Cloud Gate Chicago: Check Who Built It, Interesting Facts and More

Discover Cloud Gate, famously known as "The Bean," a prominent public sculpture in Chicago's Millennium Park. Designed by artist Anish Kapoor and established in 2006, this large, reflective stainless steel structure offers a unique perspective of the city. Its 168 welded panels create a seamless, mirror-like surface capturing the surrounding landscape.

Ayukta Zisha
Jun 30, 2025, 10:24 EDT
Cloud Gate
Cloud Gate

Cloud Gate, also known as "The Bean", is a reputed public sculpture located in Millennium Park of Chicago, Illinois. Designed by artist Anish Kapoor, Cloud Gate was established in 2006 and has since become one of the most loved and recognizable sites in the city. Sculpture is a large, reflective stainless steel bean-shaped structure that is 33 feet long and 42 feet wide. Its unique shape and reflective surfaces create an attractive visual effect, allowing visitors to look at the city from a unique perspective. The contemplative surface of the sculpture is made of 168 stainless steel panels that are welded together to finish like a spontaneous mirror. The surface is so reflective that it captures the nearby landscape, including the sky, buildings, and people, which creates a real and dynamic visual experience. Cloud Gate has become an equally popular place for tourists and locals, who come to take pictures, admire the beauty of the sculpture, and enjoy the surrounding park.

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What is Cloud Gate Chicago? 

Cloud Gate, also known as "The Bean", is a prestigious public sculpture located in Millennium Park, Illinois, in Chicago. Designed by artist Anish Kapoor, Cloud Gate is a large, contemplative stainless steel-shaped structure that is 33 feet long and 42 feet wide. The contemplative surface of the sculpture is made of 168 stainless steel panels, which are welded together to finish like a spontaneous mirror. The surface catches nearby cities, including the sky, buildings, and people, which create a real and dynamic visual experience. Cloud Gate has become a popular tourist destination and a symbol of the lively cultural approach of Chicago. Visitors can walk around the sculpture, take photos, and enjoy the surrounding park. The unique shape and contemplative surface of the sculpture make it an attractive and Instagram-worthy attraction. Cloud Gate, an attraction in Chicago, attracts millions of visitors each year.

Who Built Cloud Gate?

Cloud Gate, also known as "The Bean", was designed by British artist Anish Kapoor. Kapoor is a famous sculptor known for his massive public installations. Cloud Gate was commissioned by the city of Chicago and was established in Millennium Park in 2006. The sculpture was built in collaboration with Skidmore, Owings and Merryl (SOM), a Chicago-based architecture Firm, and Kapoor. The project was a complex venture that required innovative engineering and construction techniques. Kapoor's design was selected from several offers presented by artists and architects from all over the world. The result is a unique and iconic sculpture that has become a dear milestone in Chicago. Kapoor's work is highly praised for its creativity and technical skills.

Interesting Facts about Cloud Gate 

Here are some interesting facts about the Cloud Gate, also known as "The Bean" in Chicago: 

1.  Unique Design: Cloud Gate is a large, bean-shaped sculpture made of stainless steel plates that are welded together to make a spontaneous mirror.

 2. Reflective Surface: The reflective surface of the sculpture is made of 168 stainless steel panels that are carefully arranged to create a deformation-free reflection.

 3. Weight: The sculpture weighs about 110 tonnes and is 33 feet long and 42 feet wide.

 4. Maintenance:  The cloud gate requires regular cleaning to maintain its reflective surface. The sculpture is cleaned by a team of professionals who use a special cleaning solution and equipment. 

5. Popularity: Cloud Gate has become one of Chicago's most popular tourism attractions, with millions of visitors every year. 

6. Artistic Importance: Cloud Gate is considered an excellent work of contemporary art, which pushes the sculpture and boundaries of public art. 

7. Engineering Tricks: The construction of sculpture requires innovative engineering and manufacturing technology, which is a notable achievement of modern engineering. These facts highlight the unique characteristics and importance of the Cloud Gate, making it an attractive and iconic landmark in Chicago.


Ayukta Zisha
Ayukta Zisha

Content Writer

    Ayukta Zisha is a Content Writer and Published Author with a Master’s degree in English Literature. She also holds a certification in Digital Marketing from IIT Delhi. Deeply passionate about art, aesthetics, and literature, Ayukta brings a unique creative flair to her writing. A dedicated bibliophile, she continues to explore and share her love for words through engaging and insightful content. You can reach out to her at ayukta.jisha@jagrannewmedia.com

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