The Bean (Cloud Gate) in Chicago

If you’ve ever seen a photo of Chicago, chances are you’ve seen a giant, mirrored sculpture reflecting the city skyline.

That shiny metal sculpture is the Cloud Gate. It is also simply known as The Bean. The Cloud Gate is located in the heart of downtown at Millennium Park.

The Bean is one of the best mesmerizing piece of public art that has become one of the most iconic and beloved landmarks in Chicago.

Whether you’re a Chicago local, a first-time visitor, or someone planning a trip to the Windy City, in this post I will try to cover everything that you need to know about The Bean.

You will know about its history, design, the best times to visit, and why it’s such a powerful symbol of art in Chicago.

What Exactly Is The Bean?

Like I mentioned before that the Bean is the nickname for Cloud Gate. This sculpture was designed by British-Indian artist Anish Kapoor.

The Bean was first installed in 2004 and was available for public viewing in 2006. This metal structure weighs a staggering 110 tons and measures 33 feet high, 42 feet wide, and 66 feet long.

The sculpture is made of highly polished total 168 stainless steel plates. All these 168 metal plates were welded together and polished to create a perfectly smooth surface.

Its bean-like elliptical shape with shiny surface creates very vibrant view of city buildings and of course the people standing nearby.

A Brief History of Cloud Gate

The Bean’s story began in 1999 when the City of Chicago launched a design competition for a new public sculpture to anchor Millennium Park.

Personally, I was surprised to know that Millennium Park is built on rail yard covering 25-acres above the ground and huge underground parking lot.

Anish Kapoor won the competition. This sculpture is inspired by liquid mercury drop. Kapoor’s whole idea was to create a reflective sculpture that would mirror the Chicago skyline and draw people in through interaction and curiosity.

Construction wasn’t easy. The sheer complexity of creating a seamless mirrored surface without visible joints was a massive engineering feat. The final piece was assembled on-site, polished by hand, and officially unveiled in 2006 to much fanfare.

Why People Love The Bean

I would say The Bean is kind of magnetic, yes, I have always noticed hundreds of people around the Bean whenever I visited the Millennium Park. Here’s why I believe it draws millions of visitors every year:

1. It’s Incredibly Instagrammable

Let’s face it: The Bean is a social media superstar. Its reflective surface turns a simple selfie into a memorable photo reflecting the Chicago city view. Whether it’s sunny o snowy The Bean always delivers a killer photo op.

Considering the made with metal, during rain storm visitors are not allowed to be nearby area.

2. It’s Free and Accessible

You don’t need tickets or a tour guide to see the Bean. You can simply just walk up, touch it, pose, and explore.

It’s one of the few major tourist attractions in the world that’s free and open 24/7.  Access is prohibited during maintenance or the construction.

3. It Sparks Interaction

I would say that majority of tourist sculptures are viewed and admired from distance. But, The Bean makes you go closer and touch it, walk beneath it, photograph it, and see yourself from new perspectives.

The Bean’s Place in Chicago Culture

Over the years, Cloud Gate has become a symbol of Chicago itself. I must say The Bean has been popular among Chicagoans.

If we think of it then Chicago locals use it as a meeting point. Couples propose beneath it. Tourists plan their entire day around seeing it. It’s appeared in movies, music videos, and commercials.

I also look at it as an entry point into Chicago’s rich arts and culture scene. You must be thinking, why? 

The Bean is located within Millennium Park, just steps away from the Art Institute of Chicago, Crown Fountain, and Pritzker Pavilion.  Also, Millennium Park host plenty of music festivals, art shows, and community events during summer season.

Best Times to Visit The Bean

I always talk about the uncertain and extreme weather conditions in Chicago. I have so your experience at The Bean might differ depending on when you visit.

• Spring and Summer: These seasons are the most popular times among visitors. Good weather brings the energy into downtown Chicago. The park is buzzing with life, street performers are out, and the reflection of a clear blue sky is stunning. Early mornings or evenings are ideal for avoiding crowds at The Bean.
• Fall: Personally I like crisp autumn weather. The Bean with colorful leaves in the park makes perfect setup for dramatic photos and a quieter experience.
• Winter: Winter days are very cold. Lately we do not get as much snow as we used to get years ago. At the same time while cold weather may get extreme in wind chill, still The Bean covered in snow has a certain magical charm. Be careful if surfaces are icy.

In my opinion, for great photography your best time is just after sunrise or before sunset. I call it golden hours as it offers the most flattering light and fewer crowds.

Quick Tip: Want to spend one day in Chicago on budget? You may like my post on 1-day Chicago Itinerary.

The Bean Under Construction (Yes, It Happens!)

The Bean is almost always accessible but time to time it has gone under renovation or construction fencing at times.

As of 2024–2025, the city has launched a restoration and plaza improvement project, temporarily limiting access to the sculpture.

If you’re planning a visit during this time then I recommend to check the Millennium Park website or local news for updates.

Insider Tips for Visiting The Bean

• Get There Early: For photos without crowds, aim to arrive before 9 a.m.
• Walk Around and Underneath: Don’t just take a front-facing selfie try to explore it from every angle.
• Bring a Wide-Angle Lens: If you’re a photography enthusiast then you’ll want to capture the full sculpture in its surroundings. If you are lucky then early morning visit during weekdays you might be able to take pictures without people around the bean.
• Pair It With a Millennium Park Stroll: After The Bean during summer season you can take advantage of live music a free concert at Pritzker Pavilion. It is one of the best things to do in Chicago with kids.

Fun Facts About The Bean

• It’s estimated that millions of people visit The Bean each year, making it one of the most photographed landmarks in the world.
• The surface is cleaned twice a day and fully polished twice a year.
• Anish Kapoor didn’t love the nickname “The Bean” at first, but later on he embraced it.
• It has no visible seams thanks to painstaking polishing and engineering.
• You can spot your reflection from multiple directions at once when standing beneath it.

As in general, whether you’re in town for a day or a longtime Chicagoan showing friends around, a visit to The Bean is always worth it.