Cloud Gate in Millennium Park is a must-see if you’re visiting Chicago. It’s called also “Then bean”. This stunning public sculpture, created by artist Anish Kapoor, has become one of the city’s most photographed and beloved landmarks.
It’s a surreal experience—like walking into a funhouse mirror made for the whole city. Whether you’re snapping selfies, admiring the architecture, or simply soaking in the buzz of Millennium Park, The Bean offers a memorable stop for travelers of all ages.
Why is it called The Bean?
If you’ve visited Cloud Gate in Millennium Park, chances are you’ve called it The Bean—just like everyone else. But have you ever wondered why?
Inspired by liquid mercury, British-Indian artist Anish Kapoor created Cloud Gate at Millennium Park with the intention of reflecting the sky and the surrounding skyline.. Its official name, Cloud Gate, refers to the way the 110-ton sculpture creates a “gate” to the sky through its seamless mirrored surface.
So where did The Bean come from? The nickname quickly caught on with locals and tourists because of the sculpture’s distinct bean-like shape. Even though Kapoor initially disliked the nickname, it stuck—and today, most visitors refer to it affectionately as The Bean.
Despite its playful name, this public art piece is a serious feat of engineering and design. It’s become a symbol of Chicago and a must-see spot in Millennium Park for photos, reflection (literally and figuratively), and soaking up the city’s energy.
Where is the cloud gate in millineum park located?
Cloud Gate is located in Millennium Park, right in the heart of downtown Chicago, Illinois.
Exact Location:
Millennium Park
201 E Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60602
Directions:
It’s easily accessible by foot, bike, or public transit. If you’re using the CTA, the Washington/Wabash or Millennium Station stops are just a short walk away.
Nearby Landmarks:
- Just east of Michigan Avenue
- Steps away from the Art Institute of Chicago
- Close to Crown Fountain and Jay Pritzker Pavilion
Why Cloud Gate is a Must-Visit in Chicago?
When planning a trip to the Windy City, one attraction that should top your list is Cloud Gate in Millennium Park. This iconic sculpture has become a symbol of Chicago’s creative spirit and urban beauty, drawing millions of visitors each year.
Cloud Gate is made of polished stainless steel, creating a seamless, mirror-like surface. Its unique, bean-shaped form reflects the city skyline, the surrounding park, and, of course, you—making it one of the most photographed spots in the city.
But it’s more than just a photo op.
. Its location in the heart of downtown places it within walking distance of top attractions like the Art Institute of Chicago, Crown Fountain, and Lake Michigan. The sculpture also serves as a gathering place for locals and tourists alike, offering a space to relax, reflect, or simply enjoy the city’s architecture from a new perspective.
Why is it called a Cloud Gate?
If you’ve visited or seen photos of Cloud Gate in Millennium Park, you might be curious about its name. Why is this iconic sculpture called Cloud Gate when most people refer to it as The Bean?
The official name, Cloud Gate, was chosen by its creator. The sculpture gets its name from the way it visually interacts with the sky. Its smooth, mirror-like surface reflects clouds and light in real time, creating an illusion that the structure is blending into the atmosphere above. Even more fascinating, the sculpture’s arch acts as a “gate” that allows visitors to walk underneath and experience distorted reflections of the skyline, sky, and themselves.
So, Cloud Gate is more than a name—it describes the sculpture’s purpose: a reflective portal that connects the city, its people, and the ever-changing sky.
Who invented the Cloud Gate in Millennium Park?
Though commonly called The Bean because of its kidney-like shape, the true meaning behind Cloud Gate in Millennium Park adds artistic depth and intention to this public artwork. It’s a name that invites exploration and reflection—literally and symbolically
The creator of Cloud Gate in Millennium Park is Anish Kapoor, a renowned British-Indian sculptor famous for his large-scale public artworks. Kapoor is celebrated for his innovative use of reflective surfaces and his ability to create art that invites interaction and contemplation.
Cloud Gate was designed in 1999 and took approximately five years to complete, with the sculpture officially unveiling to the public in 2004. The artwork was installed in Millennium Park in Chicago, Illinois, and quickly became one of the city’s most recognizable landmarks.
