The Cloud Gate artwork by English artist Anish Kapoor is one of the main symbols of Chicago today. The bean-shaped steel sculpture measures 20 metres long and 13 metres wide and is made to mirror the sky and the surrounding environment.
"The Bean" has been located in Millennium Park since 2006 and is the number one tourist attraction. There is no admission charge, and the park is free to the public.
Directly across from Cloud Gate, the Jay Pritzker Pavilion was built in the same year, an open space with an interesting stage designed for concerts and various other cultural events.
Design Cloude Gate
The shape of the sculpture, which Chicagoans refer to as nothing more than "The Bean," was inspired by the color and form of liquid mercury.
The sculpture is made of polished steel, which, thanks to its rounded shape, perfectly mirrors the sky, clouds, the city skyline and pedestrian visitors.
The sculpture serves as the main gateway to Millennium Park - visitors can walk through a 3-meter high arch directly under the sculpture.
Accommodation nearby
The area around Cloud Gate is one of the most centrally located. The streets of East Downtown are relatively quiet.
There are several good quality and well rated hotels in the area:
How to get there
Cloude Gate is right in the heart of downtown Chicago. It's a 10-minute walk from the heart of Downtown, but of course you can also take public transportation.
- Metro - Washington/Wabash station about 150 meters (Brown, Green, Orange, Pink, Purple lines)
- Buses - Michigan Ave/Monroe St stop approx. 20 metres (lines 3, 4, 6, 26, 143)
What to see around
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