Westcott Building & Fountain - Image 1
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Westcott Building and Fountain

4.9
·104 reviews·Tallahassee, United States

The iconic Westcott Building and Fountain at FSU, famous for its 21st birthday tradition and as a beloved campus landmark.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Evenings

Vibrant atmosphere, student life

CrowdMedium
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Westcott Building & Fountain - Image 1

Westcott Building and Fountain

Best Time

Evenings

Vibrant atmosphere, student life

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

The iconic Westcott Building and Fountain at FSU, famous for its 21st birthday tradition and as a beloved campus landmark.

4.9
(104 reviews)

"This iconic fountain is great for throwing your best friends in for dip on their birthday."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 21st Birthday Tradition

Get ready to be tossed in for your 21st! It's a classic FSU rite of passage.

📸 Graduation Photo Op

This iconic spot is perfect for graduation photos. Book photographers in advance!

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Westcott Fountain Toss

Westcott Fountain Toss

Westcott Fountain

The quintessential FSU experience: getting tossed into the fountain for your 21st birthday!

Westcott Building Architecture

Westcott Building Architecture

Westcott Building

Admire the impressive architecture of this historic FSU landmark.

Graduation Photo Spot

Graduation Photo Spot

Westcott Fountain and Building

A beloved backdrop for graduation photos, capturing memories of FSU life.

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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Birthday Tradition

The Westcott Fountain is famous for its 21st birthday tradition: being tossed in by friends! While it's a popular rite of passage, some Redditors note you can go in on other birthdays too if you're a Nole. Plan for this fun, albeit wet, experience.

Iconic Campus Landmark

More than just a fountain, the Westcott Building and Fountain are central to Florida State University's campus. It's a popular spot for graduation photos and a place steeped in student memories. Consider visiting during campus tours or events.

Best Times

When
Evenings
Why
Vibrant atmosphere, student life
Crowd
Medium
When
Around Graduation
Why
Iconic photo opportunities
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

didn’t stop me tho ❄️⛲️🍾 #fsu #fsutiktok #fsutok #21stbirthday #floridastateuniversity #wescottfountain
@ajoydank
5.3K likes • 33.9K views

🎯 21st Birthday Tradition

Get ready to be tossed in for your 21st! It's a classic FSU rite of passage. TikTok+1

📸 Graduation Photo Op

This iconic spot is perfect for graduation photos. Book photographers in advance! Reddit

Grwm to be thrown in the wescott fountain at fsu for my 21st birthday!! #fsu #fsutok #fsutiktok #floridastate #21stbirthday #fountaintoss #wescottfountain
@rosella.cruz
4.2K likes • 57.3K views
reddit.com

Regarding the tradition of going into Wescott Fountain on your birthday...

👟 Comfortable Shoes

You'll likely be walking around campus, so wear comfy shoes. :athletic_shoe:

📱 Capture the Moment

Don't forget your phone for photos and videos of the fountain fun! :iphone:

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 21st Birthday Tradition

Get ready to be tossed in for your 21st! It's a classic FSU rite of passage. TikTok+1

📸 Graduation Photo Op

This iconic spot is perfect for graduation photos. Book photographers in advance! Reddit

👟 Comfortable Shoes

You'll likely be walking around campus, so wear comfy shoes. :athletic_shoe:

📱 Capture the Moment

Don't forget your phone for photos and videos of the fountain fun! :iphone:

What Travellers Say

4.9
(104 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise the Westcott Building and Fountain as an iconic and memorable FSU landmark, especially for its cherished 21st birthday tradition and as a prime spot for graduation photos. The recent addition of astro turf has been well-received for improving the grounds. Some note that historical statues may not align with modern social views.

"Just graduated this past May from FSU, and I can’t help but reflect on how beautiful and iconic the Westcott Fountain is. It holds so many memories—especially those countless 12 a.m. fountain throws. Hard to believe how quickly these four years have flown by."

Christine Renjit

"Took the grandson to see the FSU campus. No trip is complete without seeing the fountain. Fond memories of when our twins were students here."

Renee Campbell

"This iconic fountain is great for throwing your best friends in for dip on their birthday. It also happens to be a favorite for graduation photos as well."

