Nuclear Energy (sculpture), Chicago

Crafted to symbolize both a human skull and a mushroom cloud, this abstract bronze structure serves as a commemoration of the pivotal moment that occurred on December 2, 1942. It was at this juncture that Enrico Fermi and his fellow scientists achieved achieved the first controlled, self-sustaining nuclear chain reaction鈥攁n event of immense significance in demonstrating the feasibility of creating an atomic bomb. This historic step into the atomic age unfolded within the confines of a squash court situated beneath the bleachers of the now-demolished Stagg Field, which occupied the location where the Regenstein Library stands today.

The selection of Chicago as the project's headquarters was strategic, owing to the city's preexisting pool of accomplished physicists and chemists, its central geographic location far from the coasts, and the availability of ample space and housing. Under the veil of top secrecy, the location was codenamed "the Metallurgical Laboratory" within the broader "Manhattan Project" scientific mission.

Dubbed "Chicago Pile-1", the pioneering nuclear reactor marked the commencement of the Atomic Age; however, after the experiment, it was disassembled and relocated to a more secluded site within a forest preserve outside Chicago. The original location was subsequently designated as a National Historic Landmark on February 18, 1965.

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Sight Name: Nuclear Energy (sculpture)
Sight Location: Chicago, USA (See walking tours in Chicago)
Sight Type: Statue/Public Art
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:

University of Chicago Walking Tour

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.

Loop District Architecture Walking Tour

Chicago features an outstanding architectural legacy, having long been connected with some of architecture's most important names: Frank Lloyd Wright, Louis Sullivan, Mies van der Rohe, Holabird & Root, and others. The multi-layered Loop District, in particular, offers an extensive number of Chicago鈥檚 famous architectural 鈥渕ust-sees鈥� 鈥� from modern skyscrapers to historic buildings... view more

Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.7 Km or 2.9 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

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

Chicago Chinatown Walking Tour

Tucked away just south of the Loop, the Chinatown of Chicago was established in 1912 and is considered one of the best examples of American Chinatown. While it may be one of Chicago鈥檚 smallest neighborhoods geographically, it is big on character, colors, sights, sounds, and flavors. Here, you鈥檒l find a wide range of unique boutiques, specialty shops, religious sights, authentic Chinese... view more

Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.7 Km or 1.1 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

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

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