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Kugel fountain
Kugel fountain
from Wikipedia

Principle of operation of a Kugel fountain
(A) Water flowing between the sphere and its shaped holder lifts the ball slightly.
(B) Water flows over the sides into a reservoir.
(C) Water is pumped back in an endless loop.
(D) Pump.
(E) Ball can easily be moved by hand.

A kugel fountain (also called a floating sphere fountain or by the pleonasmic name kugel ball) is a water feature or sculpture where a sphere sits in a fitted hollow in a pedestal, and is supported by aquaplaning on a thin film of water. Pressurized water flows between the sphere and socket, creating a mechanical hydrostatic bearing that is nearly frictionless. The sphere can weigh thousands of kilograms, but the efficient bearing allows it to be spun by the force of a hand. The sphere does not float, being denser than water; it is often made from granite.[1] The hydraulics of the fountain can be controlled so that the axis of rotation of the sphere changes continually.[2] Ring sculptures that rotate on an axis are also built.[2][3]

Kugel fountains can be found all over the world. Many are at popular tourist destinations, such as science museums,[4] shopping centers, lobbies, and gardens.

Kugel is the German word for ball or sphere.[5]

Locations of kugel fountains

[edit]
Facility City Country Diameter GPS Coordinate Further information
Temaikèn Park Belén de Escobar, Buenos Aires Province Argentina 34°22′00″S 58°48′16″W / 34.366725°S 58.804462°W / -34.366725; -58.804462 (Buenos Aires)
Feldkirch Austria Unknown
Casino Innsbruck Innsbruck Austria 1.2 m (47 in) 47°15′46″N 11°23′46″E / 47.262688°N 11.396148°E / 47.262688; 11.396148 This kugelbrunnen (English: kugel fountain) is located in front of the Casino Innsbruck at Salurner Straße 15 in Innsbruck, Austria. Installed 2000 - Welte IHT - https://kusser.com/en_INT/portfolio/ball-fountain-casino-innsbruck/
Casino Velden Velden Austria 46°36′55″N 14°02′35″E / 46.615243°N 14.043190°E / 46.615243; 14.043190 (Casino Velden)
Casino Seefeld Seefeld Austria 47°19′45″N 11°11′22″E / 47.329167°N 11.189444°E / 47.329167; 11.189444 (Casino Seefeld)
People's Globe, Fairfield Showground Prairiewood, New South Wales Australia 1.6 m (63 in) 33°52′09″S 150°54′17″E / 33.8691937°S 150.9046948°E / -33.8691937; 150.9046948 (Fairfield Showground) Installed 2021, shows map of world and distances migrants travelled to Fairfield.[6]
Questacon Canberra, Australian Capital Territory Australia 35°17′53″S 149°07′53″E / 35.298158°S 149.131507°E / -35.298158; 149.131507 (Canberra)
Bowral, New South Wales Australia 34°28′38″S 150°25′05″E / 34.477105°S 150.418071°E / -34.477105; 150.418071
Casuarina Square Darwin, Northern Territory Australia 12°22′32″S 130°52′57″E / 12.375488°S 130.882411°E / -12.375488; 130.882411
SkyHigh Mount Dandenong Victoria Australia 37°49′37″S 145°21′10″E / 37.826974°S 145.3528°E / -37.826974; 145.3528 (SkyHigh Mount Dandenong)
Forrest Place Perth, Western Australia Australia 31°57′10″S 115°51′33″E / 31.952756°S 115.859182°E / -31.952756; 115.859182 (Perth)
The University of Western Australia, CS Department Perth, Western Australia Australia 31°58′40″S 115°48′59″E / 31.97781°S 115.81645°E / -31.97781; 115.81645 (Perth) Installed 2009
Atlantis Hotel Nassau Bahamas N 25° 05.028 W 077° 19.330 https://waymarking.com/waymarks/wm11W05_Pearl_of_Atlantis_Kugel_Ball_Nassau_Bahamas
Place du Martyr Verviers Belgium 50°35′37″N 5°51′36″E / 50.5934996°N 5.8599302°E / 50.5934996; 5.8599302 Installed in 2003, called "Rio + 10"
WestJet Headquarters Calgary, Alberta Canada 51°07′17″N 114°00′32″W / 51.121511°N 114.008751°W / 51.121511; -114.008751 (WestJet)[a][b]
Chinatown Victoria, British Columbia Canada 48°25′45″N 123°22′01″W / 48.429117°N 123.366900°W / 48.429117; -123.366900 (Kugel ball at Chinatown)[a][b] Floating metal sphere, not a Kugel ball
Dundarave West Vancouver, British Columbia Canada 49°20′00″N 123°10′57″W / 49.333258°N 123.182506°W / 49.333258; -123.182506 (West Vancouver)[a][b]
Guinness World Records Museum Niagara Falls, Ontario Canada 43°05′31″N 79°04′34″W / 43.091872°N 79.075985°W / 43.091872; -79.075985 (Niagara Falls)
Holiday Inn Express Montreal Airport Montreal, Quebec Canada 45°27′40″N 73°43′26″W / 45.461109°N 73.723973°W / 45.461109; -73.723973 (Montreal)
Foxconn Factory Courtyard Kutna Hora, Central Bohemia Czech Republic 49°56′31″N 15°16′56″E / 49.941992°N 15.282243°E / 49.941992; 15.282243 (Kutna Hora)
Lyngby Storcenter Lyngby Denmark 55°46′17″N 12°30′21″E / 55.771329°N 12.505888°E / 55.771329; 12.505888 (Lyngby, Denmark)
University of Helsinki, Physicum building Helsinki Finland 0.5 m (20 in) 60°12′18″N 24°57′46″E / 60.205102°N 24.962891°E / 60.205102; 24.962891 (Helsinki, Finland)
Rotuaari pedestrian street Oulu Finland 65°00′44″N 25°28′16″E / 65.012207°N 25.471133°E / 65.012207; 25.471133 (Oulu, Finland)
Hämeenpuisto Tampere Finland 61°29′52″N 23°45′07″E / 61.497792°N 23.751926°E / 61.497792; 23.751926 (Tampere, Finland)
Casino Grand Cercle Aix-les-Bains France 45°41′20″N 5°54′50″E / 45.68889°N 5.91389°E / 45.68889; 5.91389
Rue de Bretagne Alençon France 48°25′53″N 0°04′38″E / 48.431505°N 0.077226°E / 48.431505; 0.077226 (Alençon)
Square des longs-prés Boulogne-Billancourt, Île de France France 48°49′56″N 2°14′47″E / 48.832248°N 2.24638°E / 48.832248; 2.24638 (Boulogne-Billancourt)
Place de l'Hôtel de ville Le Havre France 49°29′34″N 0°06′28″E / 49.49278°N 0.10778°E / 49.49278; 0.10778
Près-La-Rose natural park Montbéliard France 47°30′21″N 6°48′11″E / 47.50583°N 6.80306°E / 47.50583; 6.80306
Spreebogen Berlin Germany 1.5 m (59 in) 52°31′23″N 13°20′49″E / 52.522983°N 13.346974°E / 52.522983; 13.346974 Architect: Stephan Haan; Material: Granite[7]
Sparkasse Bensheim Bensheim Germany 49°40′52″N 8°37′05″E / 49.681111°N 8.618056°E / 49.681111; 8.618056
Schweinemarktplatz Crailsheim Germany 49.136516°N 10.072113°E
Äußere Neustadt, Martin-Luther-Platz Dresden Germany 51°03′52″N 13°45′22″E / 51.06438°N 13.75621°E / 51.06438; 13.75621 (Dresden)
Düren Germany 50°48′21″N 6°28′57″E / 50.80593°N 6.48238°E / 50.80593; 6.48238 (Dueren)
Erlangen Germany 49°35′44″N 11°00′19″E / 49.595552°N 11.005286°E / 49.595552; 11.005286 (Erlangen)
Garmisch-Partenkirchen Casino Garmisch-Partenkirchen Germany 47°29′38″N 11°05′25″E / 47.493889°N 11.090278°E / 47.493889; 11.090278 (Garmisch-Partenkirchen Casino) Am Kurpark 10, 82467 Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany
Palmengarten Frankfurt am Main Germany 50°07′00″N 8°41′00″E / 50.116667°N 8.683333°E / 50.116667; 8.683333 (Frankfurt am Main)
Hanse-Viertel Hamburg Germany 2.11 m (83 in) 53°33′10″N 9°59′17″E / 53.552890°N 9.988048°E / 53.552890; 9.988048 (Hamburg) Installed in 2012[8]
Westpark Munich Germany 48°07′23″N 11°31′52″E / 48.122954°N 11.531178°E / 48.122954; 11.531178 (Munich)
Tibusplatz Münster Germany 51°57′57″N 7°37′38″W / 51.965940°N 7.627233°W / 51.965940; -7.627233,
Europa-Park, Schlosspark Rust Germany 48°16′07″N 7°43′26″E / 48.268611°N 7.723889°E / 48.268611; 7.723889,
Herrenschreiberstraße Rheine Germany 52°16′39″N 7°26′19″W / 52.277445°N 7.438585°W / 52.277445; -7.438585,
City Center, Riesenstraße Kaiserslautern, Rheinland-Pfalz Germany 49°26′34″N 7°46′14″E / 49.442902°N 7.770518°E / 49.442902; 7.770518
Langenfeld Germany 51°06′35″N 6°56′55″E / 51.109795°N 6.948499°E / 51.109795; 6.948499 (Langenfeld)
Calwer Straße Stuttgart Germany 1.0 m (39 in) 48°46′35″N 9°10′27″E / 48.77634268°N 9.17419541°E / 48.77634268; 9.17419541
SAP SE Headquarters Walldorf Germany 1.5 m (59 in)
Am Zwinger 1 Sankt Wendel Germany 49°28′05″N 7°10′08″E / 49.468055°N 7.168804°E / 49.468055; 7.168804
House of Science Patras Greece 1.0 m (39 in) A granite sphere of a diameter of precisely 1 m, immersed in the water basin up to the angle of 35° from the bottom.[9]
Bengaluru International Airport Terminal Bangalore India 13°11′56″N 77°42′20″E / 13.1989°N 77.7056°E / 13.1989; 77.7056
W5 Interactive Discovery Centre Belfast Northern Ireland 54°36′14″N 5°54′56″W / 54.603768°N 5.91560°W / 54.603768; -5.91560 (Belfast)
Bloomfield Science Museum Jerusalem Israel 31°46′41″N 35°12′03″E / 31.7781°N 35.2007°E / 31.7781; 35.2007
Parco Commerciale Dora Turin Italy 45°05′15″N 7°40′05″E / 45.087556°N 7.668025°E / 45.087556; 7.668025 (Turin)
Incrocio Viale Giosuè Carducci-Via Filzi Riva del Garda Italy

