![]() ![]() However, it’s not for those strapped for cash. And upon even close inspection, you won’t find a trace of lint.Ī restaurant called Tavern at the Park, off the corner of Michigan Ave and Randolph St, directly north of Millennium Park, serves a Cloud Gate cocktail. The concave underside of this beast reaches 27 feet off the ground, creating a sort of inner chamber where viewers can see multiple reflections and distortions of themselves as they pass through. Yes, ‘The Bean’ has a navel, or an “omphalos” in Greek, as the arty folks call it. And if that’s true, who knows how long it would last if it were canned?! According to Anish Kapoor’s contract, and likely because of its stainless steel materials and rigorous upkeep, it’s meant to survive at least 1,000 years. Good thing people seem to like it, or, at least are amused by it, because it’s here to stay. So, I wouldn’t tell those guys they “missed a spot”… ![]() The entire bean itself is then cleaned twice a year with about 40 gallons of liquid detergent. In order to keep the surface shiny enough to give you those memorable vacation photos, a lower portion of ‘The Bean’ is polished not once, but twice a day… by hand. While ‘The Bean’ doesn’t need much in the way of food, water or shelter, it does need a good polishing to keep up its lustrous shine. (And seriously, some sort of near-by name card would help, Chicago).Ĭhicago’s Cloud Gate, or as it’s more affectionately known, ‘The Bean’ But to me, and likely many others, it’s simply what makes it look like the bean we all know and love. The arch is supposed give it a gate-like appearance while it reflects the clouds and Chicago skyline. It was inspired by the appearance of liquid mercury, and it gets its name from the 12 foot arch in its middle. Apparently, the official name of this structure is called Cloud Gate, and it was designed by the Indian-born British artist Anish Kapoor. Maybe I’m some oblivious trollop ignorantly wandering this fine city, but I had no idea what it actually was until recently. It’s NOT supposed to be a giant bean… and thank God. That's why, when I came to Chicago for the first time in more than 10 years, as part of my Road Trip 2013 project, I knew I had to finally go lay my own eyes on The Bean.You know that giant, shiny, legume-like structure that resides in the heart of Chicago? Where tourists (and Okay, Chicagoans, too) flock to take their picture in front or reflected off of? Well, I consider myself a Chicagoan, but apparently, there are a few things I didn’t know about this unique, lakefront fixture.ġ. ![]() The centerpiece of AT&T Plaza in the city's Millennium Park, The Bean is a must-see. It is made of seamless stainless steel, and offers terrific, distorted reflections from every angle. Opened to the public in 2006, The Bean is a natural gathering spot for thousands of Chicago locals and visitors alike.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
Details
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |