Cloud Gate aka "The Bean" is one of the best spots in Chicago - . If you've just arrived in town, this is an easy and classic first stop in Millennium Park. The mirrored, bean shaped sculpture acts like a giant mirror, giving you a unique reflection of Chicago's skyline and the crowd around you. Obviously, it's a great place for photos and a must visit in Millennium Park. read more

Cloud Gate, otherwise known as the Bean, sits in the middle of Millennium Park in downtown Chicago and is one of those public art installations that consistently surprises people who encounter it for the first time despite being one of the most photographed objects in the city. I walked up to a seamless polished stainless steel form that reflects everything around it without a single visible seam or joint across its entire surface. That engineering achievement alone is worth appreciating before I even started engaging with what the reflections actually do. The reflections are the experience. I watched the Chicago skyline curve and distort across the surface in a way that shifted constantly depending on where I was standing, and walking slowly around the perimeter gave me a different composition every few steps. Walking underneath the concave arch in the center, which locals call the omphalos, produced a funhouse mirror effect that reflected me and everyone else from overhead in a way that was consistently disorienting and engaging regardless of how many times I have seen it. On a clear day with blue sky the effect was particularly strong, with the skyline wrapping around the sculpture against a bright background. On overcast days the palette shifts toward silver and grey and produces its own version of the thing. Admission is free and the park is open and accessible, which made Cloud Gate an easy addition to my Chicago itinerary without any planning required. It gets crowded, particularly on weekends and during summer, and the area immediately around the sculpture fills with people taking photos throughout the day. Early morning visits before the crowds build give you a more relaxed experience and better light for photography. It is one of the few landmarks in any city that genuinely lives up to what people say about it. read more

Cloud Gate - Public Art Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

05/26/26 - One of the more interesting exhibits in Chicago Cloud Gate or commonly known as The Bean to Chicagoans. The Bean is a beautiful sculpture designed by Anish Kapoor is made of highly polished seamless stainless steel plates. Cloud gate is a major attraction to see if you're in Chicago. You can view the bean from multiple directions & get a different perspective. It's pretty cool to just walk around it & snap photos & get different images. Blah blah blah just go see it you'll love it. Anish Kapoor read more

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Cloud Gate aka The Bean & Millennium Park are some of my favorite things to do and see in Chicago. I try to swing by on each visit. There's just something so timeless and incredible about the sculpture by Anish Kapoor. The stainless steel structure is over 100 tons. It's a beauty and as you can imagine an extremely popular tourist attraction much like the park itself. read more

Solid 4 star experience. Definitely an iconic spot and looks impressive in person as you'd expect. The surface is really cool, especially with the skyline and people moving around it so that makes it great for photos and a fun visual experience. It's also pretty crowded which takes away a bit from the moment and this can make it hard to get clean shots or just take it in without people constantly passing through. It also feels more like a quick stop than somewhere you spend a lot of time at. I wasn't really able to explore the surrounding park just because of the crowd. But it's a fairly straightforward attraction, you see it, take photos, and that's mostly it. read more

Cloud Gate - Public Art Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

You can't come to Chicago and not go see the bean.... A must. :))))))) Every trip to Chicago I stop here.

My friends and I were here in the beginning of March so the first thing we had to do on our first full day was to check out Cloud Gate. First, you do not need a car to get around Chicago, this city is literally so walkable. We're girls from San Diego so this was so nice for us to be able to just walk from place to place! We got here around 10 am after some of group went to get breakfast and the other went had matcha. We met at Cloud Gate and wow it was such a cool experience to see something that I've always wanted to see. Very little people about, so we got a lot of great photos and the park Cloud Gate is around is so clean. Come here early in the am or at night if you want to have better photo options! read more

Cloud Gate - Public Art Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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A must see if you go to Chicago! It's so cool. Check out the mirror-like surface on this fabulous piece of art. You can go all the way underneath it and around it. As a side note, there tends to be some people asking for change/money so be aware of your belongings when you are visiting this art icon of Chicago. read more

Cloud Gate - Public Art Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

The bean is soo much cleaner than when I was younger. It's nice to see they're trying to keep it nice. The bean is such a staple for Chicago and it was fun getting to show it to my guy. Some touristy things are worth a visit and this is 1000% one of those things. It's random and eclectic and fun to see! It's even better that it's located within Millennium Park. Did you even visit the bean if you didn't take a pic touching it? read more

