The Bean (Cloud Gate) in Chicago

Cloud Gate, commonly nicknamed “The Bean,” stands as one of Chicago’s most visited landmarks. This striking sculpture anchors Millennium Park in the city’s downtown area, reflecting Chicago’s iconic skyline and the surrounding green spaces.Here’s a full guide to The Bean — from its origins to how you can experience it today.

What is The Bean?

Located in the heart of downtown, The Bean — officially known as Cloud Gate — is a celebrated piece of public art and among the world’s largest outdoor permanent installations. Since its unveiling in 2004, it has quickly become one of Chicago’s most recognizable attractions.

Where can you find Cloud Gate?

It is situated in Millennium Park, right in Chicago’s downtown Loop district. Perched above the McCormick Tribune Plaza, the site offers seasonal activities: outdoor dining in summer and a free skating rink during the winter. Strolling along Michigan Avenue between Randolph and Monroe, it’s nearly impossible to miss this gleaming landmark.

What does Cloud Gate represent?

The sculpture’s mirror-like surface was inspired by liquid mercury. Its gleaming exterior captures moving crowds, the sparkle of Michigan Avenue, and the surrounding skyline, perfectly reflecting the spirit of Millennium Park.

Visitors are encouraged to touch the seamless surface and enjoy distorted reflections, creating an interactive experience. The curved underside, which people can walk through, resembles a gateway — inspiring artist Anish Kapoor to officially name it Cloud Gate.

Who created Cloud Gate?

Cloud Gate was designed by renowned artist Anish Kapoor, an Indian-born British sculptor internationally recognized for his large outdoor works, many featuring reflective materials. Cloud Gate was his first permanent outdoor public artwork in the U.S., and remains his most celebrated creation.

What materials make up Cloud Gate?

The sculpture’s polished shell is constructed entirely from stainless steel. Using advanced computer modeling, 168 enormous steel plates were cut, aligned, and welded into a seamless finish.

Inside, two large metal rings connect through a truss system similar to a bridge structure. This distributes the immense weight to two base points, forming the sculpture’s signature “bean-like” contour and allowing people to walk through the hollow underside. Flexible connectors secure the steel panels to the inner frame, enabling the surface to expand and contract with Chicago’s changing weather.

How large is Cloud Gate?

Cloud Gate measures 33 feet tall, 42 feet wide, and 66 feet long, weighing approximately 110 tons — about the same as 15 fully grown elephants.

Why the nickname “The Bean”?

Although Kapoor officially named the sculpture Cloud Gate, Chicago locals gave it the nickname “The Bean” during construction, after seeing design renderings that resembled a giant kidney bean. The moniker quickly caught on and has remained ever since.