Why is The Bean famous?

While its real name is “Cloud Gate,” most people call it “The Bean” because of its bean-like shape. It's famous for its smooth, mirror-like surface that reflects the city's skyline and all the people around it. Kids love to see their reflections and watch how they change when they move around the sculpture.

Why is The Bean so iconic?

Cultural Significance: The Bean has become a symbol of Chicago and is often featured in media and promotional materials about the city. It represents contemporary art and urban culture, making it a focal point for both locals and tourists.

Why don't you touch The Bean in Chicago?

Since the sculpture was expected to be outdoors, concerns arose that it might retain and conduct heat in a way that would make it too hot to touch during the summer and so cold that one's tongue might stick to it during the winter.

What makes The Bean special?

The exterior of The Bean is made entirely of stainless steel. It was created using computer technology to precisely cut 168 massive steel plates, which were then fitted together and welded shut for a completely seamless finish. Inside, it's made of a network of two large metal rings.

Is The Bean worth visiting?

Arguably the iconic symbol of the City of Chicago. Also known as The Bean! Impressive art sculpture, it's amazing to see up close especially with the reflection of the city skyline.

Age Gap Love: Holiday Romances & The Couple Married for 80 Years: Unlikely Lovers | A True Story

Is The Bean free to visit?

You'll find the structure in the heart of downtown Chicago inside Millenium Park on the AT&T Plaza. It's bordered by Randolph Street to the north, Michigan Avenue to the west, Columbus Drive to the east and Monroe Street to the south. Open from 6 am to 11 pm daily, admission to the park and The Bean is totally free.

What is the history of The Bean?

The Bean was created by the Indian-born British sculptor Anish Kapoor, who uses reflective surfaces and geometric shapes in all the London-based artist's designs. The Cloud Gate was the first of Kapoor's work installed in the United States and paid by private donors.

Why is it called The Bean?

If you lived in Chicagoland during the time that the Bean was under construction, you may remember that few people were aware of the sculpture's formal title and simply called it “the Bean” due to its kidney-bean-like shape.

What is Chicago famous for?

Chicago made noted contributions to urban planning and architecture, such as the Chicago School, the development of the City Beautiful movement, and the steel-framed skyscraper. Chicago is an international hub for finance, culture, commerce, industry, education, technology, telecommunications, and transportation.

Why did they renovate The Bean?

The construction was part of necessary maintenance by the city of Chicago to enhance the visitor experience and increase accessibility to the area around The Bean. This included replacing pavers and making other repairs and upgrades to the plaza area. When will the construction around The Bean be completed?

Does The Bean get hot?

And when it gets really hot, the metal on The Bean won't overheat and burn visitors, Uhlir said. The stainless steel reflects the light away from the piece. “I've touched it,” he said. “It still remains very cool.

Do they ever clean The Bean in Chicago?

Do they clean the Bean? Yes. The Bean receives a power wash each day and a deep cleaning twice each year.

Can you go inside the Chicago Bean?

You must go through security to get in, but admission is free. The Bean itself is fun to take a picture with and something you can check off your list of things to see in Chicago fairly quickly. Arguably the icon of the city - it's a must see for a first time in Chicago.

What are some fun facts about The Bean?

How much did The Bean cost in Chicago?

Chicagoans were skeptical of the piece at first, but since its unveiling, it's become a part of the city. It's Anish Kapoor's first publicly displayed sculpture in the United States, and it cost private donors $23 million to complete, which exceeded the originally proposed $6 million.

Is Chicago the 3rd largest city in the US?

Welcome to Chicago, the third largest city in the United States, with a population of nearly three million people.

What are 5 facts about Chicago?

Chicago rests on 234 square miles of land. Chicago is the third largest city in the U.S. and is home to an estimated 2.7M residents. Chicago is comprised of 77 community areas. Chicago's nicknames include: The Windy City, City of Big Shoulders, The Second City, The White City, and The City That Works.

What is the Chicago crime rate?

Looking at more recent data, Chicago's overall crime rate in June 2025 (444.8 incidents per 100,000 residents) was lower than in June of the two years immediately prior to the COVID pandemic: 12% lower than in June 2018 (503.8 per 100,000) and 8% lower than in June 2019 (483.6 per 100,000).

Why is The Bean so popular?

While its real name is “Cloud Gate,” most people call it “The Bean” because of its bean-like shape. It's famous for its smooth, mirror-like surface that reflects the city's skyline and all the people around it. Kids love to see their reflections and watch how they change when they move around the sculpture.

What is the difference between the New York bean and the Chicago Bean?

Whereas the Chicago sculpture is visible from all sides—including from underneath—the New York version is tucked into the corner of the building, which makes it so only parts of the sculpture are visible from the street. The New York sculpture sits underneath a 60-story building.

What is in Grant Park, Chicago?

A city centerpiece much like New York's Central Park, Grant Park is home to some of Chicago's most iconic landmarks and attractions. The park includes Museum Campus, the site of world-class museums the Art Institute of Chicago, the Field Museum of Natural History, the Shedd Aquarium and the Adler Planetarium.

What is the Chicago Riverwalk?

Located on the south bank of the Chicago River, the award-winning, pedestrian-friendly Chicago Riverwalk stretches 1.25 miles from Lake Michigan to Lake Street. Along the way you'll discover intimate coves, breezy cafes, wineries and bars, public art, monuments, museums, and a boatload of excursions on the water.

What is the mirror thing in Chicago?

In less than a decade, Cloud Gate, known by most simply as “the Bean,” has vaulted into one of Chicago's top attractions. The final product, a gleaming steel mirror that bends the Chicago sky and skyline around its surface, had a long path to fruition, from selection to development.