Kugel ball

A kugel ball is a water feature or sculpture where a sphere sitting in a spherical pocket on a pedestal is supported by a thin film of water. Pressurized water flows beneath the sphere slightly supporting it off the pocket. A kugel ball can weigh thousands of pounds. As the thin film of water suspends and lubricates the ball, it can be spun by hand. Kugel balls are often fabricated from granite. Ring sculptures that rotate on an axis are also built.

Kugel ball installations can be found all over the world. Many are at popular tourist destinations, such as science museums shopping centers, lobbies, and gardens.

The term kugel ball originates from the German word Kugel for ball or sphere.

Kugel balls

Simplified diagram of the workings of a kugel ball

Simplified diagram of the workings of a kugel ball

Lansdale station, Railroad Plaza, Lansdale, Pennsylvania

Lansdale station, Railroad Plaza, Lansdale, Pennsylvania

Locations of kugel balls

Notes

See also