Categories: Millennium Park

Millennium Park: The Art

Author: Jody Robbins

What visit to downtown Chicago would be complete without a stop at Millennium Park? Among Millennium Park’s many attractions are Gehry's flower-shaped Jay Pritzker Pavilion, London artist Anish Kapoor's jelly bean-shaped Cloud Gate sculpture (a.k.a. “The Bean”), and Barcelona artist Jaume Plensa's twin towers of illuminated glass—the Crown Fountain.

Wrigley Square & Millennium Monument: At the northern end of Millennium Park sits a spectacle whose significance goes far beyond its architectural design. A replica of the original Peristyle that stood in its place during 1917 and 1953, this monument signifies the journey of the Millennium Park creation from its original visionaries to today’s founders, serving as a link between past and present.

Jay Pritzer Pavilion: Home to the Grant Park Music Festival (June-August) and free concert events throughout the summer season, this 120-ft. high arena is the first of its kind in musical experience. With seating for 11,000 listeners, the Pavilion was designed to replicate the acoustics of an indoor venue, making every seat in the house a good one.

Cloud Gate: More commonly referred to as “the bean,” this 110-ton elliptical sculpture is quite possibly Millennium Park’s most infamous attraction. Designed by British artist, Anish Kapoor, the inspiration for the 33-ft high monument was liquid mercury. Sitting pretty in the Park’s upper level, SBC Plaza, Cloud Gate mirrors Chicago’s trademark skyline and allows viewers to get up close and personal to see their own reflections.

McCormick Tribune Plaza & Ice Rink: During the winter months, sharpen your skates for Millennium Park’s own outdoor rink. With the city as your backdrop, the ice is a perfect spot for a Saturday afternoon retreat with the family or a romantic outing with your loved one. When the weather begins to change, the rink is transformed into an outdoor bar and grill, complete with eats from the Park Grill restaurant and live entertainment.

The Crown Fountain: This is perhaps one of the most unique displays of public art, these dueling 50-ft.-high fountains stand like bookends to a small reflecting pool at the Park’s south end. The towers personify the diversity of Chicago’s people by projecting changing facial images to accompany its water features.

 

Check out places of interest near Millennium Park: The Art:

Bongo Room
1152 S. Wabash Ave., Chicago, IL 60605

Serving breakfast and lunch, this sibling to the popular Wicker Park location serves omelets, breakfast burritos and upscale flapjack offerings such as the “Oreo cookie” for breakfast. If you’re looking for lunch, seasonally inspired salads and sandwiches highlight the menu.

The Gage
24. S. Michigan Ave., Chicago, IL 60603

The Gage offers high-end Irish fare with a touch of elegance and class. Located near Millenium Park, this restaurant offers traditional Irish foods along with all-American favorites.

 

Potter's
17 E Monroe St., Chicago, IL 60603

Located inside the Palmer House Hilton, Potter's offers unique retro cocktails and delicious small plates in a classically elegant setting.

 

The Gage
24. S. Michigan Ave., Chicago, IL 60603

The Gage offers high-end Irish fare with a touch of elegance and class. Located near Millenium Park, this restaurant offers traditional Irish foods along with all-American favorites.

 

Bike Chicago Rental & Tours
239 E. Randolph St., Chicago, IL 60601

Bicycle rental, bicycle tours, segway tours, and in-line skate rentals make Bike Chicago a key attraction in the city. Bike Chicago has five locations scattered throughout the Chicago area, which is convenient for tourists and locals alike. 

Bobby's Bike Hike
465 N McClurg Court, Chicago, IL 60611

Guided bike tours, (bicycles provided), that are definitely family friendly. Tours are designed for riders of all ages and fitness levels. A great way to learn about Chicago’s past, as well as insight into current events around the city. Bike rentals are also available for riders looking to explore the nearby Lakefront Bike Path. 

Millennium Park
201 E Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60610

Millennium Park has become Chicago’s newest main stage attraction. Aligned with the city’s emphasis on architectural innovation, this 24.5-acre phenomenon integrates historical significance with contemporary style from a number of international players. It is bordered by Michigan Avenue to the west, Columbus Drive to the east, Randolph Street to the north and Monroe Street to the south.

Navy Pier
600 E. Grand Ave. , Chicago, IL 60605

Navy Pier, one of the top tourist attractions in Chicago and the country, is visited by almost nine million visitors per years. From dining to shopping, boat tours to countless entertainment options, Navy Pier in Chicago is a must-stop for a wide range of visitors--Chicago residents already know and love it!

Ravinia Festival
418 Sheridan Rd., Highland Park, IL 60035

A lineup of pop, classical, folk, jazz and other musical performances under the stars or an open-air pavilion. Concerts March through Sept.

Bike Chicago Rental & Tours
239 E. Randolph St., Chicago, IL 60601

Bicycle rental, bicycle tours, segway tours, and in-line skate rentals make Bike Chicago a key attraction in the city. Bike Chicago has five locations scattered throughout the Chicago area, which is convenient for tourists and locals alike. 

Bobby's Bike Hike
465 N McClurg Court, Chicago, IL 60611

Guided bike tours, (bicycles provided), that are definitely family friendly. Tours are designed for riders of all ages and fitness levels. A great way to learn about Chicago’s past, as well as insight into current events around the city. Bike rentals are also available for riders looking to explore the nearby Lakefront Bike Path.