There’s something hypnotic about watching water dance. In cities across the world, fountains mesmerize and entertain us. Some, however, go the distance and create jaw-dropping displays where jets of water dance in time to music and colorful lighting. The end result is a dazzling show that stops people in the street. If you’re keen to see it for yourself, then check out these incredible water fountain shows in the world.
Fountains of Bellagio - Las Vegas, U.S.
The Fountains of Bellagio on the Las Vegas Strip has become as iconic as its setting, particularly since it featured in the closing scene of the 2001 blockbuster movie Ocean’s Eleven. This impressive installation opened in 1998 after a three-year build costing a cool $40 million. Incorporating more than a thousand water nozzles and spanning a thousand feet across, it was an ambitious project. The show takes place each evening at half-hour intervals. The fountains have been choreographed to sway and shoot jets of water to music, including "Time to Say Goodbye," "The Pink Panther Theme," and, fittingly, Elvis’ "Viva Las Vegas." The highest fountain sends a jet of water up to 460 feet into the air, watched by a crowd of enthusiastic and appreciative spectators.
The Dubai Fountain - Dubai, UAE
WET Design not only collaborated with the Bellagio on the Las Vegas show, they’re also responsible for the Dubai Fountain. Launched in 2009, it became the world’s tallest fountain, stealing the accolade from the Bellagio. The design features five circles and two arcs; more than 1500 water jets and 1000 fog jets create the illusion of three-dimensional shapes. Colored lights and of course, sound combine to create a magical show at the foot of the world’s tallest building. The addition of an 892-foot-long floating boardwalk enables visitors to get even closer to the fountains as they move, increasing the impact of this already impressive show. Alternatively, tourists can board an abra – the boat that has traditionally ferried passengers across Dubai Creek – for a ride on the lake.
Spectra - Marina Bay Sands, Singapore
Spectra is Singapore’s answer to the Fountains of Bellagio, created by Australian agency Imagination. This nightly spectacle takes place in the Event Plaza at the Promenade in front of the Marina Bay Sands Hotel. One of Asia’s most impressive water fountain shows, it utilizes eighteen individually controlled fountains lit by LED lights. For 15 wonderful minutes, a four-act story unfolds, told through fountain jets, lasers, and visual projections and accompanied by an original orchestral score. Each segment tells a part of the tale, showcasing aspects of Singapore’s history and culture and exploring the journey it has taken to become the cosmopolitan republic it is today.
Aquanura - Efteling, Netherlands
Efteling is a Dutch theme park. In 2012, to commemorate its 60th birthday, it hired WET Design to create a jaw-dropping water fountain show. The result was Aquanura, one of the biggest water fountain shows in Europe. It tells the story of The Frog King. Incorporating Efteling’s much-loved fairytale characters, it combines water, fire, mist, vivid colors, and a fitting soundtrack in a most remarkable way. Four frogs, 200 fountains, and 900 lights delight the waiting crowd who watch from the shore of Efteling’s lake. Kids will love its multi-sensory appeal, while adults can indulge in a bit of nostalgia for their own childhood.
El Circuito Mágico del Agua - Lima, Peru
Lima’s Parque de la Reserva is home to an attraction called El Circuito Mágico del Agua, or in English, the Magic Water Circuit. Water, sound, lights, and lasers create 13 cybernetic fountains. Each one features unique choreography, its water nozzles synchronized to the music. Visitors make their way around the circuit, watching each in turn. Some, like the water arches called the Tunnel of Surprises and the Walk-In Dome fountain, are interactive. Among the rest, the Fantasy Fountain taps into Peruvian culture and history; the Tangüis Fountain mimics the stamens and corollas of flowers; and the Dream Maze Fountain creates walls of water in four concentric circles to create a kind of labyrinth.
Hellbrunn’s Trick Fountains - Salzburg, Austria
Hellbrunn’s water fountain show is a cool water fountain show of a very different kind. Its trick fountains have long been a popular summer attraction, located on the grounds of Salzburg’s Hellbrunn Palace. Prince-Archbishop of Salzburg Markus Sittikus came up with the idea in the early 17th century as a joke to play on his guests. Fast forward more than four centuries and the individual fountains are still hidden in the most unexpected of places, such as in the seating around a stone garden table and in flower beds and pathways. Suddenly, when least expected, they spring into life and drench unsuspecting visitors. If you’re intrigued enough to want to learn how it all works, book a behind-the-scenes private tour and all will be revealed.
