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Culture & Lifestyle • Landmark

Cloud Gate

Cloud Gate is a public sculpture in Millennium Park in Chicago, Illinois, designed by British artist Anish Kapoor.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Cloud Gate is a public sculpture in Millennium Park in Chicago, Illinois, designed by British artist Anish Kapoor. Nicknamed “The Bean” for its shape, it is one of Chicago’s best-known landmarks and a major tourist attraction. The sculpture is the centerpiece of Millennium Park’s public art landscape in downtown Chicago and was Kapoor’s first permanent public outdoor work in the United States.

Design and construction

Cloud Gate was designed by Anish Kapoor and constructed between 2004 and 2006. Its polished stainless steel surface was formed from 168 welded plates, giving it a seamless, mirror-like appearance.

Location and setting

The sculpture stands in Millennium Park in the Loop community area of downtown Chicago. It sits in a prominent public plaza and reflects the surrounding skyline, parkland, and visitors.

Nickname and cultural significance

Although its official title is Cloud Gate, the sculpture is better known as “The Bean” because of its shape. It has become one of Chicago’s most recognizable symbols and a major tourist landmark.

Public reception

Cloud Gate quickly became one of the city’s most photographed attractions after its installation. Its reflective surface and accessible open setting have made it a popular site for visitors and events.

Key facts

  • Cloud Gate is a public sculpture in Millennium Park in Chicago, Illinois, designed by British artist Anish Kapoor.
  • Nicknamed “The Bean” for its shape, it is one of Chicago’s best-known landmarks and a major tourist attraction.
  • The sculpture is made from 168 stainless steel plates welded together to create a seamless mirrored surface.
  • Its reflective finish mirrors the Chicago skyline and surrounding park, making it a popular photography site.
  • Cloud Gate is located in AT&T Plaza / Grainger Plaza area within Millennium Park.
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Canadian context

Cloud Gate is a major North American cultural landmark and a frequent destination for Canadian visitors to Chicago. It is also relevant to Canadian readers interested in contemporary public art and urban design.

Frequently asked questions

What is Cloud Gate?
Cloud Gate is a public sculpture by Anish Kapoor in Millennium Park, Chicago. It is widely known as “The Bean” because of its shape.
Why is it called “The Bean”?
The nickname comes from the sculpture’s bean-like form, which was adopted by the public after its installation.
Where is Cloud Gate located?
It is in Millennium Park in downtown Chicago, in the Loop area, near Michigan Avenue.
When was Cloud Gate unveiled?
It was unveiled in 2004, with construction continuing until 2006.
What is Cloud Gate made of?
It is made of 168 stainless steel plates welded together to form a seamless exterior.

References

  1. City of Chicago — https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/dca/supp_info/chicago_s_publicartcloudgateinmillenniumpark.html
    Supports: Official location and identification of Cloud Gate as Anish Kapoor’s public outdoor work in the United States.
  2. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cloud_Gate
    Supports: Construction dates, dimensions, material, nickname, and general description.
  3. Choose Chicago — https://www.choosechicago.com/articles/tours-and-attractions/the-bean-chicago/
    Supports: Official tourism description, nickname, location, dimensions, and cultural significance.