In 1997 Millennium Park was developed, sprucing up a spot in Grant Park that needed a little TLC. This 24.5 acre park is beautifully landscaped while being sprinkled with art sculptures that encourage the playful child in you.
Probably the best known sculpture in Millennium Park is the Cloud Gate or better known as “the Bean”. Cloud Gate was Anish Kapoor’s first public outdoor work installed in the United States. Cloud Gate looks like a drop of mercury that reflects back the sky, surrounding buildings and anyone standing near. It is almost impossible to get a photo of Cloud Gate without a random person standing in the photo. Like most popular attractions you will have better luck early in the morning before most of the tourists are out of bed.
Another one of the attractions in Millennium Park is the Jay Pritzker Pavilion, which was designed by Frank Gehry. Gehry’s work is non-traditional and looks somewhat futuristic, but I still rather enjoy it. The pavilion is made from brushed stainless steel which compliments “the bean”. This outdoor venue has 4000 fixed seats and lawn seating can hold up to another 7,000 more. It looks like a great place to catch a concert!
image credit: Wildcat Dunny
Crown Fountain caught my attention while I was walking to “the bean”. Faces of Chicago people appear on the side of the wall while water spouts out of their mouths. I thought this was rather peculiar but later learned that the water was a symbol of life. OK fine, but I still think it is strange… so strange that I did not capture my own photo… so we will borrow this one.
Image Credit: John Menard
Lurie Garden is a 5 acre garden sanctuary found in the heart of Chicago. Although there are high-rise buildings surrounding Millennium Park the Lurie Garden is meant to give travelers and residents alike a spot to decompress from the busyness of the vivacious city of Chicago.
Image Credit: Bernt Rostad
Wrigley Square and Millennium Monument, is a near size replica of the original peristyle that stood here from 1917 to 1953. This replica represents the past and the present of the park as well as paying homage to the individuals, corporations and foundations who donated to the development and conservation of Millennium Park.
Have you ever been to Millennium Park? Where is your favorite spot?
Millennium Park can be found near the loop boarding South Michigan, East Randolph, East Monroe and South Columbus Drive.
8 replies on “Millennium Park, Chicago Illinois”
Millennium Park looks like my kind of place to explore. I would love to see the bean and the Jay Pritzker Pavilion looks pretty cool as well!!
The park is pretty awesome and the bean is a lot of fun seeing what it reflects back!
I haven’t been to Chicago in a while. I don’t recall ever seeing or hearing about Millennium Park. Thanks for sharing. I definitely have to go visit it next time I’m in Chicago. Thanks for linking up to #WeekendWanderlust.
It’s a pretty cool spot – a little touristy but still worth checking out the next time you are in Chicago!
I was just in Chicago this past August, and I really did enjoy visiting Millennium park. I really loved the fountain with the faces of Chicago exhibit, there was so much fun energy around that area, and it looked so cool at night! We were also lucky enough to catch a free show on the stage, and people were picnicking there as well, and a local craft brewery was serving some of their beers! (I had something called “Matilda” but I can’t remember the name of the company). This is really such a lovely part of town!
Katie
Sounds like a fun day! I would have loved to taste test some of the local craft beer!
I’d love to explore this spot and I really love the Bean!!! Thanks so much for linking up with #WeekendWanderlust!
the bean is really cool. I love the way it reflects back the city, sky and buildings!