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Inviting to those who seek relaxation with its large lawn, fountain, and stroll paths, the square also has earned a reputation of a vibrant place for cultural events, such as local and international art and photography exhibitions, as well as occasional live music shows.Īnchoring the square is the Millennium Monument (Peristyle), a nearly full-sized replica of the original peristyle that had stood in this part of Grant Park from 1917 until 1953. Nestled on the corner of Michigan Avenue and Randolph Street, in the northwest section of Millennium Park, Wrigley Square is a tree-lined, public space serving as an outdoor exhibit and performance space.

The Cloud Gate was completed and formally dedicated only on May 15, 2006, and has since enjoyed great acclaim both at home and abroad. Although a feasible solution was eventually found, the project fell behind schedule and was still unfinished by the time Millennium Park was opened in 2004. Concave at the bottom, it creates a spectacular fun mirror effect for those walking underneath, reflecting distorted images of the Chicago skyline.Īt the time, before its installation, the sculpture was subject to controversy among experts, some of whom believed it could not be implemented because of the technical difficulties associated with its construction, assembly, upkeep, and maintenance.

It has been lovingly dubbed by the locals as "The Bean," although the design has been inspired by a drop of mercury. The sculpture stands three stories high, measuring 66 feet long, 33 feet high, and 42 feet wide, and weighing 100 tons. The Cloud Gate is made entirely of stainless steel 168 plates are welded together and polished to conceal the seams. The Cloud Gate was his first public outdoor work in the United States and is considered his most famous one. It was created by the Indian-born British sculptor Anish Kapoor, well-known for his large-scale outdoor works, including several with highly reflective surfaces. The Cloud Gate is a public sculpture, the centerpiece of AT&T Plaza at Millennium Park, constructed between 20. To explore the park's architectural and historic features in more detail, take this self-guided walk! In essence, Grant Park represents Chicago's progressive design streak spanning from the 19th century to the 21st. In 2004, a section of northern Grant Park was redeveloped as Millennium Park which today accommodates four artistic highlights: the Jay Pritzker Pavilion, Cloud Gate, Crown Fountain, and the Lurie Garden. Among other notable features here are the Clarence Buckingham Fountain, the Art Institute of Chicago, and a monument to the 16th president of the United States, Abraham Lincoln. Popularly referred to as “Chicago's front lawn,” this lakefront park is the site of many of summer festivals, including Blues Fest, Taste of Chicago, and Lollapalooza. In fact, upon foundation, it was called Lake Park, but was renamed in 1901 after the American Civil War General and United States President, Ulysses S.
#MILLUMIN PARK CHICAGO FREE#
One such “forever free and open” space, is called Grant Park and was established in 1844. The city of Chicago is renowned for its outdoor green spaces.
