Chicago, United States30 minutesEarly morning
Cloud Gate
Ideal: Ideal for photography, modern art, a short city break, and classic Chicago.
Anish Kapoor's 110-ton work is built from 168 separate stainless steel plates, yet you cannot see a single weld: seams were erased by two years of grinding and polishing, which is why the sculpture only opened in 2006. Kapoor says mercury droplets inspired it and never liked the nickname The Bean. The concave underside folds reflections outward; step inside and look up to see yourself repeated dozens of times.
Quick facts
- Built
- 2004
- Opened
- 15 May 2006
- Height
- 10 m
- Material
- steel
Facts from Wikidata, photos from Wikimedia Commons.
Why go?
- To see one of Chicago's most iconic symbols
- For mirrored skyline photos
- To visit the best-known stop in Millennium Park
Travel tip
Go early in the morning if you want photos without crowds.
