100 Parisian-inspired chairs were just installed around Buckingham Fountain in Chicago

Visitors to Grant Park have a new way to relax, socialize and take in the scenery. The Chicago Park District has officially launched its new pilot chair program at the iconic Buckingham Fountain, bringing a classic European park tradition to the Windy City.

This vibrant upgrade is part of the broader Grant Park Framework Plan, the Park District’s recently announced 20-year renovation vision for the downtown greenspace. Taking a direct cue from the world-famous moveable seating in Paris's Luxembourg Garden, the city has introduced 100 lightweight metal chairs around the fountain plaza. The Luxembourg-style chairs, produced by renowned French furniture manufacturer Fermob, come in two distinct styles: an upright low armchair and a slightly reclined lounge armchair.

Because they are lightweight, visitors are invited to move them freely. Whether you want to pull up a seat next to friends, arrange a large group circle or drag a lone chair to a quiet spot to bask in the sun, you can easily customize your view of the fountain, Lake Michigan and the stunning Chicago skyline.

The chairs feature a carefully selected "willow green" color designed to seamlessly blend with the park's natural scenery. It perfectly complements the patinated bronze seahorse, fish and cattail sculptures crafted by famous French sculptor Marcel Francois Loyau, ensuring the seating enhances rather than competes with the historic landmark.

While these designer chairs usually retail for $930 to $1,080 each on the Fermob website, the Chicago Park District secured a total pilot cost of $54,438 (roughly $545 per chair) according to NBC Chicago. The program was made possible through a public-private partnership, with Lollapalooza and C3 Presents LLC contributing $30,000, and the Park District covering the remaining $24,438 with support from Business France.

The chairs can be found around the fountain in Grant Park (301 S. Columbus Drive) daily from 8am to 11pm through October. They'll be removed during major Grant Park events.

Have you tried the chairs yet? The Park District wants to know what you think, so fill out the official chair survey once you've had the chance to take a seat, relax and enjoy the view.