Cloud Gate was formally dedicated on May 15, 2006, and has since gained considerable popularity, both domestically and internationally.ĭesign Image map of Millennium Park east is at the top. It was unveiled in an incomplete form during the Millennium Park grand opening celebration in 2004, before being concealed again while it was completed. Eventually, a feasible method was found, but the sculpture's construction fell behind schedule. Various experts were consulted, some of whom believed the design could not be implemented. After Kapoor's design was chosen, numerous technological concerns regarding the design's construction and assembly arose, in addition to concerns regarding the sculpture's upkeep and maintenance. The sculpture was the result of a design competition. The sculpture builds upon many of Kapoor's artistic themes, and it is popular with tourists as a photo-taking opportunity for its unique reflective properties. On the underside is the 'omphalos' (Greek for 'navel'), a concave chamber that warps and multiplies reflections. Visitors are able to walk around and under Cloud Gate 's 12-foot (3.7 m) high arch.

Kapoor's design was inspired by liquid mercury and the sculpture's surface reflects and distorts the city's skyline. It measures 33 by 66 by 42 feet (10 by 20 by 13 m), and weighs 110 short tons (100 t 98 long tons). Made up of 168 stainless steel plates welded together, its highly polished exterior has no visible seams. Kapoor himself even uses this title when referring to his work. Constructed between 20, the sculpture is nicknamed ' The Bean' because of its shape, a name Kapoor initially disliked, but later grew fond of. The sculpture and AT&T Plaza are located on top of Park Grill, between the Chase Promenade and McCormick Tribune Plaza & Ice Rink. org /art-architecture /cloud-gate /Ĭloud Gate is a public sculpture by Indian-born British artist Anish Kapoor, that is the centerpiece of AT&T Plaza at Millennium Park in the Loop community area of Chicago, Illinois.

Chicago bean art