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Idk how I've been to Chicago numerous times and never stopped at Cloud Gate aka The Bean. We were able to fit it in our schedule before lunch and the timing was perfect. I definitely suggest going early/mid morning to beat the crowd. If you're planning a visit to The Bean, there's plenty of space to walk around as it's located in the heart of Millennium Park. It's the perfect spot to sit and enjoy the Chicago vibes. Come with your phone charged and selfie stick ready as it is a fun photo opportunity to capture the city's skyline reflected in The Bean's stainless steel sculpture. The Park was clean and it would make for a great place to hang out on a summer day with a good book or have a picnic. This is a fun free activity to check off your Chicago to do list when visiting. Next time I am in the city, I'd love to visit The Bean at night! read more

Cloud Gate - Public Art Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

It's The Bean! It's big, it's huge, and it's shiny. This reflective stainless steel sculpture is a famous Chicago public art landmark and a must see when in town. It curves and distorts images such as a carnival mirror. It has no seams and does look like a big bean even though its proper name is Cloud Gate. I saw it while in town for the Chicago Marathon but could not get next to it as there was fencing blocking us due to the marathon course. read more

Cloud Gate - Public Art Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Never gets old. "The Bean", located in the Grainger Plaza at Millennium Park is one of Chicago's top tourist attractions. This public stand alone art installation creates a distinct reflection of the skyline through the smooth polished steel. Walk underneath the arch, in the center the view provides a distorted optical which appears to multiply several times. Very cool. read more

Cloud Gate - Public Art Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

This was really cool to see the bean. At first I thought was this landmark worth seeing and it was surprisingly one of the most interesting and amazing one I have seen. It definitely is a one of a kind and beautiful. Plenty of photo opportunities here along with vendors for food, drinks and souvenirs. We grabbed a hot dog and Chicago dog which were delicious. Overall, we had a fun time. read more

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You have to see The Bean a.k.a. The Cloud Gate, the amazing giant silver shape at the corner of Michigan and Randolph, the northwest corner of Millennium Park Chicago. We've never seen it empty during daylight hours except in the worst weather. It's a bean-shaped sculpture that does wonderful things with reflections and distortions, like a 3-dimensional funhouse mirror. Every direction and every angle, every kind of lighting and every kind of weather, gives you a new funny or cosmic view. Even at night, with a little playing around, you can get some amazing photos. My photos are Nov 2025. No-one I know calls it "The Cloud Gate", except to find it on a map. It's "The Bean"! read more

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A classic stop! I like looking at the bean from the inside. You can spot 4+ different reflections of the same thing. read more

Cloud Gate - Public Art Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

If you ever visit Chicago, Cloud Gate also known as The Bean because of its shape, must be on your itinerary. This iconic art work become a symbol of Chicago. You can find it in Grainger Plaza in Millennium Park. Cloud Gate, was designed by Indian, British born artist Anish Kapoor who is now known as one of the world's leading sculptors. Born in 1954 in Mumbai, Kapoor has had solo exhibitions at the Guggenheim Museum in New York and Reina Sofia in Madrid. His works are housed in museums around the world, from San Francisco to Parto, Italy, and Sydney, Australia. Cloud Gate was chosen from a design competition to find a major art work to anchor Millennium Park. Kapoor was inspired by liquid mercury and wanted the art piece to capture it's fluid and reflective properties. The sculpture is composed of 168 highly polished stainless steel plates that were cut by computer and welded together in the park. The monumental sculpture is is 66 feet in length, 42 feet at its widest point, and 33 feet high. The skyline of Chicago and overhead clouds are reflected in the shiny surface as well as the people who stop to look at it. Construction took place in 2004 and 2005, with the incomplete sculpture unveiled during the park's 2004 opening. It was officially dedicated in May 15, 2006. The initial cost estimate was six million dollars but the final cost was costing over twenty-three million dollars. Donors picked up the difference. Cloud Gate represents Chicago's vibrant energy. Stop by this landmark to enjoy the reflections and take the photos that let's everyone know you were in the Windy City. read more

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A top tourist place to come when you visit Chicago. As a kid it was always known to be called "The Chicago Bean." I learned a year ago that is actually The Cloud Gate. My first time seeing the bean at night. It was such an interesting sight. I love how the reflections from the buildings and Skyline shows on the bean. A beautiful sight to enjoy. There are always so many people standing around taking pictures of the metallic silver stainless steel masterpiece. read more

Cloud Gate - Public Art Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Chicago classic. My non-Midwest friends are always in awe. My Midwest friends are always in awe. The Bean. Dirty and smudged but that is okay. read more

Stopped by Cloud Gate in Millennium Park, better known as the Bean. It's one of those landmarks that really is worth seeing in person. The mirrored surface makes for great photos and the reflections of the skyline look even better up close. Walking underneath it gives a different perspective and adds to the experience. It does get crowded, especially in the middle of the day, so patience is needed if you want a clear shot. Still, it's free, easy to access, and a unique piece of public art that lives up to the hype. A Chicago must see. read more