Robert Gill

What People Like

Iconic FSU landmark
Birthday fountain tradition
Graduation photo spot

What People Dislike

Historical statue context

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Westcott Building and Fountain are located at the heart of the Florida State University campus in Tallahassee, Florida. If driving, use campus parking information for visitor lots. Public transport options may also be available depending on your starting point. TikTok

Visitor parking is available on the FSU campus, but it can be limited, especially during peak times. Check the FSU Parking and Transportation website for the most current information on visitor lots and rates. Reddit

Absolutely! The Westcott Building and Fountain are iconic landmarks on the FSU campus and are accessible to visitors. It's a popular spot for prospective students and tourists alike. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No tickets are required to visit or view the Westcott Building and Fountain. It is an open public space on the FSU campus. :ticket:

The fountain area is generally accessible during daylight hours and is a central part of the campus. There are no specific closing times for viewing the exterior. :clock3:

There is no admission fee to see the exterior of the Westcott Building or the fountain. Access to specific offices or events within the building may vary. :moneywithwings:

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

The popular tradition involves friends tossing the birthday person into the Westcott Fountain, especially for their 21st birthday. It's a memorable FSU rite of passage. TikTokReddit+1

Yes, it's a well-known tradition, particularly for 21st birthdays. Some Redditors mention that as long as you're a 'Nole,' you can go in on other birthdays too. Reddit

New astro turf has been installed around the fountain, described as soft and natural-colored, providing a better alternative to real grass which struggled with chlorine and visitors. Reddit

Yes, the area features statuary. However, be aware that some figures memorialized may not align with modern social awareness standards. Reddit

While the exterior is always accessible, tours of the Westcott Building itself might be part of official FSU campus tours. Check with the university's admissions or visitor center for details. :world_map:

📸 📸 Photography

The fountain itself, with the Westcott Building as a backdrop, is the prime photo spot. Consider angles from the surrounding newly turfed areas for a broader campus view. Instagram

Evenings can offer beautiful lighting, and during graduation season, the atmosphere is particularly lively for photos. Early mornings might offer fewer crowds. :camerawithflash:

Generally, casual photography is allowed. For professional shoots, especially during busy periods like graduation, it's wise to check FSU's policies or secure necessary permissions. :camerawithflash:

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Westcott Fountain area is a visually appealing spot for families visiting the FSU campus. While the birthday toss tradition is primarily for older students, kids can enjoy seeing the fountain and the impressive architecture of the Westcott Building. The new astro turf provides a softer area for children to move around. It's a good place for a brief stop during a campus exploration, offering a glimpse into university life and traditions. Reddit

🎓 Graduating Students

For graduating students, the Westcott Building and Fountain are practically mandatory photo locations. It's the iconic backdrop that signifies the culmination of your FSU journey. Many students arrange for professional photographers to capture their graduation portraits here. Don't forget to participate in the fountain toss tradition if it's your 21st birthday or simply to mark the occasion! InstagramReddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Iconic Westcott Fountain Tradition

The Westcott Fountain is more than just a water feature; it's a central hub for student life and traditions at Florida State University. The most famous of these is the 21st birthday fountain toss. This rite of passage involves friends playfully throwing the birthday celebrant into the fountain, creating a memorable and often hilarious experience. TikTok videos frequently capture these joyous moments, showcasing the excitement and camaraderie. TikTok+1

While the 21st birthday is the most celebrated occasion, the fountain is a gathering spot throughout the year. Redditors have shared that the tradition isn't strictly limited, and students often participate on other birthdays as well, reinforcing its status as a beloved campus landmark. The area around the fountain has also seen recent improvements, with new, natural-colored astro turf replacing traditional grass, offering a softer and more durable surface for visitors. Reddit

Beyond the traditions, the Westcott Building and Fountain serve as a picturesque backdrop for graduation photos. The combination of the historic architecture and the dynamic fountain creates a classic FSU scene that graduates cherish. It's a place where memories are made and celebrated, embodying the spirit of the university.

Architectural Significance and Campus Hub

The Westcott Building, a prominent feature of the Florida State University campus, stands as a testament to the university's history and architectural heritage. Its impressive facade makes it a focal point for students and visitors alike. Adjacent to it, the Westcott Fountain is not merely decorative but serves as a vibrant social and ceremonial space.

This area is a crucial campus hub, frequently bustling with student activity, especially during events and transitions like graduation. The fountain's presence adds a dynamic element to the otherwise stately architecture of the Westcott Building. It's a place where students gather, celebrate, and create lasting memories, contributing to the overall campus atmosphere. Reddit

While the architecture is a draw, it's important to note that some of the historical figures or statues incorporated into the area might reflect social values that differ from contemporary standards. Visitors are encouraged to appreciate the historical context while being mindful of evolving societal perspectives. Reddit