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Cloud Gate by Anish Kapoor (2004)

Outdoor Sculpture

Grant Park, Chicago

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8.9^/10

2,321

ratings

Ranked #7 for people watching in Chicago
Has a stamp of approval from Michelin Travel & Lifestyle and Chicagoist
"The reflection of the city skyline in the Cloud is fantastic!!"(14 Tips)
"... as well as walk underneath it in the center. The view is different..."(12 Tips)
"The skyline reflects onto the architecture."(6 Tips)
"Excellent photo ops! Beautiful skyline views."(2 Tips)

270 Tips and reviews

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ChicagoistAugust 1, 2014
Go take a simple selfie in front of it or set up a tripod or just get creative with it. It's a fun, photogenic subject that looks different in every climate Chicago offers. Read more
Dave MorinSeptember 19, 2015
One of the greatest pieces of large scale outdoor art in the world. Must see when in Chicago.
Julian NamJune 15, 2011
Who knew "The Bean" is actually/officially called Could Gate??? Did you know that this is made up of 168 stainless steel plates welded together? It's highly polished, so you can't see the seams.
Michelin Travel & LifestyleMarch 3, 2013
Anish Kapoor’s gleaming "bean" of stainless steel creates fantastic reflections of the city skyline and the crowds. Be sure to step under it. – Green Guide Editor
Robert CarbonellJuly 15, 2022
“The Bean” as it is popularity called is amazing! Nice place to take pictures and be attracted by the reflex. Just hope the piece was always clean.
Andy RJanuary 15, 2017
The Could Gate it's beautiful and interesting. It is located in Millenium Park. At Christmas an ice skating rink with the Christmas songs everything becomes even more charming.
Noah WeissFebruary 27, 2015
A tourist attraction that's very much worth seeing. Go at dusk when the skyline's sunset reflection off the sculpture looks most magnificent.
Shawn CalhounJune 26, 2017
It's what everyone does! The sculpture is made of plates of steel. Look for a seam 🤔
Kimmie OhhFebruary 25, 2020
The skyline reflects onto the architecture. I’m sure it would look breathtaking during the sunset or sunrise!!
Jamie PitmanJune 24, 2015
This was amazing! I loved the large stainless steel sculpture, Cloud Gate, aka The Bean! I really liked seeing the Skyline in it! And it is in Millennium Park and it is free!
Dana JensenNovember 27, 2014
Yeah it's touristy. Who cares. I'm local, but I always take out of town visitors here. All but the most jaded guests will probably enjoy it at least a little and it's free so what do you have to lose.
Kevin M. McNally, CMPSeptember 11, 2018
Photo must for your Chicago bucket list. Also known as The Bean, you will be amazed at your reflection and smiles of those around you as you capture the moment. SMILE!
Raquel LazaroMarch 22, 2018
great place to visit its a landmark, its beautiful and you can see chicago's skyline. This is a picture I took of the bean.
Madeline GullettAugust 20, 2014
The bean is so touristy, but on a nice day it's so fun to walk around the park and take a few pics in your reflection!
Obadiah PoundageJune 13, 2012
More commonly known as "The Bean" this landmark in Grant Park allows for some very cool photographs. Good luck trying to get the famed "lying underneath shooting up" shot between the crowds.
Billy MayJune 28, 2015
Very cool park set around The Bean is great for chilling on a picnic blanket on a sunny day!
Patrick HPSeptember 29, 2018
Get inside in the middle under the bean and try to catch your reflections I could find 5!
Kimmie OhhFebruary 25, 2020
Such a simple piece of artwork but so popular. Yes, it’s touristy but come take a picture of The Bean!
American AirlinesJune 27, 2013
Affectionately called The Bean by locals, this public sculpture designed by Anish Kapoor makes for the perfect photo opportunity. Be sure to walk or lay beneath it!
H SFebruary 13, 2015
Want to have the Bean just for yourself? Go there for sunrise... Not only you'll be alone but with perfect light from sun rising above the lake...
ZaarlyChicagoAugust 10, 2011
Yes...it's one of the most iconic photo-ops in Chicago, but it's also a great piece by the brilliant Anish Kapoor. Make sure to spend a few minutes with it even after snapping a photo.
