We are pleased to share our new collection of McKim Fountain photographs by Raj Das!

Finegold Alexander played an integral role in the McKim Fountain improvements. The effort included restoring the water basin, tile, fountain ring and lighting; the feature lighting is an important part of the design experience.

The statue, Bacchante and Infant Faun, a historic piece of art by Frederick MacMonnies, was gifted to the library by McKim himself in 1896. The initial controversial response to the statute by Bostonians resulted in the transfer of the statue to the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. Over the course of time, opinions changed and the BPL reversed its decision to reject the statue and commission its own bronze copy now proudly displayed in the McKim Building courtyard.

To read more on the fountain, including Bacchante’s unique history, click here.