The sculpture is made of highly polished stainless steel, and its smooth, mirror-like surface reflects both the surrounding skyline and the people who visit it. Its unique shape, often referred to as “The Bean” by locals, is inspired by the concept of liquid mercury, and its design invites visitors to walk under it and view their distorted reflections. Kapoor’s vision for Cloud Gate was to create a piece that served as both an artistic and interactive experience, symbolizing the connection between the city, the sky, and its people.
Today, Cloud Gate in Millennium Park remains a must-see attraction in Chicago, drawing millions of tourists and art enthusiasts from around the world. Its stunning design and significance in the city’s public art scene continue to make it one of the most photographed sculptures globally.
Things to Do at Cloud Gate?
Visiting Cloud Gate in Millennium Park isn’t just about seeing an iconic piece of art—it’s an interactive experience that offers plenty of things to do! Here’s how you can make the most of your visit to this stunning sculpture.
Capture Stunning Photos: The highly reflective surface of Cloud Gate in Millennium Park makes it one of Chicago’s most photographed landmarks. Whether you’re capturing the city skyline or getting a distorted reflection of yourself, the Bean provides endless photo opportunities.
Walk Underneath for a Unique View: One of the coolest things to do at Cloud Gate is walking underneath its arched structure. From here, you get a unique perspective as the sculpture’s reflective surface distorts your surroundings and your own reflection. It’s a fun and surreal experience that lets you interact with the art.
Attend Free Events in Millennium Park: Millennium Park often hosts a variety of free events, from outdoor concerts at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion to movie screenings on the lawn. After visiting Cloud Gate, stay for some live entertainment and enjoy the lively atmosphere of the park.
Explore Nearby Attractions: While in the area, take time to explore nearby spots like the Crown Fountain, the Art Institute of Chicago, and Lurie Garden. These attractions are just a short walk from Cloud Gate and will help round out your visit to Millennium Park.
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How much to visit Cloud Gate in millennium park?
The great news about Cloud Gate in Millennium Park is that it’s completely free to visit! Unlike many iconic art installations around the world, this stunning sculpture is open to the public without any entry fees. You can visit it anytime, as Cloud Gate is located outdoors in the heart of Millennium Park, making it accessible year-round.
Whether you’re stopping by for a quick photo, to admire the design, or to interact with the art, you won’t need to worry about admission costs. This makes Cloud Gate in Millennium Park a fantastic, budget-friendly activity for both locals and tourists alike.
While Cloud Gate itself is free, there are other attractions within Millennium Park and nearby that may have additional fees. For instance, some events held in the park, like concerts at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion or special exhibitions, might have costs associated with them. But simply experiencing Cloud Gate and enjoying the surrounding park area is absolutely free.
So, whether you’re visiting Chicago on a budget or just looking for a beautiful spot to relax, Cloud Gate in Millennium Park is an affordable, must-see landmark in the city.
How much did The Bean cost to build?
The cost to build Cloud Gate in Millennium Park(The Bean), was approximately $23 million. This amount covered not only the creation of the sculpture but also its installation and surrounding infrastructure within Millennium Park, one of Chicago’s most iconic public spaces.
Designed by artist Anish Kapoor, Cloud Gate was a major investment aimed at transforming the park into a world-class destination for both locals and tourists. The sculpture itself, made of highly polished stainless steel, weighs around 110 tons and required cutting-edge engineering to ensure its seamless reflective surface.
The funding for Cloud Gate in Millennium Park came from a combination of public and private sources, including donations from individuals, foundations, and corporations. The sculpture’s installation was part of a broader effort to revitalize the area and make Millennium Park an internationally recognized landmark in Chicago.
Though the price tag may seem high, Cloud Gate has proven to be a worthwhile investment. It continues to attract millions of visitors each year, becoming one of Chicago’s most beloved and photographed landmarks, enhancing the city’s cultural and tourism appeal.
How many people visit Cloud Gate a year?
Cloud Gate receives over 20 million visitors annually, making it a top attraction in the Midwest. Millennium Park, where Cloud Gate is located, sees about 25 million visitors each year
How big is the Cloud Gate?
Cloud Gate in Millennium Park chicago is an impressive sculpture with notable dimensions. Standing at 33 feet (10 meters) tall, 66 feet (20 meters) long, and 42 feet (12.8 meters) wide, this iconic piece of public art weighs about 110 tons. Visitors can walk around, under, and through Cloud Gate, experiencing its reflection of the surrounding skyline and cityscape, making it a must-see landmark for anyone visiting Millennium Park.
Why did they close the Cloud Gate?
