Cloud Gate in Chicago
A trip to Chicago isn’t complete without visiting the iconic installation the “bean”! Amazing views of the skyline on its reflection. Lots of photo ops around the park too. If you’re also lucky enough to enjoy some ice skating right next to it if it’s in season. Also lots of restaurants nearby if you wanna grab a bite and enjoy it at the park.
A mirror is an incredible thing. It not only reflects everything, in doing so it creates its own essence. We spent quite some time at Cloud Gate because every minute angle is its own dimension of interpretation or inspiration. There was a huge crowd and my guess is its pretty busy always. So cool 😎
Its a must go place in Chicago, iconic and loved by the people. The idea was liquid mercury, by the artist Anish Kapoor.You can see the reflection of the sky on the upper side and your as well. The most interesting part is when you go under of the sculpture. Its amazing. This place is always crowded and you have to wait for a while to take a perfect picture. Happy clicking.
Had an amazing time seeing this iconic work of art. All of Millenium park is worth the visit, it doesn’t take too long to understand why this has become a symbol for the city. Entirely unique and thought provoking, I could have easily spent hours studying the piece. Would recommend to any tourist visiting Chicago and to anyone who hasn’t made the trip yet.
Its one of those iconic places to visit and take a pic. The area is a very nice place to spend an afternoon strolling around. Theres plenty of conventional and unconventional places to sit and relax also (I mean not actual benches). Ive visit twice now and enjoyed the experience both times and I will more than likely visit again with my younger daughter 😊
This huge glossy mirror like sculpture in the shape of a cloud or a bean is a major landmark and the symbol of Chicago located in the Millennium Park in downtown Chicago. It’s surface is so polished that it looks like it is made from the glass but it is actually stainless steel. It barely touches the ground and looks like it is floating.Everyone must have seen the Cloud Gate somewhere on the Facebook, Instagram, advertisements or movies. This is considered the most popular contemporary modern art in US.It looks like a big droplet of mercury from the distance. This sculpture has something special in it that it so captivating and inviting. There is a passageway below the arched portion and the cavity in the center of the structure. People take pictures from all different angles and never have enough of them.You see different shapes in the sculpture depending upon your imagination. It looks though weird but beautiful with distorted skyline of Chicago and yourself.Only negative side is that it is always crowded. You can’t take pictures without someone else in your frame. I guess, this happens when something is so popular.
This place is amazing! If youre in Chicago, you have to experience this. Most people call it The Bean because... Well, it looks like a bean. 😃 I guess the person who designed the piece of art does not like it to be called The Bean, so make sure you dont run into the artist if you happen to be there if you want to call it that.
Great photo opportunities while on-site and also within and around the city. Many things to look at while overlooked by firm but fair security staff. Consider a pre-game of checking the weather, parking choices, cell phone space/charged up and rush hour times when visiting. And comfortable shoes!
The site is so cool and definitely picture worthy. We loved seeing our reflection and seeing the downtown skyline nearby. The walk to the Cloud Gate was easy from our hotel and the park where the bean is located is very pretty to walk around at. Definitely recommend the experience.
Cloud Gate, or The Bean is a really wonderful attraction to go see in Chicago. This a great thing to stop and check out if you are on your way to something else, or have a little time to kill. I was here about 30 minutes to take pictures and people watch. Millennium park is right next to it and offers a large grassy area for picnics.
A must visit in Chicago and breathtaking views. Whether you’re coming in for a photo op or sightseeing. A trip to The Bean (Cloudgate) and Millennium Park will never get old. This is my second time visiting from Houston in the matter of three months. I think it’s easy to say this place has a special place in my heart.
Cloud Gate has a unique architectural design where you cannot find any seam or joints in the entire structure. This is one of the most visited spots in Chicago. We always stop by the Bean (Cloud Gate) whenever we visit the Millennium Park. We highly recommend visiting the Cloud Gate!
While I was in Chicago I definitely had to go see this iconic landmark! It was very crowded and it was pretty cool to see up close in person. It was located in downtown Chicago which was cool and convenient! Not far from where I was staying at all. If you are ever in Chicago, you definitely need to visit here at least once!
Fantastic place to visit! A very attractive place with a beautiful view of the metropolis!Sculpture in Millennium Park. The locals have nicknamed it the mirror bean because the outline of the structure really resembles a bean. The object has become one of the symbols of progressive Chicago, the avant-garde of contemporary art and the territory of inspiration for trendy artists. The design of the sculpture was developed by the master Anish Kapoor invited from London.👍👏❤️
Make sure you touch the bean. I flew from Seattle to touch the bean and I was not disappointed. Being taller, I was able to touch parts that others were unable to get to. The surface was cool, but not too cold. Smooth, but with a little bit of friction. I have touched many beans in my lifetime but none quite like this one. A must touch when in Chicago. Iconic.
Ive visited from out of town a couple of times this year. I recommend going early like 8 or 9 or later in the evening. Its typically packed throughout the day. I only say that because its hard to get a good picture that focuses just on you. Other than that, its a great attraction.
Cloud Gate, or popular known as The Bean, is a sculpture made by the famous artist Anish Kapoor.Its located at the hear of Millennium Park, in downtown Chicago. Its one of the most famous spots in the city, visited by thousands of people day and night.If you want to get better pictures its fully recommended to go early in the morning, prior to the arrival of most of turists.
If you are visiting Chicago seeing the bean is an absolute must! Great photo opportunities and an amazing view of the skyline. You can even walk around the park to take some more photos. There is also a lot of restaurants nearby If you are looking to grab a bite to eat and enjoy it at the park.
This is the famous “Bean” and your induction into Chicago Tourism. Great spot to grab a bite, take your required tourist pictures, and people watch. There are plenty of nearby restaurants, but I’d recommend bringing your own food if able (save yourself some bucks). If it’s your first time here, grab a bite and enjoy the city. Welcome to Chicago!
Review Date: June 23rd, 2012Also known as ‘The Bean’!Before I started my travel list, I knew of some stuff up in Chicago. I had seen photos of the Bean/Cloud Gate but never knew it was in my home state. So naturally I went up there with a group of friends to check it out.This awesome attraction… sculpture… mirror…. whatever you want to call it is located in Millennium Park. We walked around the park that day and I must tell you.. that park holds a lot of cool things. Ever watch Married… with Children? The Buckingham Fountain from the shows opener is located here. (Edit: Buckingham Fountain is not located in Millennium Park, but it is nearby.)As for Cloud Gate, it’s a sight to behold. The mirrored surface was clean. Everyone was talking selfies. You can walk under it and it’s mirrored all from top to bottom, left to right, back to front.If you are visiting Chicago, you owe it to yourself to check out Millennium Park and the fun things it has inside. Take a selfie at Cloud Gate. I double dog DARE you!
Beautiful park to go to. We came here in November with the ice skating rink, and it doesn’t get much more Chicago than this. The Ice Skating rink itself was very well taken care of. The Bean is a lot bigger than I expected it to be! Going directly under it is a sight to behold!
This is one of the tourist attention of the Chicago!! If you don’t take a photo in front of this , no one believes you was in Chicago!!! You can find a lots of people in here!! This is free entrance place!!! Parking in here is very difficult!! No parking in here!! There is a underground parking in both side but it cost $20 per hour!!! If you are lucky you can find a street meter parking which cost $7 per hour but you have to walk at lest two or three blocks!!! You can spend an hours in here!!! There is a digital fountain just beside!!! It’s amazing!!! The face of the man change when the water comes out of his mouth!!! It’s great to see and take a picture!!! Just go through the picture which I have uploaded !!! Which give you some idea!! Enjoy!!!
Honestly wayyyy cooler then I thought it was going to be. I visiting Chicago for a wedding and was like I should see it just to say I have but man was I happy I did. Pictures hardly do it justice but it is way bigger then one thinks it is. It is kind of surreal to walk around. I see why everyone visits it when they go to Chicago. It really is worth a stop.
We had a quick jaunt to Chicago, and couldnt miss the chance to check out the Bean! Its a pretty amazing sculpture and worth the effort to see. There are several places to take pictures. The parking is annoying and costly for a small amount of time at Millennium park, but I guess thats just how it is in Chicago. I suggest going if you have time!
Awesome visit to the monument of Chicago. Awesome tourist experience for anybody visiting Chicago. I really cant say too much. You need to experience for yourself.Awesome lay out and lots of space to take pictures if youre wondering. I went alone and still got these amazing pictures. Why havent you visited yet?
As Iconic as expected, totally a must visit when in Chicago, it was pretty crowded and every one wants to touch it, si be prepared with some antibacterial-gel once you are done! Find the best angle and have. View of the city reflected in The Cloud or Bean like a bunch of people call it also 😅🤦🏻♂️😎
A chicago-must see. Go early on weekdays if you want to escape the crowd. Parking is available nearby, but not free. You can walk to the fountain from here as [email protected] for more pics
Amazing sculpture highly polished stainless steel plates, which reflect Chicagos famous skyline and the clouds above. Its called The Bean.Beautiful sculpture is in Milinium park located in downtown Chicago.Cloud Gate is British artist Anish Kapoors first public outdoor work installed in the United States.
In the area doing tourist stuff... Wifes birthday and she had never been to Chicago.. so to the bean we went... Cloud Gate is the technical name of it.Last time I visited it was packed with people taking selfies also.....Would definitely recommend if in the area.Will visit again!RespectfullyBryanOklahoma City
Truly fun! The reflections of the skyline are awesome. We were there at sunset and the colors were wonderful. It is cleaned every morning and deep cleaned a few times a year. That way it stays clear and reflective. Anish Kapoor, the artist says that this piece hovers between architecture and sculpture. He also says it has taken on a life of its own. It invites real participation. Thousands of people every day visit and take selfies. :)
Amazing piece to see in person . Love how it really makes this public space force it’s viewers the see themselves Interact with others . There was a shooting there when I visited and a teen was shot … so that leaves a lot to be desired , but being from Philadelphia we are pretty used to children being shot in public spaces … still though seems a shame to require visitors to go through a metal detector in an outdoor public space … nothing but the best to chicago , and visitors should know most children do not get shot while visiting the cloud
Always a great place to visit and see various nearby activities, crowd and nearby millenium park. Different experience and views coming during day and night time. Very close to skydeck willis tower as well, hardly few blocks walk or drive. Parking nearby can allow visiting both as well many other places close to these.
The Bean is one of the most see in Chicago.Mo matter what you have to make sure that you stop by and see this place yourself.It is a bit of challenge to find a parked spot unless you park at a paid parking. Take a walk, enjoy the park and take pictures with the bean.There are also good places to eat around the area.
I’m obsessed! This thing is so cool and fascinating. Of course it’s fun to take pictures and selfies, but the views of the city seen through and with Cloud Gate are stunning. It’s a piece of art, science, and architecture all at once. Plus it’s surrounded by so much more fun.
Other then trying to find decent parking this was a good family experience. My wife wanted to go to this as part of our trip to the city and im glad we went, it is a unique attraction that you should stop and see if you have the time to do so. Youll enjoy the park and cloud gate.
What an attraction! Just like what you see in the movies. Visited on a Saturday and the place was packed. There is an ice skating rink next to it and a huge Christmas tree for festive vibes. Definitely recommend visiting this place at least once when you come to Chicago!
The view. The scenery’s was worth the stop. It’s obviously a crowded zone as it’s a tourist location. I couldn’t mention this positive w/o a negative. With that being said, The public restroom is a disaster! No toilet paper and no soap. Filthy as a public restroom can be. I had to literally hold myself together. I suggest using the restroom before going for a long walk through this lovely city of Chicago.
Cloud Gate is a classic Chicago art installation. City views are outstanding. Fun picture opportunities. Be sure to wander underneath to see the mesmerizing reflections. Can get very busy on the weekends.If you are going to the Art Museum, stop here after. It’s a quick walk, costs you nothing, and worth a few minutes.
This is a great place in the city to get out and get some fresh air with the kids. Great area to just walk and just get out for the day. The area is really nice and well kept also the view of the city is a perfect spot for some great pics. We got some great shots for our sons IG page @the_mini_monsterjam_lover Plz follow for more great pics and trips!
Theres a reason why people flock to this space. Something surreal about the The Bean and it feels like its always changing. Went early Sunday to see it without the crowds and really loved my time spent contemplating lifes meaning. Even with the crowds I love how people were taking photos for strangers and how connected we can be when we put our differences aside.
Chicagos most famous landmark. Full of people and a vibe that makes you feel that you are visiting a true treasure. Modern and in the heart of the city. Accesible by train or simply if you are walking. The nearby areas and bridges are just amazing and not as crowded as the Cloud Gate but it is a MUST when visiting the windy city. Make sure to visit it during daylight hours and at night. Truly magical.
Very fun touristy spot to visit! It’s literally a giant mirrored bean yet I still spent 10 minutes walking around it taking pictures... and I came back at night... Can be crowded since it just reopened to the public but definitely worth checking out, along with the rest of Millennium/Grant Park!
Cloud Gate sculpture is famous with its another name The Bean. It is in Millenium park and The Bean is the iconic sculpture in Chicago and is a must visit there. There is no fee to visit it as it is situated in this park. You can go near, around and below this sculpture and take photos. It is very shiny and reflective and people like to take pictures of their reflections in the bean.
Millennium Park Is huge lots to do within walking distance. Lots of shops and restaurants nearby, and much much more! Love it! Lots of places too take pictures and of course most iconic The Bean Chicago 💖💕💞💖😻 Family Friendly place. I remember coming in the city of Chicago there is a calendar that shows all kinds of events going on almost every month must check if you are interested, do so!
Gaze into the bean and behold a worse universe: no matter how short and fat you are here the bean will present you a you shorter and fatter still. buildings dance across the floor of an impossible, hellish discotech, while snorting, sweating tourists grunt and squeal their delight. 40% of them are playing pokémon go. a feast for the senses
Bigger in person than I originally thought. Beautiful spot of town too. Plenty of people visiting it even in the cold, we went in March. Parking available underground but recommend public transit, a ride share, or walking if the weather is nice to get here. Unless you plan on spending a lot of time at the park, the cost of parking doesnt seem worth it for a short visit. $21
Clean, beautiful and felt secure. Security patrolled as tourists gathered and giggled between the massive reflective Bean.The cityscape and sky reflected in a mobious dance unlike anything i have ever seen. This is a wonder thing to experience, even if it is a quick thrill, its a memory to keep and inspiring to stand in front of
Such a classic tourist spot but definitely worth it. Go during the day and at night. My favorite view is honestly as youre on the street. You look over and see the sculpture but the reflections of the city around you make it blend in and tricks your mind as the horizon blends with the sky.
Beautiful sculpture in a nice park in the middle of the city. A must see if you are in town for a weekend. The park is well maintained and trash cans offer recycling options.It is a beautiful piece of art and you can see the sky and buildings reflecting on it which is impressive.We walked here from miracle mile with a group of friends, and it was a lovely walk and experience. A great place to take pictures and capture memories made.When looking at this beautiful piece of art it is understandable why it has gotten the cute little nickname the bean
Such an intriguing piece of architecture inspired by a mercury drop, Just loved it. The inside view of the bean curve shows five images of an individual standing below it. It was an enormous structure. The reflection of the tall architures on the bean was wonderful. An unmissable spot in Chicago.
Was there new year eve night time. Could not find better view or picture. well at least gone from my bucket listOut of 10:Place - 6Cleanliness - 7Hygiene - 7items available - N/ADriving - 10walking - 10Hiking - N/ACycling - 7Food cost - N/AWashroom - N/APeople/staff - n/Aweather - N/AArea environment - 6
Well if you go right @ closing time, you get the Jelly Bean all to yourself. Unfortunately though we did arrive right @ closing time, which we did not realize they gated and closed up the park @ night so just heads up. Never less we still had a few minuets with the Bean and really enjoyed the city views all around the park while we were on site.
You have to see this. You just do. As you stand and look back at the art from the lake side it is remarkable to take in all the old and new architecture of Chicago surroundings this uniquely looking sculpture. It is an unexplainable feeling as you soak it all in. You should go and feel it as well.
A must visit place when in Chicago, not mainly because of the bean itself (which is not bad either), but because of the views of the downtown which are awe-inspiring from this place. Also, it marks the start of the magnificent mile, so you can make it the starting (or ending) point of your stroll across the shopping mecca of Chicago.
You cant come to Chicago without seeing the Bean. In person, its gigantic but kinda cool. The reflection of the Bean is so shiny. Coming here very early in the morning will have less people otherwise, its usually pretty crowded for most of the times.No admission needed. Theres also a ice skating ring right beside it and plenty of park space around. Where the Bean is placed will give you a perfect reflection of the city at all hours. Of course sunny days are best. Definitely a treasure of Chicago.
Thats a must visit point for sure. It does not look very attractive on pictures or from a double decker- just like another piece of modern art, but it is really amazing when you are standing close by. Come and touch it. Yet its a good spot for selfie even if you do not like ones.
The Bean (Cloud Gate) was absolutely amazing. Due to Covid-19 we were limited to the perimeter of a fence to view this artwork. I wish I could have gone underneath it but understand why not. There were many people looking at this amazing sculpture in down down Chicago. Brilliant and cant wait to go back and actually go underneath the artwork.
A tourist must see! The bean and park surrounding it is beautiful. They currently have the being fenced off, which actually allows for better pictures. I recommend going during the week, not the weekend, due to how busy it is. They have different food vendors around the Bean and wonderful walking paths. It’s easy to spend an afternoon just enjoying being in the city!
