Cloud Gate, a.k.a. "The Bean"
One of the most interesting and unique attractions in Chicago is Cloud Gate, otherwise known as 'The Bean.' Sculptor Anish Kapoor created this work of art, giving visitors a unique panoramic view of Chicago's skyline reaching for the clouds above. 'The Bean' is made of 168 polished stainless steel plates seamlessly welded together. It stands 33 feet (10 m) high, 66 feet (20 m) long, and 42 feet (13 m) wide.
Like many of Chicago's attractions, this sculpture came with a bit of controversy. From 2002 through 2004, the plates which comprise Cloud Gate were made in Oakland, California and were then shipped to Chicago to be assembled. To no local's surprise, construction fell behind schedule, so when the artwork was revealed in July 2004, it wasn't completely finished. The seams were not yet welded and were still fully visible, much to the artist's dismay. Despite its flaws, Cloud Gate was still incredibly popular and drew large crowds, so park officials decided to leave it on display for several months.
In January of 2005, 'The Bean' was covered up again with a large tent while the seams were welded and polished. I remember visiting this attraction during that time, when visitors were allowed to peek into small 'windows' of the tent to see how things were progressing. The sculpture remained covered for over a year and was finally completed on May 15, 2006. May 15 has been officially declared 'Cloud Gate Day.'
Due to Cloud Gate's shape, Chicagoans have affectionately called this piece 'The Bean.' But what is the artwork's true significance? Sightseers can walk beneath the 12-foot-high (4 m) arch which provides a 'gateway' to the concave chamber within:
What I wanted to do in Millennium Park is make something that would engage the Chicago skyline' so that one will see the clouds kind of floating in, with those very tall buildings reflected in the work. And then, since it is in the form of a gate, the participant, the viewer, will be able to enter into this very deep chamber that does, in a way, the same thing to one's reflection as the exterior of the piece is doing to the reflection of the city around. 'Anish Kapoor[1]
Initially, Kapoor did not care for the 'bean' nickname, but he has eventually come to embrace it. No matter what you decide to call this spectacle, this artwork is nothing less than remarkable.
Photo credit (c/o Flickr): Tojosan, Conlawprof, sigity, radiospike photography, Amit Gupta
Cloud Gate: 51 N Michigan Ave; 312-742-1168
24-hour underground parking (www.MillenniumGarages.com)
Public trans: Bus # 3, 4, X4, 6, 14, 20, X20, 26, 60, 124, 127, 145, 147, 148, 151, 157
Red/Blue Line train (Washington)
Orange/Pink/Green/Purple/Brown Line train (Madison)
Metra Electric/ South Shore Line (Randolph)
http://www.millenniumpark.org/
[1] Cloud Gate on the AT&T Plaza. (n.d.). Retrieved May 2, 2008 from http://www.millenniumpark.org/artandarchitecture/cloud_gate.html
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May 6th, 2008 at 4:49 pm
That’s really cool! At first glance I wasn’t so sure but the reflections and perspective won me over. I know a few people who could end up spending a lot of time there getting some neat shots!
May 7th, 2008 at 6:00 am
[...] sure, it may seem simple, comprised mostly of the Jay Pritzker Pavilion, Cloud Gate, and Crown Fountain. But each one of those features is nothing like anything you've seen before. [...]
May 7th, 2008 at 11:12 am
You’re right, Heather, it does look a little strange at first, but once you see it in person, you can’t help but stop and stare. It’s like a giant funhouse mirror!
June 10th, 2008 at 5:12 am
Very cool indeed, what a piece of art ! I won’t miss it during my coming trip to Chicago !