45°53′09″N 10°50′44″E / 45.885812°N 10.845519°E / 45.885812; 10.845519 (Riva del Garda)

Parco Kumamoto Japan 32°48′11″N 130°42′36″E / 32.802953°N 130.710127°E / 32.802953; 130.710127 (Kumamoto)
Lobby of the Radisson Blu Hotel Salwa, Kuwait City Kuwait 29°22′30″N 48°05′14″E / 29.375°N 48.08722°E / 29.375; 48.08722
Triq it-Torri Sliema Malta 35°54′53″N 14°29′47″E / 35.914802°N 14.496526°E / 35.914802; 14.496526 (Triq it-Torri)
Te Papa Museum Wellington New Zealand 41°17′26″S 174°46′53″E / 41.290556°S 174.781389°E / -41.290556; 174.781389 (Wellington)
Centrum of Tjuvholmen Aker brygge Oslo Norway 59°54′34″N 10°43′26″E / 59.909499°N 10.723976°E / 59.909499; 10.723976
Byrkjedalstunet Rogaland Norway 58°46′46″N 6°19′01″E / 58.779475°N 6.317047°E / 58.779475; 6.317047
Flåm Sogn og Fjordane Norway 60°51′49″N 7°07′01″E / 60.863663°N 7.117002°E / 60.863663; 7.117002
Park Zdrojowy Polanica-Zdrój Poland 50°24′35″N 16°30′37″E / 50.409609°N 16.51015°E / 50.409609; 16.51015 (Polanica-Zdrój, Poland) [10]
"The Solar System" Tarnów Poland 50°00′30″N 20°58′31″E / 50.008342°N 20.975346°E / 50.008342; 20.975346 (Tarnów, Poland) [11]
Predmostnaya Ploshchad Krasnoyarsk Russia 1.4 m (55 in) 55°59′30″N 92°53′16″E / 55.991543°N 92.8879158°E / 55.991543; 92.8879158 The city has six kugel balls.
Malaya Sadovaya Street Saint Petersburg Russia 59°56′03″N 30°20′15″E / 59.93421°N 30.33744°E / 59.93421; 30.33744 (St. Petersburg)
Petnica Valjevo Serbia 44°15′36″N 19°55′43″E / 44.2599°N 19.9286°E / 44.2599; 19.9286
Patrimonio Inteligente Puerto Lumbreras, Región de Murcia Spain 37°34′38″N 1°47′36″W / 37.577255°N 1.793379°W / 37.577255; -1.793379 (Puerto Lumbreras, Spain)
Casa de las Ciencias A Coruña Spain 43°21′42″N 8°24′50″W / 43.3618°N 8.413951°W / 43.3618; -8.413951 (A Coruña, Spain)
Museo Nacional de Ciencia y Tecnología Alcobendas, Madrid Spain 40°32′16″N 3°38′26″W / 40.537837°N 3.640595°W / 40.537837; -3.640595 (Alcobendas, Spain)
Museo Elder de la Ciencia y la Tecnología Las Palmas de Gran Canaria Spain 28.141104ºN 15.429532ºW
Kaggensgatan Pedestrian Street Kalmar Sweden 56°39′42″N 16°21′52″E / 56.661616°N 16.364538°E / 56.661616; 16.364538 (Kalmar, Sweden)
Kursaal Bern Switzerland 46°57′10″N 7°26′58″E / 46.952857°N 7.449401°E / 46.952857; 7.449401 (Bern) Due to construction/renovation work at the Kursaal Bern the Kugelbrunnen has been sold to a private person and moved to an undisclosed location.[12]
Rue Cheneau-de-Bourg Lausanne Switzerland 46°31′13″N 6°38′11″E / 46.520139°N 6.636332°E / 46.520139; 6.636332 (Lausanne)
Zürichhorn Zürich Switzerland 47°21′12″N 8°33′07″E / 47.35321°N 8.55182°E / 47.35321; 8.55182 (Zürich)
Donbas Arena Donetsk Ukraine 48°01′15″N 37°48′34″E / 48.02083°N 37.80944°E / 48.02083; 37.80944 (Donetsk, Ukraine)
Waitrose car park Abingdon England 51°40′19″N 1°16′46″W / 51.671882°N 1.279409°W / 51.671882; -1.279409
Carsington Water Visitor Center Derbyshire England 53°03′40″N 1°38′28″W / 53.061064°N 1.641143°W / 53.061064; -1.641143 (Derbyshire)
Paultons Park Hampshire England 50°56′55″N 1°33′10″W / 50.948699°N 1.552747°W / 50.948699; -1.552747 (Hampshire) [13]
Town Centre Kenilworth England 52°20′38″N 1°34′47″W / 52.343929°N 1.579821°W / 52.343929; -1.579821
Techniquest Cardiff Wales 51°27′46″N 3°10′05″W / 51.462671°N 3.168174°W / 51.462671; -3.168174 (Cardiff)
Amarillo, Texas United States 35°12′25″N 101°49′51″W / 35.207017°N 101.830733°W / 35.207017; -101.830733 (Amarillo)
"Discovery", Columbus Learning Center Columbus, Indiana United States 39°15′10″N 85°54′08″W / 39.252718°N 85.902096°W / 39.252718; -85.902096 (Columbus Learning Center) [14]
Water Tower Plaza Gilbert, Arizona United States 33°21′17″N 111°47′28″W / 33.354769°N 111.790991°W / 33.354769; -111.790991 (Gilbert, Arizona)
Disneyland Anaheim, California United States 33°48′43″N 117°55′01″W / 33.811818°N 117.917062°W / 33.811818; -117.917062 (Disneyland Resort)
Disney California Adventure Park Anaheim, California United States 33°48′16.6″N 117°55′17.0″W / 33.804611°N 117.921389°W / 33.804611; -117.921389 (Disney California Adventure Park)
Amtrak Station Bakersfield, California United States 35°22′20″N 119°00′29″W / 35.372165°N 119.008178°W / 35.372165; -119.008178 (Bakersfield)
San Diego Zoo Safari Park Escondido, California United States 0.6 m (24 in)[c] 33°05′55″N 116°59′56″W / 33.09866°N 116.99889°W / 33.09866; -116.99889
