Explore: The Bean

Chicago is known for many things - it's nickname (The Windy City), Wrigley Field, Lake Michigan, the Sears Tower, deep dish pizza - but perhaps the most recognizable place in Chicago over the past 10 years has been the Bean. 

The Bean, which is actually a piece of artwork called Cloud Gate, sits in Millennium Park in the Loop. The sculpture was created by Indian-born British artist Anish Kapoor and gets its beloved moniker from its bean-like shape. The sculpture was dedicated on May 15, 2006. 

Before actually seeing the Bean in person my impression was that the sculpture was just a cool place to take selfies. All the pictures I had seen on social media had been of people taking pictures of their own reflection. On the day I visited, we walked up the steps of Millennium Park and as I looked to my right I saw the true magic of the Bean - it's reflection of the entire city skyline. 

The Bean

The way the Bean captured the reflection of the buildings of downtown Chicago took my breath away. 

The Bean

As I worked my way around the sculpture, the reflections got even more interesting with the curve of the steel.  

The Bean

Like a true tourist, of course I had to take my picture in the mirrored surface. 

The BeanThe Bean

Please note the people in the bottom right corner of the above photo, who are lying on their backs, on the ground, to get the perfect angle for their selfie.

Once I circled the whole Bean, we ducked under the sculpture for a totally different perspective. Beneath the Bean there is a very cool spiral effect. 

The Bean

We circled the Bean a few times so that I could really enjoy its beauty. It was cute to see so many families and groups of friends posing together, making memories of their vacations. 

I couldn't resist taking one last selfie of us, this time with the Bean in the background. I love the way the sculpture frames us. 

The Bean

Tomorrow I'll tell you all about the roof top bar we visited right across the street which has the most magnificent view of the Bean (from above). 

Comments

Marisa Edelstein's picture

I think this is my favorite Chicago post so far. Pure, simple, touristy fun!

Molly's picture

It was pure fun!

meghan malloy's picture

These posts are making me excited to visit Chicago again for the marathon!

Molly's picture

I can't wait to hear what new places you discover so that I can add them to my list for next time!

Kristen Fenton's picture

love the Bean so much!! I had so much fun taking all these photos as well when i visited.

Molly's picture

It really is so beautiful and captivating. I could sit and stare at it all day.

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Molly Galler

Welcome to Pop.Bop.Shop. My name is Molly. I’m a foodie, fashionista, pop culture addict and serious travel junkie. I’m a lifelong Bostonian obsessed with frozen confections, outdoor patios, Mindy Kaling, reality television, awards shows, tropical vacations, snail mail and my birthday.

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