We were so excited to see The Bean! It is such a beautiful architectural structure that we had to make sure to stop by. The structure itself was fenced off so visitors were unable to close to the structure but we were close enough that we were able to get decent pictures. My husband and I love to take photos when traveling and made sure to get our fair share of pictures as best as we could.Cloud gate is a massive Bean shaped structure, its located in Millennium Park formally known as Grant Park. The structure is at the center of the park and can be seen from the streets of Chicago. When we first arrived we decided that we would come see the structure if we didnt do anything else we had to see it. I know it was blocked off still because of covid restrictions but in the future we hope to come back and visit and hopefully the structure will be avaliable at full access to visitors.
Really enjoyed seeing this beautiful piece of art. Unfortunately there is a barrier around it for COVID, but it seems to make the crowding worse. Still got to see it and enjoy it. Not too many people on a Saturday morning. The park that it’s in is a great place to walk around afterwards as well.
Total reviews rating 4.8
199 Reviews for Cloud Gate 2023:
Review №1
2022-01-22This is Chicagos icon.When you visit Chicago, firstly you should come here to see this art. Each season, this place is crowded because not only tourists but also Chicagos public comes together here. Therefore, be careful against Corona Virus.Once I saw this bean from away, I thought it is just metal. However, when I came closer, I noticed the geometric shape, curve, transparency, and reflectiveness. That affected me deeply. You can take a different type of your photo thanks to its reflectiveness.I wish I have a chance to see this place in summer. Unfortunately, I am too away from there.
Review №2
2022-03-23The Bean is a pretty neat experience. A giant chrome coffee bean. Some days it is very crowded. The underside of the bean has some very interesting visual reflections. The absolute center has the only flat mirror portion. If you are in Chicago or plan to visit. I suggest checking it out. There is also some old buildings across the street. We liked looking at the buildings as much as the Bean.
Review №3
2022-06-30Such a cool piece of art!!! The wife and I stopped by too check it, take the obligatory pics with said art and invent our own fun poses. Be on the look out for peeps that offer to take your pic and once they do will ask for money for it. I recognized the hustle as soon as a dude asked us and told him “hard pass.”
Review №4
2022-06-17This is an amazing site. Really easy to get to and parking is close ($25 for underground). We were there during a blues festival and the atmosphere and people were great. Highly recommend it if you are visiting downtown
Review №5
2022-05-22This huge bean - a giant mirror sculpture in the Millennium park quickly became one of the most recognized Chicago landmarks.I dont know the meaning of it (if theres any), but its really cool offering great views of downtown in curved reflections. One of top free attractions.
Review №6
2022-01-30One of the best architecture pieces in Chicago. As being over the best architecture city in the world this sculpture makes Chicago even more beautiful.As I was studying in Chicago I visited this place many times and in all different seasons during different times of the day.Every time it looks more beautiful and every time you visit this place youd fall in love with this again.One day I also decided in freezing winter to do small bike trip here and you might see that in one of the photos 😛. If you want to do that that is the only time you can see this place with very few people 😅.I will surely recommend this place.
Review №7
2022-04-02This is actually really cool to just stare at the way it reflects and distorts the city and people around it. Constructed between 2004 and 2006, its made up of 168 stainless steel plates welded together and polished so it has no visible seams.The design was inspired by liquid mercury and you actually walk right up and under it. In fact, the lower 6 feet are windexed twice a day and the entire sculpture is cleaned twice a year with 40 gallons of Tide.The final cost of the sculpture came in at $23 million, a bit more than the projected $6 million but it is expected to last 1000 years!
Review №8
2022-05-23One of the coolest structures, this giant bean has become Chicago’s landmark and is very accessible…. It’s always crowded whatever time of the day one plans to visit but people are friendly and take each other’s pictures…. Try taking pictures from all angles and from underneath too 😀
Review №9
2022-04-18I know what you’re thinking. It’s a large, reflective kidney bean that you just stand next to, and the internet says it’s the best thing to do in the 3rd largest US city.It’s actually quite cool though. Sure it’s like a 20 or 30 minute activity, but it’s definitely worth seeing, and taking some cool photos. When you walk under it, the mirrors above you look super trippy; it’s quite fun. If you’re in Chicago, go see it and have some fun, just don’t plan to stay all day. :)
Review №10
2022-04-17You cannot and should not miss seeing the Cloud Gate or the Bean when you are in Chicago! 🏙 Whether you are in the midst of crowd, with your loved ones, or by yourself, this monumental public art or sculpture will leave a lasting impression on you. You can also experiment with taking various photos of it, and will be surprised how it looks so different each time you photograph it! Some of the different versions of the Cloud Gate I have shared here, and I hope they inspire you to have your own photoshoots there too 🥰