Drei Grazien-Brunnen (Fountain of the Three Graces)
ETH main building

This drinking fountain was donated to ETH Zurich by Professor Robert Gnehm, in memory of his son Walter, who died young. The three bronze graces—a classical Greek and Roman motif—symbolize youthful joie de vivre. Their neoclassical iconography infuses this “temple” of science with an air of spirituality. As president of the ETH Board from 1905 until 1926, Robert Gnehm had a significant influence on the architectural extension of ETH Zurich. The dome towering above the fountain, erected on the extended Semper building between 1918 and 1920, has become a distinguishing feature of the main building of ETH Zurich, thanks to the persuasiveness of Robert Gnehm and architect Gustav Gull. In addition to his role as an academic, Robert Gnehm was also active in the chemical industry, as co-owner of Ciba and director of Sandoz, which later merged to form Novartis.

Reference: Agnese Quadri, "Die Grazien im Hauptgebäude der ETH Zürich,” 2017, ETH Heritage.