Chicago, Illinois – Following nearly a year of renovations, “The Bean” in Millennium Park is now open to the public once again. The iconic sculpture officially known as Cloud Gate, designed by Anish Kapoor, underwent extensive work on Grainger Plaza, the area surrounding the sculpture.
Millennium Park took to its official social media account to announce the completion of the construction on Grainger Plaza and the reopening of Cloud Gate to visitors. The sculpture, affectionately called “The Bean” due to its shape, has been a popular attraction in Chicago since its installation in 2004, drawing in thousands of tourists annually.
The plaza and Cloud Gate were closed off last August for renovations, including rebuilding the plaza podium, replacing pavers, and making accessibility upgrades like new stairs and accessible ramps. A waterproofing system was also added to the plaza to enhance its durability, as per a spokesperson from WGN News.
The reopening of “The Bean” marks a significant milestone for both locals and tourists in Chicago, as the sculpture holds a special place in the heart of the city. Its unique design and reflective surface have made it a must-visit spot for anyone exploring Millennium Park.
Visitors can once again enjoy the interactive experience of Cloud Gate, taking in the stunning skyline reflections and capturing memorable photographs in the iconic sculpture. The reopening is sure to bring joy and excitement to all who have missed wandering around the beloved landmark in the heart of the Windy City.