Why you should experience the Fountain of Rings in Centennial Olympic Park of Atlanta.
The Fountain of Rings in Centennial Olympic Park is Atlanta’s most joyful heartbeat, a symphony of water, light, and sound that captures the enduring spirit of the Olympic Games.
Set in the heart of Centennial Olympic Park, this circular plaza bursts alive with synchronized jets that leap and dance to an eclectic mix of music, from classical fanfares to modern hits. The mist shimmers in the sunlight, catching rainbows as children dart between sprays and visitors pause to take in the spectacle. Designed as both a public art installation and a symbol of global unity, the fountain features 251 jets arranged in the shape of the iconic Olympic rings, each burst a reminder of the event that transformed Atlanta into a world city. Whether you’re standing at the edge, camera in hand, or right in the middle of the action, the Fountain of Rings radiates a kind of happiness that’s impossible to fake, pure, spontaneous, and utterly contagious.
What you didn’t know about the Fountain of Rings.
The fountain is more than an attraction, it’s a masterpiece of engineering and emotion.
Built for the 1996 Olympic Games, it was the first interactive fountain of its kind, marrying choreographed water displays with music and lights controlled by a central computer system, cutting-edge technology at the time. The water is recycled continuously through a filtration system that ensures crystal clarity even on the hottest summer days. What few visitors realize is that the plaza surrounding the fountain was intentionally designed to invite play, a democratic space where locals and tourists alike could gather, splash, and celebrate. Embedded bronze disks around the perimeter mark each of the host cities of the modern Olympic Games, connecting Atlanta’s story to a global legacy. Over the years, the fountain has become one of the most photographed spots in the city and a defining symbol of downtown’s rebirth after the Olympics.
How to fold the Fountain of Rings into your trip.
Visit the fountain mid-morning or around sunset for the most magical light, or time your visit to one of the daily water shows.
Performances take place several times a day, with each one set to a different playlist of music and illuminated in vibrant colors after dark. Bring a towel or waterproof sandals if you plan to join the fun, locals know it’s the perfect way to cool off in the Atlanta heat. Afterward, wander the surrounding paths of Centennial Olympic Park to explore its gardens, memorials, and skyline viewpoints. Nearby attractions like the Georgia Aquarium, CNN Center, and World of Coca-Cola are all within a short walk, making the Fountain of Rings an ideal starting point for your downtown adventure. More than a landmark, this fountain is Atlanta’s open invitation to celebrate, a living monument that turns the city’s history into pure, liquid joy.
Hear it from the Foresyte community.
Came here thinking I’d just see some fountains and somehow ended up running through them like I was eight years old again. Shoes soaked, zero regrets.
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