San Diego Zoo San Diego, California United States 32°44′01″N 117°08′56″W / 32.733666°N 117.148939°W / 32.733666; -117.148939
Hollywood Guinness Museum Los Angeles, California United States 34°06′05″N 118°20′17″W / 34.1012808°N 118.3380203°W / 34.1012808; -118.3380203[b] 4,970 kg (10,958 lb)[15]
Livermorium Plaza Livermore, California United States 37°40′55″N 121°46′05″W / 37.68208°N 121.76803°W / 37.68208; -121.76803 Opened June 15, 2022, this plaza commemorates the creation of the element Livermorium (Lv).
Morgan Stanley La Jolla, California United States 32°50′53″N 117°16′25″W / 32.848190°N 117.273526°W / 32.848190; -117.273526
California Baptist University Riverside, California United States 33°55′48″N 117°25′30″W / 33.93°N 117.425°W / 33.93; -117.425 (California Baptist University)
Canyon Creek Park San Jose, CA United States 37°17′26″N 121°46′07″W / 37.290687°N 121.768548°W / 37.290687; -121.768548 [16]
Fry's Electronics San Marcos, California United States 1.0 m (40 in) 33°08′14″N 117°11′02″W / 33.13712°N 117.183952°W / 33.13712; -117.183952
Railroad Community Park Santa Paula, California, United States 34°21′21″N 119°03′37″W / 34.35597°N 119.0604°W / 34.35597; -119.0604 (Santa Paula, California)
29th Street Mall Boulder, Colorado United States 40°01′02″N 105°15′21″W / 40.01715°N 105.25585°W / 40.01715; -105.25585 (Boulder)
Belmar Shopping Center Lakewood, Colorado United States 39°42′31″N 105°04′39″W / 39.708726°N 105.077594°W / 39.708726; -105.077594 (Lakewood, Colorado)
Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex Merritt Island, Florida United States 28°31′21″N 80°40′52″W / 28.522486°N 80.681198°W / 28.522486; -80.681198 (Cape Canaveral)
Magic Kingdom Walt Disney World Orlando, Florida United States 28°25′07″N 81°34′45″W / 28.4186592°N 81.5792516°W / 28.4186592; -81.5792516 (Walt Disney World Resort)
State Botanical Garden of Georgia Athens, Georgia United States 33°54′04″N 83°22′59″W / 33.901103°N 83.383138°W / 33.901103; -83.383138 (Athens, Georgia) [17]
Lincoln Park Zoo Chicago, Illinois United States 41°55′16″N 87°38′08″W / 41.9211°N 87.6355°W / 41.9211; -87.6355 (Lincoln Park Zoo)
Morton Arboretum Illinois United States 41°48′50″N 88°04′12″W / 41.81393°N 88.06997°W / 41.81393; -88.06997 (Morton Arboretum)
Abt Electronics Glenview, Illinois United States 42°04′05″N 87°51′09″W / 42.067964°N 87.852602°W / 42.067964; -87.852602 (Glenview)
Holliday Park Nature Center Indianapolis, Indiana United States 39°52′18″N 86°09′41″W / 39.871552°N 86.161384°W / 39.871552; -86.161384 (Holliday Park sphere)
Columbian Park Zoo Lafayette, Indiana United States 1.1 m (42 in) 40°24′48″N 86°52′14″W / 40.413348°N 86.870509°W / 40.413348; -86.870509 The sphere fountain is a product of Kusser Fountain Works in Germany, a gift from The McAllister Foundation.[18]
Coleman-Morse Center Notre Dame, Indiana United States 41°42′03″N 86°14′26″W / 41.700701°N 86.240622°W / 41.700701; -86.240622 (Notre Dame, Indiana) [19]
Iowa State Fairgrounds Des Moines, Iowa United States 41°35′44″N 93°33′04″W / 41.595546°N 93.551049°W / 41.595546; -93.551049 (Des Moines)
Louisville Zoo Louisville, Kentucky United States 38°12′20″N 85°42′25″W / 38.205438°N 85.707023°W / 38.205438; -85.707023 (Louisville, Kentucky)
Marshall Nemer Pavilion, Lourdes Hospital Paducah, Kentucky United States Unknown
Towne Center at Cedar Lodge Baton Rouge, Louisiana United States 30°25′58″N 91°06′43″W / 30.432830°N 91.112009°W / 30.432830; -91.112009 (Baton Rouge)
The Ripley's Believe It or Not Museum Baltimore, Maryland United States 39°17′07″N 76°36′43″W / 39.285164°N 76.612068°W / 39.285164; -76.612068
Davison Township Police Department Davison, Michigan United States 43°01′38″N 83°33′21″W / 43.027255°N 83.555757°W / 43.027255; -83.555757 (Davison, Michigan)
The Frank's Nursery and Crafts Rose Garden at Michigan State University East Lansing, Michigan United States 42°43′15″N 84°28′27″W / 42.72079°N 84.47413°W / 42.72079; -84.47413 (East Lansing)
Private home Superior Township, Michigan United States 1.2 m (48 in) 42°19′25″N 83°35′52″W / 42.323598°N 83.597744°W / 42.323598; -83.597744 2,500 kg (5,600 lb)
Somerset Collection Troy, Michigan United States 42°33′41″N 83°11′2″W / 42.56139°N 83.18389°W / 42.56139; -83.18389 (Troy, Michigan)

