Like all great public art, Chicago's, Cloud Gate sparks affection, curiosity, and commentary. Commonly referred to as "The Bean" by locals, Cloud Gate is one of the city's main tourist attractions. In fact, with its central location in Millennium Park, it's not just tourists who frequent the Bean. This avant-garde sculpture attracts locals and newcomers by the thousands every day.
Construction
World-renowned British artist Anish Kapoor designed Cloud Gate as part of a competition connected to Millennium Park. His design, which was inspired by liquid mercury, was an enormous convex structure of seamless highly shined metal. Kapoor's design won the competition, though some engineers remained skeptical that the feat could be achieved. After various consultations and experiments, a workable design was completed, and the Bean moved a step closer to reality.
Constructing Cloud Gate proved difficult, and the project ran behind schedule. Nonetheless, the sculpture was finally dedicated on May 15, 2006, which was officially declared "Cloud Gate Day." Amidst a colorful celebration, the sculpture itself was clearly the main attraction.
Features
Its flawless surface is made up of nearly 170 stainless steel plates that are welded together with such precision that it is impossible to detect a seam anywhere. At 110 tons and 63 feet in height, it's an impressive sight that's impossible to miss.
One of the most impressive facets of the Bean is its highly reflective surface, which provides a new perspective on the Chicago skyline and anyone happening to walk by. Seeing a reflection in its surface is rather like gazing into a funhouse mirror. Every image is hilariously or fascinatingly distorted, which leads to plenty of amusement and some fantastic photographs. Best of all, the legume shaped structure features a 12-foot high archway that visitors can walk through. This is truly a public work of art that is meant to be seen, touched, and experienced in a variety of ways by all who wander there.
Visiting the Sculpture
Cloud Gate is a wonderful destination during the day or at night. In fact, locals suggest seeing the structure in full sun and by the light of the moon in order to have the total experience. Daylight hours are certainly more crowded, but this only adds to the fun. At night, the park is less lively, and the way Chicago's lights reflect on the surface of the sculpture is truly remarkable.
Events are always happening at the Bean. On any given day, visitors may see engagements and wedding parties. There are also official events, like the festive Caroling at Cloud Gate, which happen every year. The sculpture's ideal location puts it close to an ice skating rink in winter and music festivals in the summer, making it a year round attraction. Nearby, visitors will find many opportunities to shop and dine as well as visit world class museums. With so much to recommend it, it's clear that Chicagoans and tourists alike will continue to make the Bean one of the region's most popular attractions.
