The Sciences and The Arts Fountains facts for kids
The Sciences and The Arts Fountains are two beautiful stone fountains. You can find them in Jefferson City, Missouri, right outside the main entrance of the Missouri State Capitol building. These fountains were created by an artist named Robert Ingersoll Aitken.
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Discover the Fountains of Missouri's Capitol
These two large fountains are made from a special type of stone called Bedford limestone. Each fountain has two round parts, called basins, where the water collects. The bottom basin is about 35 feet (10.7 meters) wide. The top basin is smaller, about 11 feet (3.4 meters) wide.
What Do the Fountains Look Like?
The smaller top basin of each fountain sits on a round base. On this base, there are carved statues. These statues are called "allegorical figures" because they represent ideas or subjects. There are four figures on each fountain, and they switch between male and female designs.
The Sciences Fountain
One fountain is called The Sciences. The figures carved on this fountain represent different areas of study and knowledge. They include:
- Geometry (the study of shapes and spaces)
- Geology (the study of Earth's rocks and history)
- Chemistry (the study of what things are made of)
- Astrology (an older study related to stars, sometimes called the "elder sister" of Astronomy)
The Arts Fountain
The other fountain is called The Arts. The figures on this fountain show different forms of art and creativity. They represent:
- Architecture (designing buildings)
- Sculpture (making statues and figures)
- Painting (creating art with colors)
- Music (creating sounds and melodies)
When Were They Built?
These amazing fountains were officially opened and shown to the public on October 6, 1924. They have been a part of the Capitol grounds ever since, adding beauty and meaning to the area.