1,930 kg (4,250 lb)

Mississippi College Clinton, Mississippi United States 32°20′11″N 90°19′45″W / 32.336269°N 90.329185°W / 32.336269; -90.329185 (Mississippi College)
Kansas City Life Insurance Company Kansas City, Missouri United States 39°03′49″N 94°35′27″W / 39.063666°N 94.590743°W / 39.063666; -94.590743 (Kansas City, Missouri)
Bob Devaney Sports Center Lincoln, Nebraska United States 1.2 m (48 in)[20] 40°49′49″N 96°41′52″W / 40.830207°N 96.697644°W / 40.830207; -96.697644 Installed in 2011 by Top Stone
Henry Doorly Zoo Omaha, Nebraska United States 41°13′31″N 95°55′41″W / 41.225158°N 95.927939°W / 41.225158; -95.927939 (Omaha)
Millennium Plaza Omaha, Nebraska United States 41°15′51″N 96°09′44″W / 41.264191°N 96.162198°W / 41.264191; -96.162198 (Omaha, Nebraska)
Storyland Glen, New Hampshire United States 44°7′1.71″N 71°10′51.81″W / 44.1171417°N 71.1810583°W / 44.1171417; -71.1810583,
Duke Power Charlotte, North Carolina United States 35°13′33″N 80°51′02″W / 35.2258014°N 80.8505208°W / 35.2258014; -80.8505208 (Charlotte)
Elon University, Numen Lumen Pavilion Elon, North Carolina United States 36°06′09″N 79°30′08″W / 36.102485°N 79.502274°W / 36.102485; -79.502274 (Elon University UK) Meditation garden
Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Rocky Mount, North Carolina United States
Canton Ohio Downtown Canton, Ohio United States 40°47′55″N 81°22′29″W / 40.798682°N 81.374644°W / 40.798682; -81.374644 Destroyed By vandals
TriHealth Fitness & Health Pavilion Cincinnati, Ohio United States 39°15′21″N 84°21′54″W / 39.255901°N 84.364927°W / 39.255901; -84.364927 (Cincinnati)
Bloch Cancer Survivors Plaza (park) Columbus, Ohio United States 40°00′26″N 83°01′22″W / 40.007172°N 83.022688°W / 40.007172; -83.022688 (Columbus, Ohio)
COSI Columbus Columbus, Ohio United States Unknown
The Mall at Tuttle Crossing Columbus, Ohio United States Unknown
Tulsa Zoo Tulsa, Oklahoma United States 36°12′46″N 95°54′21″W / 36.212724°N 95.905802°W / 36.212724; -95.905802 (Tulsa Zoo)
Nike Campus Beaverton, Oregon United States Unknown
McKenzie Park Hermiston, Oregon United States 45°50′21″N 119°17′28″W / 45.839161°N 119.291164°W / 45.839161; -119.291164
Railroad Plaza Lansdale, Pennsylvania United States 40°14′35″N 75°17′09″W / 40.243083°N 75.285833°W / 40.243083; -75.285833 (Lansdale)
Alter Hall, Temple University Philadelphia, Pennsylvania United States 39°58′48″N 75°09′22″W / 39.980071°N 75.156248°W / 39.980071; -75.156248 (Philadelphia)
Reading Hospital Reading, Pennsylvania United States 40°19′47″N 75°56′58″W / 40.329704°N 75.949492°W / 40.329704; -75.949492 (Reading) [21]
Robert E. Freeman Memorial Park Providence, Rhode Island United States 41°49′20″N 71°24′50″W / 41.822196°N 71.413868°W / 41.822196; -71.413868[b]
Outside Mellow Mushroom Mount Pleasant, South Carolina United States 32°52′00″N 79°47′06″W / 32.866696°N 79.785005°W / 32.866696; -79.785005
The Ripley's Believe It or Not Museum Myrtle Beach, South Carolina United States 33°41′32″N 78°52′47″W / 33.692292°N 78.879789°W / 33.692292; -78.879789
The Ripley's Believe It or Not Museum Gatlinburg, Tennessee United States 35°42′41″N 83°31′06″W / 35.711403°N 83.518453°W / 35.711403; -83.518453 (Gatlinburg, Tennessee)
Miracle Field Murfreesboro, Tennessee United States Located at McKnight Park. Kugel ball is a representative of a baseball, and bears the signature of Boston Red Sox pitcher and Murfreesboro native David Price. Miracle Field was constructed with funds from Price's charity, Project One Four. The facility opened on 6 May 2017.[22]
Oak Court Mall Memphis, Tennessee United States 35°07′02″N 89°54′48″W / 35.117305°N 89.913378°W / 35.117305; -89.913378 (Memphis)
Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park (Earth kugel ball) Nashville, Tennessee United States 1.8 m (71 in) 36°10′19″N 86°47′19″W / 36.172008°N 86.788634°W / 36.172008; -86.788634 (Nashville, Tennessee)[a][b] World War II Memorial 18,000 lb (8,200 kg) lbs[23]
Cancer Survivors Plaza Dallas, Texas United States 32°47′10″N 96°47′45″W / 32.786083°N 96.795739°W / 32.786083; -96.795739 (Dallas)
Historic Downtown Grapevine Grapevine, Texas United States 32°56′24″N 97°04′42″W / 32.939966°N 97.078247°W / 32.939966; -97.078247 (Grapevine)
ConocoPhillips Campus Houston, Texas United States 29°47′18″N 95°36′49″W / 29.788273°N 95.613542°W / 29.788273; -95.613542 (Houston, Texas)
Houston Museum of Natural Science Houston, Texas United States 29°43′19″N 95°23′25″W / 29.721932°N 95.390239°W / 29.721932; -95.390239
Oaks Medical Group Bountiful, Utah United States 40°53′14″N 111°52′16″W / 40.8871667°N 111.87116667°W / 40.8871667; -111.87116667
University Place Orem Orem, Utah United States 40°16′34″N 111°40′49″W / 40.2761075°N 111.6803086°W / 40.2761075; -111.6803086
Utah's Hogle Zoo Salt Lake City, Utah United States 40°45′00″N 111°48′51″W / 40.75°N 111.81412°W / 40.75; -111.81412
Lagoon Amusement Park Farmington, Utah United States 40°59′08″N 111°53′41″W / 40.985556°N 111.894722°W / 40.985556; -111.894722
Atlas Walk Gainesville, Virginia United States 1.32 m (52 in)[24] 38°47′44″N 77°36′36″W / 38.795686°N 77.609996°W / 38.795686; -77.609996 (Gainesville, Virginia)[a][b] 7000 pounds[24]
Virginia Zoological Park Norfolk, Virginia United States 36°52′43″N 76°16′28″W / 36.8786°N 76.2744°W / 36.8786; -76.2744 (Norfolk, VA)
International Mission Board Richmond, Virginia United States 37°34′06″N 77°28′56″W / 37.5683565°N 77.4822119°W / 37.5683565; -77.4822119 (Richmond, Virginia)
Science Museum of Virginia (Earth kugel ball) Richmond, Virginia United States 2.653 m (104.4 in)[25][c] 37°33′39″N 77°27′58″W / 37.560761°N 77.466157°W / 37.560761; -77.466157 (Richmond, Virginia)[a][b] World's largest since 2003[25]
Science Museum of Virginia (Earth's Moon kugel ball) Richmond, Virginia United States 0.72 m (28 in)[c] 37°33′41″N 77°28′00″W / 37.561323°N 77.466698°W / 37.561323; -77.466698 (Richmond, Virginia)[a][b]
Crossroads Park Bellevue, Washington United States 47°37′03″N 122°07′22″W / 47.617418°N 122.1227715°W / 47.617418; -122.1227715 (Bellevue)
Whatcom Community College Bellingham, Washington United States 48°47′43″N 122°29′37″W / 48.79534°N 122.493681°W / 48.79534; -122.493681 (Bellingham, Washington)
Pacific Science Center Seattle, Washington United States 47°37′9″N 122°21′4″W / 47.61917°N 122.35111°W / 47.61917; -122.35111 (Seattle)
Milwaukee County Zoo Milwaukee, Wisconsin United States 43°08′03″N 87°57′21″W / 43.134167°N 87.955833°W / 43.134167; -87.955833 (Milwaukee)
Casper Area Chamber of Commerce Casper, Wyoming United States 42°51′19″N 106°19′32″W / 42.855157°N 106.325434°W / 42.855157; -106.325434 (Casper, Wyoming)[a][b] [26]
Canyon Visitor Education Center Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming United States 44°44′05″N 110°29′31″W / 44.734717°N 110.491888°W / 44.734717; -110.491888 (Yellowstone)
Five Points Centennial Plaza[27] Five Points (Columbia, South Carolina), South Carolina United States 33°59′51″N 81°01′00″W / 33.9976052°N 81.01667°W / 33.9976052; -81.01667 (South Carolina)
St. Rita's Medical Center[28] St. Rita's Medical Center, Ohio United States 40°44′27″N 84°07′14″W / 40.7409395°N 84.120673°W / 40.7409395; -84.120673 (Ohio)
Jack C. Taylor Conference Center Annapolis, Maryland United States 38°59′16″N 76°29′29″W / 38.987778°N 76.491389°W / 38.987778; -76.491389 (Annapolis, Maryland) Installed in front of the Jack C. Taylor Conference Center at the United States Naval Institute in 2021.
Piazza d’armi (a public square)[29][30] Carrara Italy Geographic data related to location at OpenStreetMap Made by Kenneth Davis in 1979[citation needed]

