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Washington, D.C., District of Columbia / Landmarks

Dupont Circle Fountain

An iconic memorial fountain honoring Rear Admiral Samuel Francis Du Pont, serving as a vibrant community hub and gathering place in the heart of Washington, D.C.

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Dupont Circle Fountain
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What is the Dupont Circle Fountain known for?

It is one of Washington, D.C.'s most iconic landmarks outside the National Mall and serves as a memorial to Rear Admiral Samuel Francis Du Pont, a prominent American naval officer.

Where is it located?

The fountain is located at 1 Dupont Circle NW in Washington, DC 20036, at the intersection of Massachusetts, Connecticut, and New Hampshire Avenues, P Street, and 19th Street NW.

Who designed the fountain?

The fountain was designed by sculptor Daniel Chester French and architect Henry Bacon.

What events take place at the fountain?

The fountain is a gathering place for community celebrations and events, including Cinema in the Circle movie screenings, Art All Night Dupont, community snowball fights, and gatherings to watch the annual Pride Parade.

What are the architectural features of the fountain?

Designed to represent Greek mythology, the fountain's sculptural program includes symbolic figures representing the Sea, Wind, and Stars, which are the three arts of ocean navigation.

What should I check before going?

Use Gyde for context, then check official sources for current hours, tickets, construction, and closures.

What to know

The Samuel Francis Du Pont Memorial Fountain is one of Washington, D.C.'s most iconic landmarks outside the National Mall. Completed in 1921, the fountain was designed by sculptor Daniel Chester French and architect Henry Bacon to replace an earlier statue of the Admiral that had been relocated to Rockford Park in Wilmington, Delaware. It honors Rear Admiral Samuel Francis Du Pont, a prominent American naval officer known for his Civil War service and the capture of Port Royal, South Carolina. The architectural design draws from Greek mythology, incorporating symbolic figures representing the Sea, Wind, and Stars—the three arts of ocean navigation. The fountain's inscription explicitly notes that it replaces a statue erected by the Congress of the United States in recognition of the Admiral's distinguished services. This attention to detail makes it a significant piece of naval history and public art in the city's urban landscape. Beyond its historical significance, the fountain is managed by the National Park Service and serves as a central gathering place for the community. Locals and visitors alike use the space year-round for reading, people-watching, and meeting up. The surrounding park area features benches, walking paths, and public art, providing a peaceful respite from the city's traffic. The circle is a focal point for numerous community celebrations and events. It hosts a variety of events such as the Dupont Circle community snowball fights, Cinema in the Circle movie screenings, Art All Night Dupont, and serves as a gathering space during Capital Pride to watch the annual Pride Parade. The area is further enriched by the Fresh Farmers Market every Sunday and Artwalk Dupont on the first Friday of every month.

Visitor tips

  • Visit on a Sunday to catch the Fresh Farmers Market nearby.
  • Come during the first Friday of every month for Artwalk Dupont.
  • Use the available benches for a few minutes of people-watching.
  • The area is accessible via public transit, making it easy to integrate into a walking tour.

Nearby context

The fountain is located at the intersection of Massachusetts, Connecticut, and New Hampshire Avenues, P Street, and 19th Street NW, serving as the center of a vibrant neighborhood known for its mix of residential and commercial properties, casual bistros, brunch hotspots, and late-night dining options.

Sources

Evidence and links