Cloud Gate - Chicago, IL
Posted by: 
Metro2
N 41° 52.967 W 087° 37.399
16T E 448283 N 4636949
This is probably the focal point for tourists in Chicago's Millenium Park...and is nicknamed "The Bean".
Waymark Code: WMC5ZC
Location: Illinois, United States
Date Posted: 07/29/2011
Views: 44
This sculpture by Indian-born British artist Anish Kapoor was constructed between 2004 and 2006. Because of it's shape, it has been nicknamed "The Bean"...and many people probabky don't know it's proper name is Cloud Gate.
The large work is made of stainless steel...and is very reflective. The curves of the structure provide reflections similar to those from funhouse mirrors.
From this Wikipedia article (
visit link) we learn:
"Kapoor's design was inspired by liquid mercury and the sculpture's surface reflects and distorts the city's skyline. Visitors are able to walk around and under Cloud Gate's 12-foot (3.7 m) high arch. On the underside is the "omphalos" (Greek for "navel"), a concave chamber that warps and multiplies reflections. The sculpture builds upon many of Kapoor's artistic themes, and is popular with tourists as a photo-taking opportunity for its unique reflective properties.
The sculpture was selected during a design competition. After Kapoor's design was chosen, numerous technological concerns regarding the design's construction and assembly arose, in addition to concerns regarding the sculpture's upkeep and maintenance. Various experts were consulted, some of whom believed the design could not be implemented. Eventually, a feasible method was found, but the sculpture's construction fell behind schedule. It was unveiled in an incomplete form during the Millennium Park grand opening celebration in 2004, before being concealed again while it was completed. Cloud Gate was formally dedicated on May 15, 2006, and has since gained considerable popularity, both domestically and internationally."