Bartholdi

The Bartholdi Fountain across from
the U.S. Botanic Garden and Conservatory

Located just southwest of the U.S. Capitol is the U.S. Botanic Garden and Conservatory. Across the street from that is Bartholdi Park. Prior to 1932, both the conservatory and the gardens were located directly on the National Mall where the Grant Memorial is now located.

View of the U.S. Capitol from Bartholdi Park

The central feature of Bartholdi Park is a fountain created by Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi for the 1876 International Centennial Exhibition in Philadelphia, PA. (Bartholdi was also the designer who created the Statue of Liberty--one of America's most beloved and lasting icons.)

This globe was one of several around the park with a theme of
environmental awareness. The conservatory is in the background.

The fountain weighs 40 tons and is 30 feet in height. It is symmetrical in three sections and features sea turtles and shells, sea nymphs, and tritons. The upper basin is surrounded by 12 electrical lights. Currently, the fountain is in need of repair and is not fully functioning, but in its heyday it was one of Washington's most visited attractions and one of the few that could be enjoyed at night.

Another view of the conservatory and capitol from the southwest corner of
Bartholdi Park. Note the Capitol Police car in the foreground. This is one of
more than 30 law enforcement agencies that have some level of jurisdiction
within the District of Columbia.

The fountain is surrounded by beautiful gardens featuring more than 10,000 perennials. There are benches and tables for enjoying the beautiful setting and the many varieties of flora.


Photo copyright: D.C. Confidential, 6/08