Vaillancourt Fountain

The Vaillancourt Fountain, also known as Quebec libre!, stands prominently in Embarcadero Plaza, San Francisco. Created by Québécois artist Armand Vaillancourt in 1971, this substantial fountain reaches a height of approximately 40 feet (12 meters) and is constructed using precast concrete square tubes.

Due to its bold modernist design, the fountain has long been a subject of controversy, with multiple unsuccessful proposals for its demolition over the years.

Notably, in 1987, the fountain gained additional attention as the backdrop for a free concert by U2. During the performance, lead singer Bono garnered both praise and criticism for spray painting graffiti on the fountain.