Lincoln Center Engineers Control Fountain via iPad
The historic Revson Fountain uses modern digital controls and a steam-heating system to operate throughout the winter.
Updated on Oct. 23, 2026 in Current Conditions
Live Poll
Should city public art displays prioritize simple functionality over elaborate, flashy entertainment features?
Lincoln Center engineers now operate the landmark Revson Fountain using an iPad-based system located in an underground chamber. This digital interface allows staff to trigger programmed water effects that reach heights of 60 feet.
Why it matters
The fountain utilizes a specialized steam-heat exchanger to remain functional in temperatures as low as -10 degrees Fahrenheit, ensuring it stays operational during cold winter months. By balancing advanced technology with specific design limitations, engineers maintain a unique aesthetic that distinguishes the plaza from other major water displays.
The Revson Fountain features 350 nozzles capable of shooting water up to 60 feet high. An integrated steam-heat exchanger allows the structure to operate in conditions as cold as -10 degrees Fahrenheit.
The players
Lincoln Center
This performing arts complex located in Manhattan serves as the host for the Metropolitan Opera House and Alice Tully Hall.
WET Design
This engineering firm is known for updating water features and was responsible for the fountain upgrades completed in 2009.
Charles Revson
The donor who contributed $300,000 for the original construction of the fountain in 1964.
The details
Engineers oversee the display from an underground control room near the Metropolitan Opera House, managing the flow through the fountain's concentric circle nozzle layout. The system was significantly upgraded in 2009 by WET Design to incorporate the current automated controls.
Timeline
The Revson Fountain was completed in 1964.
WET Design upgraded the fountain in 2009.
Journalists observed fountain operations in October 2026.
The fountain will be featured in the annual open house on October 24-25, 2026.
Seasonal Patterns
The current digital management of the Revson Fountain represents a technical evolution of the 2009 WET Design renovation. This modernization replaced legacy hydraulic hardware from 1964 with a responsive, iPad-driven system that anchors the plaza's winter operations.
Visitors can observe the automated water effects during Lincoln Center's annual open house scheduled for October 24-25, 2026. The fountain remains accessible to the public throughout the fall and winter, regardless of freezing temperatures, due to the heating system.
The takeaway
The integration of iPad controls allows for precise and reliable water displays that can withstand harsh Manhattan winters. This blend of historical architecture and modern engineering ensures the site remains a functional centerpiece of the campus throughout the year.
Further reading
For more updates on public landmarks, visit New York City Current Conditions.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Gothamist.
Live Poll
Should city public art displays prioritize simple functionality over elaborate, flashy entertainment features?