1.8 tons[citation needed]

Notes

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  1. ^ a b c d e f g h Visible from Google satellite view
  2. ^ a b c d e f g h i j Visible from Google street view
  3. ^ a b c Approximate
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See also

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References

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[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
A kugel fountain, also known as a floating sphere fountain, is a type of interactive featuring a precisely engineered or stone that appears to levitate and spin effortlessly on a thin, pressurized of emerging from a fitted base, demonstrating principles of hydrodynamic . The term "" derives from the German word for "ball" or "sphere," reflecting the design's origins in European traditions. The concept was initially envisioned by an American sculptor in the late , but the practical and patented mechanism were developed by German Josef Kusser of Kusser Granitwerke in Aicha, , enabling the spheres to balance under their own weight through on water jets calibrated to counteract gravity. These fountains typically range from small decorative pieces weighing around 84 pounds to massive installations exceeding 40 tons, with the sphere's surface often polished to a high sheen and sometimes engraved with maps, patterns, or commemorative designs to enhance visual and interactive appeal. Kugel fountains gained prominence in and starting in the 1980s, with the first installation in the United States occurring in 1989, marking the beginning of their widespread adoption in museums, parks, and memorials across and . Manufactured primarily by Kusser Granitwerke—a family-owned company with nearly a century of experience in natural stone processing—and distributed in by Red Hogan Enterprises, these fountains combine artisanal with advanced hydraulic systems to ensure stability and low-maintenance operation. Among the most notable examples is the Grand Kugel, also called the Mary Morton Parsons Kugel, located at the Science Museum of Virginia in , which holds a for the largest floating ball sculpture at the time of its installation. This 29-ton, nearly 9-foot-diameter granite sphere, quarried from 300-million-year-old stone in France's Le Sidobre region, rotates frictionlessly on a 37,000-pound base and serves as a scaled model of , inviting public interaction to symbolize planetary motion. Other significant installations include Clute's Kugel at the State Botanical Garden of Georgia, a 815-pound memorial sphere engraved with 's landmasses, and various others in urban plazas like Houston's Kugel Ball Fountain, which highlights the design's versatility for both aesthetic and educational purposes.

Description

Definition

A kugel fountain is a feature or consisting of a large that rests in a precisely fitted concave socket or , where it is supported by a of pressurized , creating the of floating and allowing free rotation. The term "kugel" derives from the German word for "ball" or "," and the feature is sometimes redundantly referred to as a "kugel ball." The basic functionality relies on the sphere being upheld by on this water film, which forms a hydrostatic bearing that minimizes , enabling the sphere—despite weighing up to tens of tons—to be manually rotated with minimal effort in any direction. This support allows for smooth, 360-degree movement, often inviting public interaction. Hydrostatic support in a kugel fountain operates as a nearly frictionless , where the pressurized layer generates an upward force balancing the sphere's weight through pressure distribution in the narrow gap between the sphere and socket.

Physical Characteristics

Kugel fountains feature a central spherical element that varies significantly in scale to suit different settings, from intimate installations to prominent displays. The spheres typically range in diameter from about 12 inches for small decorative pieces to over 8 feet for large-scale features, with corresponding weights starting at around 80 pounds and up to 29 tons in the most substantial examples. These dimensions allow the fountains to create an imposing yet approachable presence, where even massive spheres appear delicately balanced. The spheres are predominantly crafted from polished granite or marble, chosen for their exceptional durability, weather resistance, and aesthetic appeal that enhances the reflective play of light and water. , in particular, provides a dense, non-porous surface ideal for outdoor exposure, while offers a smoother, more luminous finish. Many spheres are customized with engravings, such as world maps, constellations, or artistic motifs, laser-etched to add thematic depth without compromising the stone's integrity. Visually, the fountains are defined by the sphere's glossy, mirror-like surface, which captures and scatters , often amplified by a thin that produces a subtle sheen or fine mist as it circulates. Interactively, the sphere rotates smoothly in response to gentle touch, allowing users to impart spin along various axes, creating a dynamic, engaging motion that belies its substantial mass. This floating effect arises from a precisely controlled beneath , contributing to an illusion of effortless . From a sensory perspective, kugel fountains offer a serene experience characterized by the low, soothing hum of recirculating water, free from the splashing or gurgling of traditional fountains. The overall impression is one of weightless poise, where the sphere's gentle undulations and the cool mist evoke tranquility, drawing viewers into a meditative interaction despite the installation's imposing scale.

History and Development

Origins in Germany

The term "kugel" derives from the German word for "" or "," underscoring the European roots of this water feature as a sculptural element centered on a levitating orb. The concept of the kugel fountain was initially envisioned by an American sculptor in the late , though the practical engineering and ed mechanism were developed in . The kugel fountain emerged in the late , specifically in the late , as a modern integration of sculptural design and engineering, drawing on established hydrostatic bearing principles from industrial applications to create an interactive artwork. German inventor Josef Kusser filed a for the apparatus mounting a floating on January 28, 1988, marking the formal of the technology that enables a heavy to rotate freely on a thin water film. This innovation was developed by Kusser Granitwerke , a family-owned company in Aicha vorm Wald, , specializing in processing since the early , which adapted its expertise to produce the first commercial models in the late and early . Early implementations focused on architectural and public settings in , where the fountains served as focal points in corporate and urban landscapes. One of the initial installations was at the headquarters in , , completed in 1991, featuring a precisely engineered sphere that highlighted the technology's reliability in a professional environment. By the mid-1990s, the design gained traction in other European sites, such as the Casino Innsbruck in , installed in 2000, where it enhanced pedestrian areas with its mesmerizing motion and minimal maintenance requirements. These pioneering applications in parks and buildings demonstrated the kugel fountain's appeal as a durable, low-energy feature blending art and physics.

