Although officials had previously announced that "The Bean"—Anish Kapoor's iconic chrome-like sculpture—would reopen this April following months of construction, the art piece is still closed to the public. That is soon about to change: We are delighted to report that a spokesperson for the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events revealed that Cloud Gate, the sculpture's real name, is likely going to reopen before the end of June.
"We are happy to share that final Plaza construction work is nearly completed on a comprehensive rebuild of the Plaza podium including new stairs, accessible ramps, paver replacement, a waterproofing system and accessibility upgrades to Grainger Plaza," the spokesperson said in an official statement. "Weather-permitting, we expect to reopen the Plaza to the public before the end of the month."
As Chicagoans are very well aware of, the tourist attraction (and, likely, the most recognized public art piece in all of the city) closed down back in August of 2023 for repairs. Folks visiting Millennium Park, the sculpture's home, were able to glance at it through chain link fencing, but getting up close and personal has not been possible.
Constructed between 2004 and 2006, "The Bean"—a moniker that the sculpture was given by the public because of its shape—is the work of Indian-born British artist Kapoor (in case you were wondering, he's okay with the nickname that his art was bestowed). Reflecting our city's skyline, the stainless steel mass weighs 110 short tons and is 12 feet high. It is, indeed, a great photo op—one that rose to prominence even before Instagram really became a thing.
So well-regarded is "The Bean" that even New York got in on the action: Kapoor debuted a smaller version of the piece in downtown Manhattan last year.
Let's be clear: New York is not Chicago—but we're glad a small portion of our cultural canon resonates across the country.