Kimmie OhhFebruary 25, 2020
Always so many people here. Try to get here early morning or late night to have this to yourself.
Paul RogersDecember 8, 2019
The most inspiring piece of architecture I have had the opportunity to see. Thank you
Angel SalasFebruary 9, 2017
A popular chicago attraction for good reason. With its reflective surface, Cloud Gate is a visually enticing structure to behold with friends and family.
Eva 🐾 BanovaJanuary 19, 2016
Super awesome place. Make sure you bring a camera with lots of space. Endless possibilities for pictures
lino brescia™August 20, 2017
Fantastic. Amazing. Pictures plenty. Enjoy and don’t miss “the bean”
Mark MulderOctober 18, 2019
Probably Chicago's number 1 tourist destination and it's easy to see why. Such a simple artwork but incredibly engaging, interactive and pretty.
Julie ShackletonApril 24, 2013
I wasn't impressed when I heard the description of this place but it is actually very cool. Great reflections of the city and mesmerizing to just look at from all angles!
Melanie CarterApril 30, 2013
awesome place! crowded in afternoons/weekends but if you go early during the week you might be able to get a solo shot of your reflection.
Justin OrdovezaNovember 10, 2014
A wonderful art installation, interesting angles and optical illusions. Great place to people watch.
Alberto J S Moreau DMarch 15, 2018
Amazing place to stay there at any time, photos are always perfect...
marcus HMarch 19, 2015
Go here very early in the morning and enjoy the bean for yourself. Just great!!
Maike PlotnikApril 17, 2016
It's a different spot from one day to the other! You could spend hours there just watching the reflections ! MUST-SEE in chitown
MoJune 8, 2015
A must visit, 5min is all it takes but it ain't like anything you've seen before especially on a sunny day 😎
Sunira MosesSeptember 10, 2015
Despite the crowds and touristy status it's worth the visit! Very fun distraction.
Bob CareyFebruary 26, 2015
A photographers dream. So much fun and photo opportunities no matter the weather. Plan on being there 30-60 minutes to really explore the possibilities.
Noel ClarkeJuly 11, 2015
I mean, i'll be honest it's a big silver bean, but you know what? It's pretty cool and so is the city around it. Visit Chicago if you can.
Janet LedbetterApril 11, 2014
The outside is a beautiful reflection of the city, while the underneath is a fascinating kaleidoscope of the people. Look up!
Brian IbarraMarch 12, 2016
What a beautiful piece of art that looks great in both the day and night times in the city and just below the ice rink is
Michael ArkinsAugust 7, 2014
An absolutely beautiful monument in downtown Chicago. Photos don't do this justice! Check it out and you'll fall in love with it.
Erik RowleyDecember 19, 2013
Been here 5+ times
The most touristy thing you can do with the exception of the Sears Tower is group selfies in the Bean. What the hell live it up, you're in Chicago.
Laura M.May 6, 2018
A must do attraction in Chicago. Make sure to walk underneath!
MuratJune 25, 2023
Located in the park; artistic and very crowded with tourists. Good to see it once, but that’s it. Watching reflections is interesting.
Colin NelsonMarch 25, 2015
Great view of Chicago. If you're in town, you have to come here before you leave.
Daniel TolbertJuly 6, 2013
a strong time, filled with a well of emotions springing forth for those of you who are deep enough to feel a city's heart beating with your own. True beauty is reflected here, but only imperfectly.
MelvinSeptember 17, 2017
You’ve got to walk underneath. It’ll blow your mind.
Dustin OlsenMay 16, 2013
One of Chicago's most famous icons! Take the city tour bus to easily find your way here - and also see many other famous sites around the city!
Lani TeshimaOctober 13, 2011
Make sure to walk around the entire sculpture as well as walk underneath it in the center. The view is different from every angle, and equally as interesting.
Hendrik EckenheimerMay 25, 2017
You have to be there at last ones in your lifetime. 😉
Shawn CalhounJune 26, 2017
Try to find a seam in the steel plates that the sculpture is made of 🤔

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