Global Adoption and Milestones

The adoption of kugel fountains expanded beyond their European origins in the late 1980s, with the first installation in the United States occurring in 1989, marking the beginning of their introduction to North American public spaces. This initial import from German manufacturers like Kusser Graniteworks facilitated broader dissemination, as the design's combination of aesthetic appeal and interactive mechanics attracted architects and urban planners. By the mid-1990s, installations proliferated in the U.S., including a notable granite sphere imported to , in 1999 for Railroad Plaza, symbolizing community revitalization efforts. The 2000s saw further global traction, particularly in the United States and , where kugel fountains were integrated into educational and recreational sites. A prominent example is the 1,300-pound granite sphere installed at the in 2005, serving as a centerpiece in the Coleman-Morse Center and highlighting the growing popularity of these features in academic environments. By that year, approximately 50 kugel fountains had been installed across the U.S., reflecting rapid uptake driven by their low-maintenance operation and public engagement potential. In , adoption accelerated in the 2000s and beyond, with installations at science-focused venues demonstrating the design's appeal. Key milestones underscored the kugel fountain's evolution from a niche to a recognized and artistic achievement. In 2003, the Mary Morton Parsons Earth-Moon at the Science Museum of earned recognition as the largest kugel by diameter (8 feet 8 inches) and weight (29 tons), elevating its status as an interactive exhibit on hydrodynamics. Scientific acknowledgment followed in 2014 with a paper in the analyzing the hydrostatic principle, which popularized the fountain's physics in educational literature and encouraged further museum adoptions worldwide. Factors driving this popularity included the fountains' role as interactive that merges precision with aesthetic simplicity, allowing visitors to effortlessly rotate multi-ton spheres and experience firsthand. Their placement in science museums, such as the and the Science Museum of Virginia, emphasized educational value in demonstrating principles of and without complex machinery. Over time, kugel fountains shifted from European novelties to global symbols of innovative , with over 50 installations in the U.S. alone by 2025, alongside growing presence in and other regions.

Design and Mechanics

Key Components

The sphere forms the central element of a Kugel fountain, typically crafted from polished to achieve precise essential for balance. Granite is sourced from regions such as , where black varieties are quarried for large-scale installations, or , known for durable hard granites used in custom spheres. Diameters range from about 1 meter for smaller models to over 2.5 meters for monumental ones, with corresponding weights varying from several hundred kilograms to 27 tons or more, depending on the scale. The , or socket, serves as the custom-fitted basin that cradles , featuring a concave shape machined to match the sphere's curvature with high precision. Materials include (such as 304 or 316 grades for resistance), for structural stability, or stone like honed to complement the sphere. This basin incorporates inlet nozzles positioned at the base to facilitate the thin-film distribution required for the fountain's hydrostatic support. The system relies on an external to recirculate continuously within the closed setup, ensuring efficient operation without external supply needs. components, such as screens or boxes, are integrated to capture debris and prevent buildup that could disrupt flow. consists of schedule 40 PVC pipes or equivalent durable conduits connecting the to the pedestal's inlets, directing for even under-sphere distribution. Additional elements enhance functionality and aesthetics, including a surrounding base pool to collect overflow water and maintain the water level. Optional features encompass integrated , such as LED systems for illumination, and surface engravings on the sphere for decorative effect. Structural reinforcements, like weatherproof coatings or reinforced bases, ensure outdoor durability against elements such as wind and precipitation.

Hydrostatic Principle and Operation

The Kugel fountain operates on the principle of hydrodynamic lubrication (or a ), where pressurized water injected beneath creates a thin lubricating , typically hundreds of microns thick, between and the concave socket. This enables , supporting 's weight through an upward hydrodynamic force that precisely balances without direct contact. The lift force arises from the pressure distribution in the thin lubricating and, per , can be approximated as F6μQR2h3(1cosθmax)F \approx \frac{6 \mu Q R^{2}}{h^{3}} (1 - \cos \theta_{\max}), where μ\mu is water's dynamic , QQ is the inflow rate, RR is the sphere radius, hh is the film thickness, and θmax\theta_{\max} is the maximum immersion angle. This balances 's weight without contact. The near-frictionless nature of this film allows the sphere to rotate freely with minimal applied , such as from a gentle fingertip push, due to the symmetric permitting about any axis. The inflow of , circulated in an endless loop by an external , maintains the film at a typical rate of 0.3 to 1.5 liters per second (approximately 5 to 25 gallons per minute), adjusting dynamically to sustain equilibrium. Stability depends on the precise of the sphere and socket, ensuring uniform film distribution and preventing wobbling or uneven loading. Debris accumulation in the narrow gap can disrupt the film, leading to jamming or reduced lift, necessitating regular maintenance such as cleaning the water system and inspecting for blockages to ensure reliable operation. This design exemplifies key principles of fluid dynamics, including lubrication theory and viscous flow in thin films, as analyzed in the 2014 study on the hydrodynamics of granite sphere fountains, which models the system as a large-scale ball bearing.

