Millennium Park
Visitors to the Chicago, Illinois area who are visiting for the first time should make a point of stopping at Millennium Park. Situated immediately north of the Art Institute of Chicago, this 24.5-acre site serves as a showcase for cutting-edge art, architecture, and landscaping while also serving as a backdrop for concerts and festivals. It is part of the Chicago Park District. The Crown Fountain and Cloud Gate, sometimes known as "The Bean," are the most popular attractions in Millennium Park, drawing in the most number of people.
The Crown Fountain, designed by Spanish artist Jaume Plensa, is comprised of two 50-foot towers that are situated at opposite sides of a shallow reflecting pool and face each other. The faces of 1,000 distinct Chicago citizens are projected onto the towers' LED displays, which are exactly aligned with spouts in order to give the impression that they are spitting water on onlookers. Cloud Gate, created by British artist Anish Kapoor, is a 110-ton bean-shaped sculpture made of stainless steel that stands in the center of London's Hyde Park. The circular shape of the Bean is a reflection of the Chicago skyline.
There are numerous other reasons to visit Millennium Park, including attending a concert at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion, which was designed by Frank Gehry, taking a stroll through the Lurie Garden or the Boeing Galleries (where contemporary sculpture is displayed outdoors), or signing up for a Segway tour at the McDonald's Cycle Center. A picnic basket and a blanket are ideal for enjoying the park's beautiful grounds throughout the warmer months of spring, summer, or fall. Former visitors generally agreed that their time in the park was calm and worthwhile, while some noted that they were likely to come across a few solicitors and homeless persons during their stay.
Millennium Park is open from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m., seven days a week. There is no admission charge to the park or its exhibitions, and complimentary guided garden and architecture tours are given on select days between May and September or October. On the City of Chicago's website, you can also download free audio tours to take you around the city. You can also download free smartphone apps from the Google Play or iTunes stores to get ideas for walking tours, event listings, and maps, all of which are available on the go. Purchases made at the park's concession stands and restaurant are subject to additional fees, which are listed below. On-site amenities include restrooms as well as a bike parking space. It is possible to arrive to the park by bike or car, and then park in one of several nearby garages. Visitors can also walk or take public transportation from the Loop, including the Lake, Randolph/Wabash, Monroe, and Adams/Wabash subway stations. The park is also featured on several of the city's most popular Segway excursions as well as the best Chicago walking tours, among other activities.