ABOUT MILLENNIUM PARK

From large-scale contemporary masterpieces to hints of Chicago's beginnings, Millennium Park poetically captures the Chicago experience.

Cloud Gate aka "The Bean" in Millennium Park Chicago

Millennium Park sits on space that was previously occupied by rail yards and parking lots. Through a massive civic effort, generous private donations and six years of tireless work, the Park ceremoniously opened on July 16, 2004. Today, 25-acre Millennium Park is the second most popular tourist attraction in Illinois (following close on the heels of Navy Pier), and contains some of the greatest public art pieces in the world.

JAY PRITZKER PAVILION

Pritzker Pavilion in Chicago

The plan for Frank Gehry's bandshell auditorium was released in early 2000, after the city announced its expansion of the park and some $25M in private donations. The centerpiece of Millennium Park is known for its trademark curving plates and stainless steel beams. With room for 11,000 visitors and a state-of-the-art sound system, the Pavilion is a popular open-air concert and film screening venue.

CLOUD GATE (aka "The Bean")

The Bean in Chicago Anish Kapoor's first public sculpture in the United States came as the result of $26M in private donations and, well, a giant headache. Composed of close to 200 stainless steel plates and weighing 100 tons, Cloud Gate faced numerous technological and upkeep issues before being unveiled in early 2005. Thankfully, Kapoor and a team of experts ironed out early shortcomings and, ultimately, created one of Chicago's iconic landmarks and selfie darlings.

CROWN FOUNTAIN

Millennium Park in Chicago

Conceptual artist Jaume Plensa's interactive, larger-than-life video sculpture was unveiled in July of 2004. Crown Fountain has grown to become a summertime favorite for Chicago's young visitors and locals who play in the reflective pool and pair of cascading fountains, spouting from the lips of Chicago locals.

LURIE GARDEN

Lurie Garden in Chicago

Designed by Kathryn Gustafson, Piet Oudolf and Robert Israel, this renowned green space keeps Chicago in touch with its "City in a Garden" roots. The area features a combination of perennials, bulbs, shrubs and trees, and creates an active wildlife sanctuary.