Notable Installations

Record-Holding Examples

The Mary Morton Parsons Earth-Moon Sculpture, installed at the Science Museum of Virginia in Richmond, , holds the World Record for the largest kugel fountain by both and weight. Unveiled on , , it consists of a single-piece Tarn granite sphere measuring 2.653 meters in and weighing 29 tons (29.3 tonnes), which appears to float on a thin film of water within a fitted socket. The original South African black granite sphere cracked in a storm and was replaced in 2004 with the current French Tarn granite version. This installation, also known as the Grand Kugel or Earth Kugel, exemplifies engineering precision, enabling 360-degree omnidirectional rotation that requires minimal force—light enough for a child to spin—due to the hydrostatic support from pressurized water. In , the kugel fountain at Hanse-Viertel in , , represents one of the largest such installations in . Completed in by architects gmp-Architekten von Gerkan, Marg und Partner, it features a sphere with a of 2.05 , supported by a custom water system that allows smooth rotation. Building record-holding kugel fountains presents substantial challenges, particularly in massive spheres to achieve near-perfect and balance, often using specialized CNC lathes to minimize imperfections that could disrupt the water film's uniformity. Additionally, maintaining adequate water pressure—typically low at around 2-3 bar for —requires precise calibration to counteract the sphere's weight without excessive flow, relying on the incompressibility of water to generate hydrostatic pressure in a thin lubricating layer (often micrometers thick). These feats highlight the interplay of hydrodynamics and in scaling up the design.

Other Significant Sites

In the United States, several fountains serve as interactive and aesthetic features in prominent public spaces. At Disneyland's Tomorrowland in , a kugel fountain has been an engaging element since the 1990s, allowing visitors to spin the granite sphere as part of the area's futuristic theme. On the campus of the in , a fountain was installed in 2005 inside the Coleman-Morse Center, enhancing the building's lobby with its mesmerizing hydrostatic display and contributing to the overall aesthetic appeal of the student union area. Another notable example is Clute's Kugel at the State Botanical Garden of Georgia in , an 815-pound solid granite sphere dedicated as a to Clute Barrow Nelson, featuring engravings of the Earth's continents and oceans to symbolize global unity. Internationally, kugel fountains are integrated into educational and urban environments for public interaction. At Questacon, Australia's National Science and Technology Centre in Canberra, a 633 kg granite sphere demonstrates principles of water pressure and physics, serving as a hands-on exhibit in the outdoor Science Garden since the center's early years. In Fairfield Showground, New South Wales, a 1.6-meter kugel ball known as the People's Globe was installed in 2020 at the main entrance on Smithfield Road, celebrating cultural diversity in the multicultural Fairfield City area. Similarly, in Berlin's Spreebogen urban development, a 1.5-meter kugel fountain designed by landscape architect Stephan Haan was erected in 1997 as part of the office complex's exterior landscaping, blending seamlessly into the modern park-like setting along the Spree River. These installations highlight unique aspects beyond mere decoration, such as memorial significance in cases like Clute's with its planetary engravings, or interactive roles in commercial spaces. By 2025, kugel fountains are frequently placed in museums, university campuses, and urban plazas to promote hands-on learning about hydrostatic principles and foster communal interaction.

Variations and Uses

Public and Artistic Applications

Kugel fountains serve as kinetic sculptures in public parks, plazas, and , where their gently rotating spheres create mesmerizing displays that blend natural elements with engineering precision. For instance, the Discovery sculpture at Columbus features a balanced atop a stack of books, symbolizing the equilibrium between experience and as a pathway to global knowledge and competitiveness. In urban settings like in , these installations enhance aesthetic appeal through the harmonious motion of water and stone, often evoking themes of when designed as rotating models. Such artistic integrations position kugel fountains as focal points that invite contemplation on the interplay between human innovation and natural forces. In educational contexts, kugel fountains demonstrate principles of physics, particularly hydrodynamics and frictionless , making them ideal for museums and visitor centers. The Kugel at the Science Museum of Virginia, a 29-ton sphere engraved with a , floats on a thin film and rotates with minimal effort, illustrating geological history and to visitors of all ages. Similarly, installations at the Visitor Center use these features to engage audiences in about and technology, with spheres often customized with engravings like constellations to tie into thematic exhibits. These setups transform abstract scientific concepts into tangible experiences, fostering curiosity in public educational spaces. Public engagement with kugel fountains centers on their , allowing visitors to touch and spin the spheres effortlessly, which promotes tactile exploration and social gathering. In theme parks such as Disneyland's Tomorrowland, the kugel fountain near draws crowds with its soothing water sounds and smooth rotation, providing a calming interlude amid high-energy attractions. At sites like , these elements encourage family participation, turning passive observation into active involvement that enhances urban aesthetics and community connection. The audible flow of water and visual fluidity contribute to immersive environments in plazas and , such as Glendale Veterans Memorial, where they symbolize resilience and unity. Despite their appeal, kugel fountains in high-traffic public areas face challenges related to resistance and ongoing maintenance to preserve functionality. Their robust construction helps withstand casual interference, but exposure to debris and varying water quality can disrupt the thin hydrodynamic film, requiring regular cleaning to avoid stagnation or misalignment. In busy locales, measures like anti- enclosures or scheduled inspections are essential to mitigate risks from public use, ensuring longevity while minimizing operational downtime.

Private and Commercial Installations

Kugel fountains in private residential settings typically feature compact models with spheres ranging from 1 to 2 feet in diameter, designed for installation in gardens, patios, or indoor spaces. These smaller units, often constructed from or marble, weigh 200 to 700 pounds (90 to 320 kg), facilitating easier setup without heavy machinery. Customization options include integrated LED lighting for enhanced nighttime appeal and laser engravings such as world maps or personal logos, allowing homeowners to tailor the fountain to their aesthetic preferences. In commercial environments, kugel fountains serve as elegant focal points in hotels, shopping malls, offices, and lobbies, with examples including Wayfair's tiered models that incorporate multi-level flow for dynamic visual interest. Branded versions, such as those etched with company logos, are commonly installed in corporate atriums or entrances to convey and . These installations differ from counterparts by requiring lower power outputs and scaled-down plumbing, making them suitable for controlled indoor or semi-enclosed commercial spaces. Variations in private and commercial kugel fountains include portable models for indoor use, measuring as small as 6 inches in diameter, and self-contained units that recirculate water without external plumbing. By 2025, online retailers like Alibaba and have driven market accessibility, offering prices from approximately $500 for basic compact models to $10,000 for premium customized units. These installations offer advantages such as low maintenance due to their self-contained, recirculating systems, which minimize refilling and needs. Their aesthetic appeal as serene, spinning focal points enhances ambiance in personal or business settings, providing a calming sound without the high operational demands of larger public versions.

References

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