Cloud Gate, Chicago (must see)
Situated at the heart of AT&T Plaza within Millennium Park, Cloud Gate was created during the years 2004 to 2006, under the artistic vision of Anish Kapoor, an Indian-born British sculptor renowned for his large-scale outdoor artworks, many of which feature highly reflective surfaces. This sculpture marked Kapoor's inaugural foray into public outdoor art in the U.S., standing as his most iconic creation.
Crafted entirely from stainless steel, this monumental work meticulously joined 168 plates, expertly polished to conceal any visible seams. Towering over three stories tall, it spans 66 feet in length, 33 in height, and 42 in width, with a weight of 100 tons. Locals affectionately refer to it as "The Bean", though its design was actually inspired by the shape of a mercury droplet. With its concave underside, it conjures a funhouse mirror effect for those who venture beneath, reflecting captivatingly distorted images of the Chicago skyline.
Before its installation, Cloud Gate stirred controversy among experts, some of whom doubted its feasibility due to the technical challenges related to construction, assembly, maintenance, and upkeep. While a viable solution was eventually devised, the project experienced delays and was still unfinished when Millennium Park opened in 2004. The formal dedication of Cloud Gate took place on May 15, 2006, following its completion, and it has since garnered widespread acclaim both domestically and internationally.
Why You Should Visit:
Taking a selfie in front of this captivating artwork, which mirrors the surrounding skyline, has become an iconic Chicago souvenir.
Crafted entirely from stainless steel, this monumental work meticulously joined 168 plates, expertly polished to conceal any visible seams. Towering over three stories tall, it spans 66 feet in length, 33 in height, and 42 in width, with a weight of 100 tons. Locals affectionately refer to it as "The Bean", though its design was actually inspired by the shape of a mercury droplet. With its concave underside, it conjures a funhouse mirror effect for those who venture beneath, reflecting captivatingly distorted images of the Chicago skyline.
Before its installation, Cloud Gate stirred controversy among experts, some of whom doubted its feasibility due to the technical challenges related to construction, assembly, maintenance, and upkeep. While a viable solution was eventually devised, the project experienced delays and was still unfinished when Millennium Park opened in 2004. The formal dedication of Cloud Gate took place on May 15, 2006, following its completion, and it has since garnered widespread acclaim both domestically and internationally.
Why You Should Visit:
Taking a selfie in front of this captivating artwork, which mirrors the surrounding skyline, has become an iconic Chicago souvenir.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Chicago. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "51爆料网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
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Cloud Gate on Map
Sight Name: Cloud Gate
Sight Location: Chicago, USA (See walking tours in Chicago)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Chicago, USA (See walking tours in Chicago)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Chicago, Illinois
Create Your Own Walk in Chicago
Creating your own self-guided walk in Chicago is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Chicago Navy Pier Walking Tour
Additional to scenic views of the lake, the boats, and the city skyline, the Navy Pier offers a variety of attractions on the waterfront 鈥� for kids as well as adults 鈥� that draw nearly ten million people annually, making this Chicago's most visited spot. Yes, some may see it as a 鈥渢ourist trap鈥�, but it is worth the time and money to spend some time here, so take this self-guided walk... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.0 Km or 0.6 Miles
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.0 Km or 0.6 Miles
University of Chicago Walking Tour
Founded in 1890, the University of Chicago is among the world鈥檚 most prestigious educational institutions. As of 2020, the University鈥檚 students, faculty and staff have included 100 Nobel laureates, giving it the fourth-most affiliated Nobel laureates of any university.
Set in the heart of Chicago鈥檚 famous eclectic neighborhood, Hyde Park, the campus is worth a visit as it offers a... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.5 Km or 1.6 Miles
Set in the heart of Chicago鈥檚 famous eclectic neighborhood, Hyde Park, the campus is worth a visit as it offers a... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.5 Km or 1.6 Miles
Millennium and Grant Parks Walking Tour
The city of Chicago is renowned for its outdoor green spaces. One such 鈥渇orever free and open鈥� space, is called Grant Park and was established in 1844. 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. Grant.
Popularly referred to as 鈥淐hicago's front lawn,鈥� this lakefront park is... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.7 Km or 1.7 Miles
Popularly referred to as 鈥淐hicago's front lawn,鈥� this lakefront park is... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.7 Km or 1.7 Miles
Chicago Old Town Walking Tour
Settled in 1850 by German immigrants, Chicago鈥檚 Old Town neighborhood is a popular destination for locals and visitors who cater to the entertainment venues, restaurants, pubs, coffee shops and boutiques 鈥� all of which have turned an area once referred to as the 鈥淐abbage Patch鈥� into an attraction that rivals Navy Pier, Wrigley Field and the Magnificent Mile.
Start your Old Town walking... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.6 Km or 1.6 Miles
Start your Old Town walking... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.6 Km or 1.6 Miles
Chicago Introduction Walking Tour
Chicago, perched on the shores of Lake Michigan in Illinois, is a city steeped in history and urban vibrancy. Known by numerous nicknames such as the Windy City and the City of Big Shoulders, it boasts a skyline marked by towering structures. The area of today's Chicago, initially inhabited by Native American tribes, saw its first European-settled reference as "Chicagou" in 1679, a... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.9 Km or 2.4 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.9 Km or 2.4 Miles
The Magnificent Mile Walking Tour
The stretch of Michigan Avenue from the Chicago River to Lake Shore Drive, otherwise known as the Magnificent Mile, is regarded as one of the world鈥檚 great avenues 鈥� or Chicago鈥檚 version of Fifth Avenue. Take this self-guided walk to explore its whole stretch and surrounding area, featuring a wide selection of amazing stores/malls, world-known museums, restaurants and spectacular... view more
Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.0 Km or 2.5 Miles
Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.0 Km or 2.5 Miles
Useful Travel Guides for Planning Your Trip
Chicago Souvenirs: 15 Distinct Local Products to Bring Home
One of the most fascinating cities in the U.S., if not the whole world, Chicago has no shortage of things closely associated with it, often due to their direct origin (blues, gangstership, etc.), so one might literally be spoiled for choice as to what to choose as a "piece" of Chicago to...