Cloud Gate now serves as a famous symbol of Chicago and is one of the city’s most photographed attractions.On the underside of Cloud Gate 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 3.7-meter (12-foot) high arch.Cloud Gate measures 10 by 20 by 13 meters (33 by 66 by 42 feet) and weighs 100 tonnes (110 US tons).Three-quarters of the sculpture’s external surface reflects the sky and the name refers to it acting as a type of gate that helps bridge the space between the sky and the viewer.No public funds were involved all funding came from donations from individuals and corporations. The cost for the piece was first estimated at $6 million this had escalated to $11.5 million by the time the park opened in 2004, with the final figure standing at $23 million in 2006.The Cloud is nicknamed ‘The Bean’ because of its bean-like shape.It was created by using computer technology to cut into precise shapes 168 giant stainless steel plates, which were welded together.Photo: Sean Pavone / Facts about the Cloud Gate It’s worth checking Millennium Park’s website to see if any events or festivals collide with your planned visiting day as these also bring with them larger crowds. Weekdays and early in the morning are your best chance to beat the crowds, but if you have to go in the summer holidays or the weekend try to get here before 8am. Below are some of the most notable attractions that you can combine when visiting “The Bean”.Ĭrowds at the Cloud Gate vary depending on the day of the week and the weather. Photo: Rudy Balasko/Shutterstock Nearby AttractionsĬloud Gate’s central location in Millenium Park means there’s plenty of things to do within walking distance of this famous attraction. From here it’s just a 5-minute walk to Cloud Gate. The below buses all have routes that stop close to Cloud Gate:įrom Chicago Union Station catch bus number 151 at Devon/ Clark and alight at Michigan & Randolph. From here, enter Millenium Park and follow the signs for Cloud Gate. Exit the station and walk east down Adams Street (you’ll cross the river) before turning north on State Street, then east on Monroe Street. ![]() The closest train station to Cloud Gate is Chicago Union Station. It’s so popular that cleaners come several times a day to wipe the fingerprints off the bottom six feet of the structure! How to get to Cloud GateĬloud Gate is located inside Millennium Park on Michigan Avenue and is bordered by Randolph Street to the north, Columbus Drive to the east, and Monroe Street to the South.Ĭonvenient parking is located in the Millennium Park Garage found on Columbus at Monroe or Randolph street.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |