If you thought you’d seen every weird and wonderful piece of public art in Chicago, wait until you meet the “Shit Fountain” in Ukrainian Village. Designed and installed in 2005 by Polish-Chicago artist Jerzy S. Kenar, this bronze sculpture shaped exactly like…well, a mound of dog poop…sits—proudly—at the corner of Wolcott and Augusta.
What really gives it its punch is that water slowly trickles from the top of the coil into a shallow basin below, making the piece a true “fountain.” It’s meant as a playful protest: Kenar was tired of residents leaving dog waste near his flowers, and instead of just signs, he crafted something unignorable.
Key Highlights
Kenar’s craftsmanship shows in how realistic the bronze “pile” looks—curled, slightly glistening where water flows, mounted on a three-foot sandstone pedestal like some classical bust. It’s humorous, but not sloppy: you’ll notice the details.
Part of the appeal is how the piece balances between absurdity and commentary. Here’s something to watch out for: from afar it might just look like a brown sculpture you pass on a sidewalk, but up close the water dribble, the texture, the scale—all force you to see it as art and message.
Locals seem to have embraced it. It’s become an icon of the neighborhood in its own right—something people bring friends to see, take photos of, laugh about, and talk about. Even though it’s on private property, its visibility to the public means it’s grown beyond just being a piece on someone’s front yard into part of Chicago’s oddball public art circuit.
Atmosphere & Tone
Strolling through Ukrainian Village, the fountain stands in contrast to its more polished surroundings; you’ve got homes, galleries, trees, parked cars—and then this comedic bronze coil dribbling water in all its unabashed detail. It’s subtle from a distance; you might miss it unless you’re paying attention. But once you notice it, it stops you.
There’s no fanfare, no barriers—just a simple pedestal. You can view it anytime (day, evening), though it feels especially funny in the quiet: when the sound of water dribbling against the basin is more noticeable, and when fewer distractions are around, you get a sense of it as a statement in a calm space.
Other Considerations
What’s the price?
Zero. It’s free to view. Because it’s public art (though on private property), there’s no charge.
Does it smell bad / is it gross?
Nope. Despite how it looks, there is no odor. It’s bronze and stone; the “shit” part is the shape. The water helps make it visually striking, but it’s clean.
Will I want to visit if I’m not into “weird” art?
If you enjoy quirky, provocative art or things that spark conversation, yes. If you prefer classical sculptures or traditional art, this might feel more like a novelty than a masterpiece. But even many who came out of curiosity say they ended up appreciating it for its audacity and humor.
When’s the best time to go?
During daylight so you can see the texture and water details easily. Early morning or late afternoon may offer softer light for photos. On weekends or evenings it’s still accessible since it’s outdoors and visible from the street. Just be respectful of the residential nature of the area.
Is it suitable for kids / foolproof for photos?
Kids will probably laugh. It’s playful more than anything shocking. As for photos, yes—this is a prime goofy-Instagram-situation. Just give space for pedestrians and parking cars; some say the fountain is partially behind parked cars depending on where you stand.
Why This Piece Matters
Beyond the joke-value, the “Shit Fountain” speaks to how art can engage everyday life: dog waste, neighborhood pride, responsibility. It’s art as admonition, humor as a tool for civic reminder. Plus, it mixes craftsmanship with satire in a way that’s rare—you don’t often see monuments to excrement, bronze or otherwise.
If you’re exploring Chicago’s less-touristy creative corners, this is the kind of stop that leaves an impression—not because it’s grand, but because it’s unexpected, funny, and oddly meaningful.
Shit Fountain
📍 1001 N Wolcott Ave, Chicago, IL 60622
