Millennium Park
Chicago, IL 60611
Phone: (312) 742-5222
11/27/2006 Posted by dhaneg2
Completed in 2004, Millennium Park, has consistently drawn visitors and Chicagoans since its’ opening to experience the outdoor art works, the Jay Pritzker concert pavilion, the BP bridge, a year-round terraced garden, the Harris theatre, an indoor bicycle park, a three-block long walkway, classic restaurant dining and ongoing park events. At 24.5 acres, there is much to see and do throughout the year, including the winter transformation of the McCormick Tribune Plaza into an outdoor ice rink. The art works include the interactive Crown Fountain by Jaume Plensa, largely popular with children during the summer months, Anish Kapoor’s Cloud Gate sculpture, drawing visitors of all ages for photo ops and other traveling works featured at the Boeing galleries. The popularity of these works has depended on their success as interactive works for all ages to enjoy, watch, participate and engage with. The works are not self-centered; Cloud Gate is reflective of the city, mirroring city goers, skyscrapers and the Chicago skyline and Crown Fountain exposes the diversity of Chicagoans and playfully interacts with humor and wit. For the serious viewer, one may experience the subtle expressions on the enormous, yet detailed faces of everyday citizens during their intimate individual sequences. Cloud Gate functions architecturally, allowing viewers to walk underneath and around it. With Mayor Daley’s major improvements on Chicago over the past decade, there is no comparison to be made to the majority of the New York waterfront, which has over the years, become grittier and less, enjoyable. Millennium Park is refreshing for those who have dealt with New York congestion and pollution; the park is clean, well-groomed and family friendly.
Pros: Free, Family-friendly, Parking
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