Behind The Design: Anish Kapoor’s Famous ‘Cloud Gate’, Also Known As ‘The Bean’
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Image via Busara / Shutterstock.com
What: The Cloud Gate
Who designed it: Anish Kapoor
When: 2004
Image via Thomas Barrat / Shutterstock.com
The Cloud Gate has become one of the most notable architectural marvels.
The public artwork – affectionately known as ‘The Bean’ – has become a must-see item on any Chicago itinerary. The sculpture, created by British-Indian artist Anish Kapoor, was unveiled at the opening of Millennium Park in 2004. It now serves as a famous symbol of the city and is one of Chicago’s most photographed attractions.
The piece of architecture is made of stainless piece and has 168 of this welded together. Measuring a height, breadth, and length of 33 feet by 42 feet by 66 feet, it weighs a total of 110 tons.
The interior of the sculpture is made of a network of two large metal rings attached via a truss framework, similar to that of a bridge. Thanks to the configuration, the massive weight of the sculpture is able to sit on two base points, allowing the iconic “bean” shape to be formed.
The sculpture’s steel exterior is attached to the inside frame via flexible connectors, allowing it to adapt to various weather conditions.
Even before it was given an official title, Chicagoans were quick to dub the reflective steel sculpture ‘The Bean’ thanks to its closed curve shape. However, its official title is Cloud Gate; 80 percent of its surface reflects the sky and bends the reflection down into a gate silhouette.
Image via Busara / Shutterstock.com
‘The Bean’s reflective surface resembles liquid mercury. When you view its shiny exterior, you get to see visitors walking around the park, the light, and beauty of the Chicago skyline, and the green space. The polished surface also invites visitors to touch it, giving it an interactive quality.
Image via wayfarerlife / Shutterstock.com
Visitors can also walk on the curved underside of the sculpture, and because it also reflects the sky above the park, it has inspired Kapoor to name it Cloud Gate.
The sculpture is the perfect hotspot for taking photos due to the intriguing reflective properties found here. The buildings displayed behind you will certainly add another dimension to your photos.
Visitors from near and far can find Cloud Gate inside AT&T Plaza, within Millennium Park in the heart of downtown Chicago.
[via Choose Chicago, cover image via Busara / Shutterstock.com]
Image via Busara / Shutterstock.com
What: The Cloud Gate
Who designed it: Anish Kapoor
When: 2004
Image via Thomas Barrat / Shutterstock.com
The Cloud Gate has become one of the most notable architectural marvels.
The public artwork – affectionately known as ‘The Bean’ – has become a must-see item on any Chicago itinerary. The sculpture, created by British-Indian artist Anish Kapoor, was unveiled at the opening of Millennium Park in 2004. It now serves as a famous symbol of the city and is one of Chicago’s most photographed attractions.
The piece of architecture is made of stainless piece and has 168 of this welded together. Measuring a height, breadth, and length of 33 feet by 42 feet by 66 feet, it weighs a total of 110 tons.
The interior of the sculpture is made of a network of two large metal rings attached via a truss framework, similar to that of a bridge. Thanks to the configuration, the massive weight of the sculpture is able to sit on two base points, allowing the iconic “bean” shape to be formed.
The sculpture’s steel exterior is attached to the inside frame via flexible connectors, allowing it to adapt to various weather conditions.
Even before it was given an official title, Chicagoans were quick to dub the reflective steel sculpture ‘The Bean’ thanks to its closed curve shape. However, its official title is Cloud Gate; 80 percent of its surface reflects the sky and bends the reflection down into a gate silhouette.
Image via Busara / Shutterstock.com
‘The Bean’s reflective surface resembles liquid mercury. When you view its shiny exterior, you get to see visitors walking around the park, the light, and beauty of the Chicago skyline, and the green space. The polished surface also invites visitors to touch it, giving it an interactive quality.
Image via wayfarerlife / Shutterstock.com
Visitors can also walk on the curved underside of the sculpture, and because it also reflects the sky above the park, it has inspired Kapoor to name it Cloud Gate.
The sculpture is the perfect hotspot for taking photos due to the intriguing reflective properties found here. The buildings displayed behind you will certainly add another dimension to your photos.
Visitors from near and far can find Cloud Gate inside AT&T Plaza, within Millennium Park in the heart of downtown Chicago.
[via Choose Chicago, cover image via Busara / Shutterstock.com]
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