Cloud Gate - Public Art Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Having lived in the Des Moines IA metro since 1992... We have our own impressive sculpture park and public city gardens... You'd think we had a good idea of what impressive outdoor art is... The Cloud Gate, known as "The Bean," is impressive, at a whole different level, because of its massive scale and it's seamless reflection! This piece is much larger than other art installations I've seen...appearing almost futuristic with its polished stainless steel. The day we were there it was pretty crowded. It's great that something so unique and abstract is embraced by so many visitors. It's truly a standout and unlike any other public art piece that I've experienced... The reflections of the city skyline, the clouds, and the people around it really capture your attention! Someone could spend hours just watching the warped world it creates as things change around it... It truly is a stunning work of art and a must-see in Chicago! read more

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It is a big jellybean. Look into it like a mirror and see yourself and the surrounding city skyscrapers and clouds and sky ! Very cool! The "big bean mirror" is in Millennium Park and popular sculpture called by British artist Anish Kapoor. No seams just polished stainless steel reflecting the city skyline and my full body senior "lean and mean" ME! read more

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The famous bean, I mean, Cloud Gate. Is it the coolest thing ever? Not by a long shot, but it's something that everyone should experience. It's such a fun attraction. And the views of the city from this spot are great! read more

"The Bean" [Chicago IL] If taking the Big Bus Tour hop off at Stop #3 at the Millennium Park in the Loop community and check out one of Chicago's most iconic sights... because of its oblong shape it is nicknamed "The Bean" and from a distance it looked like a giant bean shaped Mylar balloon but it's even more stunning in person! This massive public art is pretty cool... when I think of The Bean I think of Chicago and we did what others did: We admired it from afar, got close and touched the surface, observed our own reflections, walked underneath the large concave area, and, of course, took many pictures of our reflections. There were a lot of visitors that July 4th holiday so it was pretty crowded. The best thing about it is it is FREE to visit! Okay, we spent 30 mins here (or less) after taking our pictures and left... the reflection of us in the pics made us look pudgy (or true to our size) LoL! but that's our best souvenir. Don't leave Chicago without visiting The Bean even for just 15 mins and say you've been there, done that ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ Review #3820 read more

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Ive seen the bean pictured ao many times in the light.. I was so surprised how much i loved it in the dark. It really reflected the loghts and the building well. read more

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Excellent architectural marvel, located within the millennium park and a beautiful sight. You cannot miss while you are visiting Chicago. There will be a lot of people visiting this attraction and it's a great vibe to be part of it. Taking a selfie in front of the bean, along with the chicago skyline glimpse, it's something you will cherish in the picture. While you are visiting the cloud gate, do visit the fountain closer by and the park that has a lot of activities to offer. This is definitely a must-see attraction while visiting Chicago. read more

Cloud Gate - Public Art Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Cloud Gate is a must see. I've been quite a few times during the day but never at night. I was in town for business and I ate right across the street from there with my boss. Who had NEVER been to Chicago. So we hopped over to take a peek. Boy am I glad we did!!! It's so beautiful at night!! Definitely check it out at night!! I got lucky and we had some fog and it just added to the beauty!! read more

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Public art piece a/k/a "Da Bean," also known as the ultimate Chicagoan tourist trap. You can also see the Prudential Building, another modern architecture sculpture and other Chicago highlights. Donated $20 to a local band looking for a drum kit. There was also a guy hawking miniature sandstone structures that looked like pieces of baked bread. A must check out spot in Chi-town bruh! read more

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One of the many things in Millennium Park. If you visit Millennium Park and don't see the bean, do you have any kind of fun in your veins? It's simple. Super crowded. Surrounded by buildings, Lake Michigan, the park, and other points of interests/landmarks. Worth the visit if only to people watch and snap a few pictures. The only disappointment I have about the bean is how much it makes me so letdown by my home city's(Louisville) lack of vision with its waterfront. read more

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It's the Bean! She's an icon, she's the moment! Of course you have to visit her while you're in Chicago! read more

Cloud Gate - Public Art Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Have you been to Chicago if you have not been to The Cloud Gate ??? Nope, this is a must stop on any Chicago Itinerary. I had the pleasure of viewing the bean many years ago on my first visit to the city. I recently returned with my sister for her first visit to Chicago so of course we had to make a stop at this sculpture. We arrived on a Thursday evening. While there was a crowd, it was not excessive. We were able to capture the beauty in photographs with no problem. I would encourage anyone to take a picture in front, but also explore the sculpture. Walk through it and look up, then walk completely around it. Just take a movement to appreciate the art. Just a little history on The Cloud Gate ( according to choose Chicago): Artist: Anish Kapoor Unveiled in 2004 Exterior material: stainless steel Nicknamed The bean by locals due to its shape read more

