Artist: Anish Kapoor
Year Built: 2004–2006
Type Stainless steel
Dimensions 10 m × 13 m × 20 m (33 ft × 42 ft × 66 ft)
Location Millennium Park, Chicago, Illinois, United States
Cloud Gate, a public sculpture by Indian-born British artist Anish Kapoor, is the centerpiece of the AT&T Plaza in Millennium Park within the Loop community area of Chicago, Illinois, United States. The sculpture and AT&T Plaza are located on top of Park Grill, between the Chase Promenade and McCormick Tribune Plaza & Ice Rink. Constructed between 2004 and 2006, the sculpture is nicknamed “The Bean” because of its bean-like shape. Made up of 168 stainless steel plates welded together, its highly polished exterior has no visible seams. It is 33 by 66 by 42 feet (10 by 20 by 13 m), and weighs 110 short tons (100 t; 98 long tons).
Gail’s photo upshot from inside the Bean
Said to have been inspired by liquid mercury, the sculpture’s surface reflects and distorts the city’s skyline. Visitors are able to walk around and under Cloud Gate’s 12-foot (3.7 m) high arch. On the underside is the “omphalos” (Greek for “navel”), a concave chamber that warps and multiplies reflections. The sculpture builds upon many of Kapoor’s artistic themes, and is popular with tourists as a photo-taking opportunity for its unique reflective properties.
Gail’s photo under the Bean
The sculpture was selected during a design competition. After Kapoor’s design was chosen, numerous technological concerns regarding the design’s construction and assembly arose, in addition to concerns regarding the sculpture’s upkeep and maintenance. Various experts were consulted, some of whom believed the design could not be implemented. Eventually, a feasible method was found, but the sculpture’s construction fell behind schedule. It was unveiled in an incomplete form during the Millennium Park grand opening celebration in 2004, before being concealed again while it was completed. Cloud Gate was formally dedicated on May 15, 2006, and has since gained considerable popularity, both domestically and international.
Gail and Tom reflected in the Bean like the fun hall of mirrors in Coney Island
There I am taking our photo right into the Bean. There is so much more about this park, but not enough room to show it all.
I love Frank Gehry’s concert arena. His architecture is a miniature of his Walt Disney Concert Hall. I have some room here, I can’t resist showing you the arena here in the park. There was a band playing when we were there. The acoustics were amazing.
Many of you, last week, agreed that Chicago is a fantastic city. What do you think of the Bean and the Concert Arena?
HAPPY BIRTHDAY AMERICA 237 YEARS . . .
TODAY ON THIS JULY 4, 2013!!!
Frank Gehry’s Concert Arena in Millennium Park
Wow, where have I been? I’ve never heard of The Bean till now. If I’m ever in Chicago I will be sure to look for it. Keep the travel pictures and commentary coming, Gail. They’re so much fun to view and read, and I always learn something. Thanks!
Thanks Suze. Yup, the Bean is an amazing structure, and so much fun, like the fun house mirrors.
Thank you Paula! I love architecture, and this sculpture is an architectural feat. The skin (exterior) is an amazing work, accomplished with bent, polished stainless steel. I was shocked b/c of the bending that was necessary to build this sculpture. I was sure they had used titanium. I enjoyed the discovery of the engineering. If I can remember, next week, I am going to talk about Frank Gehry’s work, who bends Titanium. He has been one of the most fascinating of architects. Wasn’t it fantastic to experience being part of the sculpture, and people watch? Did you like that photo of Tom and me in the sculpture. We are funny, fat and squat.
I didn’t know the real name was the Cloud Gate. I just thought it was the Bean. 🙂 I like Cloud Gate!
Yes, PJ and I were there last year and had so much fun!
Hey there, it is fun for me knowing you were there. It is truly an in-person experience. Pics are interesting, but being there is amazing. Thanks Katy!!!
I always wondered about the Bean…I have to say, Sydney’s Sky Mirror is more to my taste. But I haven’t seen the Bean in person yet, though I’ll be in Chicago next spring. Thanks for the info, Gail! Love your travelogues!
Kristan, thanks. I have not seen Sydney’s Sky Mirror. I guess I will have to go to Australia, that’s where it is, right? Well, Tom has always wanted to go, maybe someday. It’s good you are going to Chicago next year. The whole park is an experience. The fountain is so beautiful, but the taxi driver stopped there for me to take pictures, then we drove to Millennium Park. I have a picture of the fountain in last week’s blog.
I love knowing the history of the “Bean”, Gail. Thanks for sharing all this fabulous info. I have pictures of me and my husband photographing the Bean, and others of me and Katy Lee under the Bean from our RT trip last year. It is something that needs to be experienced to be appreciated:-)