FILE – In this Jan. 31, 2008, file photo, a couple is seen on the underside of the 110-ton stainless steel Anish Kapoor sculpture called “Cloud Gate” and nicknamed “The Bean” at Millennium Park in Chicago. One of Chicago’s most popular tourist attractions reopened to the public Sunday, June 23, 2024 after nearly a year of renovations and construction. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh, file)
The iconic ‘Bean’ sculpture in Chicago, officially known as Cloud Gate, has finally reopened to tourists after being closed for nearly a year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The popular tourist attraction, located in Millennium Park, had been off-limits to visitors since March 2020 in an effort to curb the spread of the virus.
The Bean, designed by British artist Anish Kapoor, is a massive, reflective sculpture that has become a symbol of Chicago and a must-see for visitors to the city. Its smooth, mirrored surface reflects the city skyline and the faces of those who gather around it, making it a favorite spot for selfies and photos.
During the closure, the sculpture underwent a thorough cleaning and maintenance process to ensure that it was safe for visitors to return. The park district also implemented new safety measures, such as limiting the number of visitors allowed in the area at one time and encouraging social distancing.
Now that the Bean has reopened, tourists are once again flocking to see this beloved piece of public art. Visitors are excited to once again take in the stunning views of the city reflected in the sculpture’s surface and capture memorable photos with their friends and family.
While the pandemic has brought many challenges and changes to the way we live and travel, the reopening of the Bean is a sign that things are slowly returning to normal. As more people get vaccinated and restrictions are lifted, we can look forward to enjoying all of the wonderful attractions that make our cities unique and vibrant.
So if you find yourself in Chicago, be sure to make a stop at the Bean and experience this iconic piece of art for yourself. Whether you’re a local or a tourist, there’s no denying the magic of standing beneath the towering sculpture and seeing the world around you reflected in its shimmering surface.
