The new Federal Square was inaugurated in summer 2004, with a grand street party and an official opening ceremony, just one year to the day after the laying of the first stone.

Tens of thousands of revellers were there on the hot summer night of July 31st to enjoy the show laid on by popular entertainers like Züri West, Polo Hofer, The Bagatellos and other local pop and rock groups, with the party going on to 4 am to mark the inauguration of the new pedestrians-only Federal Square. The celebrations then continued, likewise with the presence of thousands of guests, on the national federal holiday, with the official opening of the square marked by speeches, music and the ceremonial startup of the fountain, which immediately became the main attraction of the new square.