Meandering through the Disney Concert Hall Community Park, Frank and I was led by the pathway to this fountain. I’ve previously heard about it and was intrigued to view it personally. Where the fountain is situated, it almost sits in the center of the park, like the heart of the park.
The fountain is dedicated to Lillian Disney, Walt’s wife, who’s favorite flower is the rose. The fountain is shaped like an unfurling rose and depending on what angle you view it, it can look a little misshaped. The fountain is covered in a mosiac of Delft porcelain from Holland. The porcelain alone cost $34,000. Imagine the sound of all those vases breaking! Do you think they broke them all at once? Ouch!!!
It’s an interesting sight and a touching sentiment, but I don’t remember hearing any trickling when we were there. Not sure if it wasn’t on or it just doesn’t trickle. A little disappointing for a fountain to not trickle, no? Am curious how it will age. Also, it was a clever way to include a special something, like the heart of a garden. And a good way to break from the continuous landscape, keeping things fresh, not monotonous.
The rounded edges and mosaic surface of the fountain contrasts boldly against the building’s smooth, reflective, steel exterior. Handmade vs. machine made. I love juxtaposition of elements that may be opposites but are exciting together.
In some ways, it reminds of the I.M. Pei’s pyramids at the Louvre. 
The pyramids and this fountain both stand out against their surrounding. Both are made of materials in direct contrast to the abutting structures. I.M. Pei’s pyramid made of glass and steel symbolizing modernity against the Louvre’s historical, palatial architecture, while this rose fountain is covered in broken blue & white Delft porcelain symbolizing fine, highly detailed, handmade crafts against the sleek, bold, modernity of Frank Gehry’s design.
A marriage of harmony and discord….
