinguely Fountain is a mechanical sculpture fountain by Jean Tinguely on Theaterplatz in Basel.

More photos 3

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Tinguely Fountain — Several mechanical sculptures arranged across the shallow fountain

Tinguely Fountain — Several mechanical sculptures arranged across the shallow fountainTinguely Fountain — Close view of a wheeled metal sculpture in the waterTinguely Fountain — Ornate sculpted fountain nozzle rising above the pool

Why go

  • The fountain is listed as a Swiss cultural property of national importance.
  • Ten mechanical sculptures spray jets of water through the air.

Opening hours

Today00:00 – 23:59Show all
Monday00:00 – 23:59
Tuesday00:00 – 23:59
Wednesday00:00 – 23:59
Thursday00:00 – 23:59
Friday00:00 – 23:59
Saturday00:00 – 23:59
Sunday00:00 – 23:59

Don't miss

  • The named figuresLook for dr Theaterkopf, d’Spinne, dr Waggler and d’Fontääne.In the basin
  • The rest of the castThe other six figures are dr Spritzer, dr Suuser, dr Wäädel, dr Schuufler, s’Seechter and dr Querpfyffer.In the basin
  • Benches by the waterStone benches sit around the basin, backed by bushes and hedges.Around the basin

Interesting facts4

1/4
  1. 19 metres

    The irregular basin measures 16 by 19 metres, with water 19 centimetres deep.

    Fasnachts-Brunnen - Wikipedia

  2. Special measures protect the figures from frost and ice in winter.

    Fasnachts-Brunnen - Wikipedia

  3. The basin water is neither drinking water nor suitable for bathing.

    Fasnachts-Brunnen - Wikipedia

  4. The fountain does not have protected-monument status.

    Fasnachts-Brunnen - Wikipedia

Shorts

History

The Handelsgenossenschaft Migros donated it to the city for the cooperative’s 50th anniversary.

  1. 1975–1977Jean Tinguely created the fountain on the stage site of Basel’s demolished old city theatre.
  2. 1977Tinguely placed the machine sculptures in the basin.
  3. 2002Special lighting and a salute marked the fountain’s 25th anniversary.

Sources: Fontaine du carnaval - Wikipedia · Fasnachts-Brunnen - Wikipedia · checked 28 Sep 2026

Where
Klostergasse 7, Basel, 4051

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Questions and answers

What is the address of Tinguely Fountain?

Klostergasse 7, 4051 Basel.

Can I see Tinguely Fountain in winter?

Yes. Its water continues flowing through winter.

Can children paddle in Tinguely Fountain’s basin?

The basin water is unsuitable for bathing.

Is there somewhere to sit at Tinguely Fountain?

Stone benches surround the basin.

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