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Always seemed like a waste of time to specifically go downtown to see this, but finally did. Well worth it. It is beautiful and pretty amazing people and all. It's in Millennium Park that's got lots to offer. There was a youth orchestra practicing near by for a concert later that evening. Beautiful. It was in Jay Pritzker Pavilion, which looks like some out of "The day the earth stood still." Very modern, unearthly, lots of metal. There was a flower garden we probably spent more time walking through. It's Lurie Garden. Loaded with gorgeous flowers and a docent excited to talk to you about the garden and identify flowers. Public bathrooms! We did finally find some. First was cross the street from the park at the Art Institute of Chicago. One can go in free and use the restroom. Then later that day we found one basically under the Jay Pritzker Pavillon. Maps helped us find it. Before we left the park we stopped and saw the Millennium Monument Fountain. Basically a tribute to those who contributed money for the park. Why not. As we walked back to our car we saw the Crown Fountain. The structure is interesting with local Chicagoans faces appearing on them. That was kind of odd, but art. ‍ The whole park was beautiful and well worth the trip. read more

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Stunning sculpture. Arrived at 7:45AM Friday in July for photos and they were cleaning the bean with a spray hose and soap. There were already at least 20 other people passing by to take photos. So I'd recommend earlier than 7AM if you want an empty shot. Make sure to walk under and look up to see a cool dimensional reflective view! read more

Cloud Gate - Best view imo (July '25) - Public Art Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

The bean!!! Finally saw it! It's a cool sculpture located in Millennial Park right downtown. Accessible by public transportation, or in our case, we walked to it from where we stayed. It's a pretty large sculpture and I suggest walking around it and admiring it from different angles. I liked it so much we went twice to see it. It's huge and depending on what time of day you go, there will be crowds. I suggest taking a selfie in the bean. They did check bags upon entry to park although it's free and public to enter, most likely a safety measure which I can appreciate. read more

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Really neat art installation. I always think it's so cool to see the well known sightseeing spots in a city. We took lots of cool photos here. read more

Cloud Gate - Public Art Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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I never did this one even when I was at the hotel across the street over a decade ago. This time I made time to visit this place. It's in Millennium Park which is next to the Art Institute. It's incredibly hard to miss and there are other things to check out in the surrounding area. I personally like coming here early mornings because it is less crowded and you and just appreciate it and maybe watch the person washing it in the mornings. If you're in the area, just pop over to check it out for a minute or two. read more

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Is it bizarre that hundreds of people each day (locals but I'm assuming mostly visitors) come here for selfies? Yes, but maybe for the right reasons. Hey it's a nice work and piece of art. It's one of those places you got to get a picture of. But don't expect it to be perfect - unless you get there really early that day. Otherwise, you'll find lots of people hanging out by the bean. read more

Cloud Gate - selfie time with the bean - Public Art Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Cloud gate also known as the bean with the beam never gets old. It is a 110-ton public sculpture in Chicago's Millennium Park created by British artist Anish Kapoor. It was completed in 2006, the 33-foot-tall stainless steel sculpture is designed to reflect the city's skyline and the sky, inspired by the form of liquid mercury. The sculpture features a 12-foot-high archway that invites us to walk underneath and experience distorted images. read more

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THE BEAN!! Very iconic piece of art in downtown Chicago, and I'd worth seeing once. I'd right near the lake so it's an easy walk from there, and it's pretty easy to get to the bean from the red line. There are also food trucks right there which were so tempting to go to. If you wanted a low price keychain ($5) to commemorate your experience, there are vendors right there which was convenient for me. The actual bean itself was pretty cool, and if you go and stand directly under it in the middle you can see your reflection 7-8 times (try to spot all your reflections!). It's def worth spending 15 minutes there and then you can go for a nice walk along Lake Michigan. read more

Cloud Gate - THE BEAN - Public Art Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

The Bean is somehow always part of my Chicago trips. It's a really cool architecture piece that attracts many people. I've been to Chicago three times now and I still haven't learned how to take a cool picture of myself at the Bean! Maybe the fourth time will do the trick. read more

Cloud Gate - Public Art Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Everyone said "Have you been to the Bean?" It's beautiful. The day we went was a little rainy do there weren't a lot of people. It's definitely something to see. I suggest walking around Millennial Park. The amphitheater was fenced off but what we could see looked beautiful. I'm sure that if you go to the Bean early or late it would be easier to take pictures without too many people. read more