Family Fountain

The fountain forms part of a terraced square that follows the sloping terrain in this part of Karlova Ves. It comprises three cascading basins from which water flows through rounded stone tiers. The central, rectangular basin is smaller. The upper and lower basins feature sets of rounded concrete canopies on columns. Their shapes, which resemble mushrooms or umbrellas, have become colloquial names for the fountain. The basins are flanked by a wide travertine wall convenient for seating. 

Stairs on both sides of the fountain connect the square’s upper and lower terraces. The interior of the fountain was more recently inlaid with a blue glass mosaic. The original surface of the mushrooms was a coarse-textured architectural concrete that matched the grey-white colour of the travertine. For unknown reasons, the concrete mushrooms were coated in thick layers of paint during subsequent modifications; until recently greenish-turquoise, in the latest renovation brown. These interventions may be related to operation of the fountain, but have little in common with the original author's design. The change in surface texture and colour also alters the effect of water cascading down the canopies. 

The square with the fountain is close to the Kamel Cultural Centre and has become a popular community space for concerts, dance classes, and other activities. The fountain therefore deserves to be restored in accordance with the original author's design, rather than regularly repainted in unsuitable colours. 

Research status as of 24. 04. 2025. 

ZD 


Authorship


Years

  • 1979 – implementation

Type

Material

concrete, travertine, stone, mosaic glass, concrete paint

Technique

masonry, cladding, formwork, carving, mosaic, painting

Dimensions

two larger objects h. 200 cm, Ø 230 cm; three smaller objects h. 135 cm, Ø 165 cm; basin dimensions undetermined

Inscription

unidentified

Condition

  • preserved, maintained
In March 2025, new brown paint and repair of evening lighting.

Registration

  • unidentified

Owner

  • Bratislava the Capital City of Slovakia

Administrator

  • Marianum Burial Services of the City of Bratislava

Address

Karloveská ul.

Location details

terraces behind the Kamel Cultural Centre

Plot number

1152/2

GPS

48.1505670, 17.0617810

Other works in the area

Mosaic Fountain

Teodor Lugs, Eugénia Lugsová, Jozef Fabiánek 1974

Boy with Heron Fountain

Robert Kühmayer 1883

Drop Fountain

Martin Lettrich, Ivan Jarina 2014

Spiral Observation Tower

Ivan Jarina 2014