Cloud Gate in Millennium Park chicago was temporarily closed for maintenance or repairs on a few occasions since its installation in 2006. The reasons for these closures typically involve necessary upkeep to preserve the sculpture’s polished stainless steel surface and ensure its safety for visitors.
The most notable closure occurred in 2018 when the sculpture was closed for cleaning and maintenance. Over time, the reflective surface of Cloud Gate can accumulate dirt and smudges, impacting its shiny mirror-like appearance. The maintenance involved carefully polishing the surface to restore its pristine look and address minor wear and tear.
Additionally, the closure may occur occasionally for structural checks, as the sculpture’s complex design and size (weighing 110 tons) require ongoing inspection and care. Despite these closures, Cloud Gate continues to be one of Chicago’s top attractions, offering visitors the chance to experience its stunning reflections of the city and sky.
While Cloud Gate in Millennium Park may occasionally be closed for maintenance, these brief closures are essential to ensure that the sculpture remains safe, functional, and visually spectacular for everyone to enjoy.
What is the best time of day to visit Cloud gate(The bean)?
The best time to visit Cloud gate in Millennium Park largely depends on what kind of experience you’re seeking. Here’s a quick guide to help you plan your visit:
Early Morning: If you want to avoid crowds and capture stunning photos without too many people around, early mornings are ideal. The park opens early, and Cloud Gate is especially magical at sunrise. The soft morning light reflects beautifully off the sculpture’s mirror-like surface, and you can enjoy a peaceful moment before the park fills up.
Late Afternoon and Sunset: Late afternoon is another fantastic time to visit. As the sun sets, the light changes, creating beautiful reflections on the sculpture. The golden hour adds a warm glow to your photos, and you’ll get a perfect view of the surrounding skyline.
Evening: In the evening, Cloud Gatetakes on a completely different charm. The city lights illuminate the sculpture, and it’s especially stunning when lit against the night sky. If you’re looking for a lively atmosphere with more foot traffic and the chance to experience the park’s energy, the evening is the perfect time to visit.
What is a fun fact about the Cloud Gate?
One interesting detail about Cloud is that its 168 stainless steel plates, which make up its highly shiny surface, are all completely welded together without any apparent seams! This smooth, mirror-like finish creates the illusion that the sculpture is a single, flawless piece of liquid metal, even though it’s actually made up of multiple segments.
Another interesting tidbit is that Cloud Gate weighs a whopping 110 tons, but despite its massive size, it was designed to look light and fluid, like a droplet of liquid mercury. The sculpture’s reflective quality makes it a favorite for photographers and visitors, as it distorts and warps the reflections, creating fun and surreal images.
Additionally, the artist behind Cloud Gate, Anish Kapoor, originally envisioned the sculpture as a “gate to the sky,” allowing visitors to interact with the environment and their own reflections in a deeply immersive way.
These fun facts make Cloud Gate in Millennium Park more than just a sculpture—it’s a dynamic, interactive experience that continues to captivate visitors from around the world.
Where to park to see Cloud Gate Chicago and average cost?
Convenient parking options are available nearby, with rates varying based on location and duration.
Nearby Parking Garages:
Millennium Garages – Millennium Park:
Address: 5 S Columbus Dr
Distance: ~2 minutes’ walk
Rates:
- 1 Hour: $29
- 3 Hours: $30
- 12 Hours: $39
- 24 Hours: $50
- (Mon-Fri, 5am–10am, out by 7pm): $16
Millennium Garages – Millennium Lakeside:
Address: 5 S Columbus Dr
Distance: ~2 minutes’ walk
Rates:
- 2 Hours: $28
- 3 Hours: $29
- 12 Hours: $37
- 24 Hours: $48
- (Mon-Fri, 5am–10am, out by 7pm): $16
Park North Garage:
Address: 25 N Michigan Ave
Distance: ~3 minutes’ walk
Rates:
- 2 Hours: $14
- 3 Hours: $15
- 12 Hours: $22
- 24 Hours: $30
Street Parking:
Metered parking is available in the Loop area:
Rate: $6.50 per hour (8am–9pm)
Payment: Credit/debit cards or ParkChicago app
Tips:
Reserve in Advance: Use apps like SpotHero or ParkWhiz to secure a spot and potentially save on rates.
Public Transit: Consider using CTA trains or buses for convenience and to avoid parking hassles.
