Vaillancourt Fountain

This concrete tangle of square pipes has stood as a proud thorn in the city’s side since the ’70s. Designed and executed by outspoken Canadian artist Armand Vaillancourt, this (technically) eponymous fountain has inhabited many roles in its tumultuous career as public art. Whether it’s been used for political rebellion, barely survived a massive earthquake, provided a rock show venue, hosted a Hooverville, or was vilified as an eyesore that cost too much to operate, its only mainstay quality seems to be longevity.