Once It Danced. Now It Waits.
In the heart of West End Park lies something quiet. Still. Unassuming.
Most pass by without a second glance, mistaking its weathered concrete bowl for a planter. But this modest structure once held the beating heart of a lakefront alive with color, music, and joy.
More than a century ago, the Darlington Electric Prismatic Fountain burst to life – streams of water rising, swirling, glowing in choreographed color. Designed by F.W. Darlington, a pioneer in the art of electrical fountain control and dynamic water design, the fountain stood against a backdrop of jazz, seafood restaurants, and everyday life in the West End.
In its prime, the fountain danced in rhythm with live music, its lights casting reflections across the faces of gathered crowds and the waters of Lake Pontchartrain.
Today, it is a silent witness to generations of lakefront memories.
The last physical remnant of that storied era still standing.
This is our chance to bring it all back. And with your help, we can make it happen.
It Was Magic. It Still Can Be.
A Light Show Like No Other
Commissioned in 1914 and designed by Frederick W. Darlington, one of America’s pioneering fountain engineers, the fountain was groundbreaking. With more than 1,700 water jets, nine vibrant colors of light, and a dozen choreographed spray patterns—including towering “sheaves of wheat” that soared up to 100 feet—the fountain transformed water and light into a mesmerizing spectacle.
Each night, crowds gathered in awe as an operator—hidden 70 yards away in a small control shack—skillfully synchronized the lights and jets to the rhythm of a live band playing nearby. This was long before digital controls or even underwater lighting existed. It was revolutionary. And for many, it was unforgettable.
“Out of the darkness, you would see bright lights, rainbow-colored lights. You’d see the water jump and leap and play… It was really lovely.”
The Heartbeat of West End
The Darlington Fountain was the centerpiece of a vibrant public gathering place. Nearby, families enjoyed fresh redfish and oysters pulled straight from the lake. Musicians played just steps away, children danced, and couples strolled along the boardwalk. This was a place where music, food, and community came together.
This fountain was where New Orleans gathered. Where people filled the eye and the soul at the same time.
But the magic didn’t last forever.
From Silent Ruin to a New Beginning
The fountain weathered a brutal hurricane just before completion in 1915, delaying its debut until the following year. It thrilled generations through the mid-20th century, but storms, flooding, vandalism, and time eventually took their toll. A renovation in the 1970s brought a brief revival, but by the 1980s, the fountain fell silent once more. Its control room flooded, pipes corroded, and the electrical systems failed.
All that remains now is the concrete basin.
Hope is on the horizon. For the first time in decades, the Darlington Fountain is getting the attention it deserves. Thanks to a generous grant from The The Azby Fund, Friends of West End has commissioned a thorough historic and technical assessment to determine exactly what it will take to restore, operate, and maintain this rare piece of American design history.
To share this remarkable story and its importance to our community, a grant-funded documentary has been produced, sharing the story of the fountain, its visionary creator, and its unique place in New Orleans’ cultural landscape – a celebration of a landmark that once embodied everything this city does best: music, art, community, and joy.
Help the Fountain Dance Again
The Darlington Fountain is more than a relic of the past. It is a legacy waiting to be restored. Its silence is temporary. Its story isn’t over.
What Makes Us Different
Friends of West End is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit created by the very people who live and work here.
We’re not just planning for West End’s future – we live it. We work hand-in-hand with:
- Local families and business owners
- City planners and public agencies
- Volunteers, donors, and people like you
Why We Need You Now
Preserving the Past. Shaping the Future.
Whether you’re a lifelong resident, a history lover, or someone who simply believes in protecting New Orleans’ beauty, there’s a place for you here.
Restoring West End isn’t just about rebuilding a park or reviving a fountain. It’s about preserving a legacy, strengthening community ties, and protecting one of New Orleans’ most iconic waterfront neighborhoods. The restoration of the Darlington Fountain is just the beginning.
Thanks to a generous grant from the The Azby Fund, the Darlington Fountain has been carefully assessed, its blueprints rediscovered, and its story brought back to life through a new documentary: “West End and the Dancing Prismatic Fountain.”
Every Friend Counts
Your Support Helps Us:
As we bring this historic structure back to life, we’re also laying the groundwork for continued restoration, community programming, and public access initiatives. If you believe public space is sacred, cultural heritage is worth preserving, and community is built by all of us – join us.
Be part of something lasting. Be part of something local. Be a Friend of West End.
The West End belongs to all of us: past, present, and future. Your support brings life back to a beloved place and ensures it remains vibrant for all who follow.
West End
New Orleans, Louisiana