At basement level, Hixon Court acts as an entry point to Galileo Foyer. The Venus Fountain and koi pond allow community members to sit a while and relax.
The Venus Fountain
The Venus Fountain in this court is of the School of Giovanni Bologna (1524–1608), last of the great sculptors of the Italian Renaissance. It was given to Harvey Mudd College with the view of its eventually being installed on campus as a symbol of the College's commitment ot the humanities. The Venus Fountain was incorporated in the design of the last Libra Complex of academic buildings. Work on the fountain was completed early in February 1972.
The Japanese Koi
The very colorful fish in the fountain pool are Japanese koi. Though descended from plain grey carp, koi have undergone centruries of artificial mutations and cross-breeding to become one of the most beautiful varieties of freshwater fish. Koi derive their names from their coloring and markings. For example, a fish with a solid gold dust color is called ohgon; a tricolor of orange, black and white is taisho sanshoku; and a basically white with reddish-orange splashing is koohaku. There are many more.
Though native to Japan, koi thrive in almost all parts fo the world. They require a proper diet; clear, oxygenated water; and plenty of space. Koi tend to be active when the termperatues is just right and the water is fairly turbulent. They are especially active at feeding time.
Koi are said to live to be incredibly old in Japan, and may pass from one generation of owners to another. The donor of these fish hopes they too may have a long and splendid tenure in Harvey Mudd's Venus fountain.