ARCHIBALD FOUNTAIN

Image ©: City of Sydney / Chris Southwood

Archibald Fountain Hyde Park

One of Sydney’s most photographed landmarks

The fountain is a war memorial to honor the alliance established between Australia and France during the first World War and is listed on the NSW state heritage register. It is a significant piece of Art Deco sculpture in Sydney’s Hyde Park.

The fountain was generously presented to the people of Sydney as a gift by J.F. Archibald, the founding editor of the Bulletin. The fountain was designed by French sculptor Francois Sicard, and incorporates elements from ancient Greek culture.

*Hyde Park near the Archibald Fountain, Sydney. © Destination NSW*

Sydney’s Lord Mayor Clover Moore said “The Archibald Fountain is one of Sydney’s most photographed landmarks, and is a nationally significant sculpture,”

The hexagonal fountain is around 18 metres in diameter. A bronze Apollo stands in the centre, with mythical figures Diana, Pan and the Minotaur depicted in the work. A large arch of spray represents the rising sun, while water also spouts from horses’ heads. Tortoises and dolphins direct jets of water toward the centre.