The Chicago Bean is officially called Cloud Gate.
Understanding Cloud Gate: Chicago's Iconic Sculpture
Cloud Gate is a renowned public sculpture located in Chicago's Millennium Park, famous for its reflective surface and unique shape that has earned it the popular nickname "The Bean."
Key Facts About Cloud Gate
Aspect | Detail |
---|---|
Official Name | Cloud Gate |
Artist | Anish Kapoor (Indian-born British artist) |
Location | Grainger Plaza, Millennium Park, Loop community area, Chicago |
Construction | 2004–2006 |
Nickname Origin | Derived from its bean-like shape; Kapoor later grew fond of the name. |
Material | 168 stainless steel plates, highly polished |
More About "The Bean"
Cloud Gate serves as a magnificent centerpiece within Millennium Park, drawing millions of visitors annually. Its highly reflective, mirror-like exterior allows it to reflect the city skyline, the sky, and visitors themselves, creating dynamic and ever-changing perspectives.
The sculpture's seamless, polished surface gives it the appearance of liquid mercury, inviting interaction from visitors who often walk beneath its arch or touch its smooth exterior. This interaction and its distinct shape are primarily why the nickname "The Bean" became so pervasive, eventually even gaining approval from its creator, Anish Kapoor.
For more details on its significance and history, you can explore information about Cloud Gate in Chicago.