Jul 30
I was in Chicago last weekend for the Travel Blog Exchange Conference where I met with other travel bloggers. Just out the window of the Chicago Cultural Center where the conference was held is a sculpture that has become iconic for Chicago. The official name of this big metal reflective object in Millennium Park is “Cloud Gate” but most people just call it “The Bean”. (I heard at least one person say that it was called “The Peanut”). A better name might be “kid magnet” because kids (of all ages) are drawn to this very simple but very large structure.
Self Portrait at “The Bean” – Chicago, Illinois – Daily Photo
Architecture Cruise on “Chicago’s Little Lady” – Chicago, Illinois – Daily Photo
Skyscraper and Sky – Chicago, Illinois – Daily Photo
Jay Pritzker Pavilion in Millennium Park – Chicago, Illinois – Daily Photo
Amy @ The Q Family
Says:July 31st, 2009 at 8:09 am
Very cool picture and unique structure. I wonder if there is any story behind this creation.
Jen@TwoKidsandaMap
Says:July 31st, 2009 at 8:10 am
I am fascinated by this sculpture. I have never been to Chicago but when I do go, this is one of the first places I would like to go!
Lucia
Says:July 31st, 2009 at 8:17 am
Love the reflection of the skyline. I can see why it is such a popular spot.
chris2x
Says:July 31st, 2009 at 8:33 am
According to WIkipedia “Kapoor’s design was inspired by liquid mercury and the sculpture’s surface reflects and distorts the city’s skyline.”
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cloud_Gate
Dominique
Says:July 31st, 2009 at 8:56 am
Visiting the Bean was great fun. The whole park is such a magnet for kids–the Crown Fountain and video walls are other favorites that drew a lot of kids to play in the water during the hot, humid week we were there.
This photo captures the crowds’ fascination with the Bean quite well
Cate
Says:July 31st, 2009 at 10:10 am
This is a cool sculpture, I took loads of shots as well as the interactive fountain, Did more photoshooting than attending blog sessions. I heard it took over two years to make and doesn’t have one seam in it.
Sharlene
Says:July 31st, 2009 at 10:13 am
That bean is a photogrpaher’s dream. Next time I am in Chicago I will certainly have to check it out!
jessiev
Says:July 31st, 2009 at 10:45 am
we love the bean. it is such a GREAT piece of public art. excellent photo!
Wanderluster
Says:July 31st, 2009 at 11:05 am
I love the way the city is reflected in the bean!
chris2x
Says:July 31st, 2009 at 11:11 am
if you do go, also check out the Crown Fountain which Dominique mentioned which is very nearby
Tim
Says:July 31st, 2009 at 12:38 pm
This is the most photogenic sculpture I have ever seen. No two pictures of it will ever be the same. You captured it very nicely.
marina
Says:July 31st, 2009 at 5:38 pm
Ok, at this point, who wasn’t at TBEX in Chicago:( me!
what is that thing???
Madeline
Says:July 31st, 2009 at 7:51 pm
Great to meet you at TBEX! Glad you liked Chicago. You may want to fix the typo – the sculpture is “Cloud Gate” not “Could Gate” ;o)
chris2x
Says:July 31st, 2009 at 8:51 pm
if only I could type
Shmuel Browns
Says:November 22nd, 2010 at 2:59 am
Hi Chris.
Nice photo. You really captured something of Kapoor’s sculpture. I learned about “The Bean” when a friend, Bob Gottlieb, an alumnus of the University of Chicago recognized that it was by the same artist as the new piece at the Israel museum, but that one makes everything upside down.
http://israeltours.wordpress.com/2010/07/22/upside-down-jerusalem/