27 Cloud Gate Facts: Let Us Read About Its History And Significance

Cloud Gate is also known by its nickname called 'the Bean' or 'Chicago Bean.'

Cloud Gate is a public sculpture installed as a centerpiece in the AT&T Plaza at the Loop Community Area's Millenium Park, situated in Chicago, Illinois. The public art piece came into existence through a design competition.

The bean-shaped structure flaunting the Chicago skyline is an art piece made possible through computer technology. Cloud Gate comprises a big, bean-shaped stainless-steel structure with a unique, completely reflective surface.

Keep on reading if you want to learn more amazing facts about Cloud Gate.

History Of Cloud Gate

Cloud Gate's history includes various inhibitions overcome and victories achieved throughout this structure's designing, planning, and creation. Here are a few facts about this newly-built structure that compliments the wonders of art and technology.

After Sir Anish Kapoor's design was chosen in an art competition, the sculpture came to life.

Sir Anish Kapoor is known to be inspired by liquid mercury.

Initially, experts were highly critical of the design as it was meant to be placed in a public space.

Kapoor's design was chosen in 1999 when Millenium park officials, along with other experts, sieved it through various other designs.

The Chicago Bean was originally envisioned to be kept in Lurie Garden, but the entire sculpture was too big for the space.

The construction of Chicago Bean started back in June 2004.

The grand opening was held in July 2004.

The creation of a seamless, smooth surface was the biggest concern faced.

Chicago Gate sculpture was officially completed on August 28, 2005, and unveiled on May 15, 2006, in the particularly windy city.

The Cloud Gate was the artist's first public work placed in the United States.

Construction And Maintenance

Construction and maintenance of this giant Chicago Bean was not an easy task. It took years for engineers to work on the design and make the final structure come to life.

Chicago Bean is made completely of stainless steel with a unique, completely reflective surface.

Around 168 stainless steel plates were welded together to create the structure.

The design was made possible with the help of British engineering firm Atelier One, as the firm provided its structural design.

80% of the sculpture's surface reflects the Chicago skyline.

The high arch present on the Bean creates a distorting effect, bending images reflected on it. 

The underside curve of Chicago Bean is called 'Omphalos.'

In order to protect the structure's surface from damage, city workers regularly give it a power wash. Aside from that, 40 gal (150 l) of liquid detergent is used twice a year for the deep cleaning of the structure.

The finished structure has no inner bracing as it was made in a way that individual parts do not get overloaded.

The frame allows the bean structure to contract and expand according to the temperature outside.

Social And Cultural Aspects 

Besides being an exceptional piece of art placed in the public space to attract attention, Chicago Bean has diverse aspects, celebrating cultural and social nuances.

The Millenium Park was built over a place that served as the Union Baseball Grounds, a rail yard, a park, and a parking lot, decades before getting revamped into Chicago's most famous landscape.

The urban park and the Chicago Bean structure were built to celebrate the third millennium.

Chicago Bean was featured in Kanye West's song 'Homecoming' with Chris Martin.

The Bean manages to attract countless tourists and visitors to Chicago every year.

May 15, 2006, was dedicated to 'Cloud Gate Day' in honor of the sculpture.

A sculpture similar to Cloud Gate suffered copyright infringement in China. The sculpture aimed to create an oil bubble-shaped structure created at the site of oil discovery, but Kapoor initiated legal action against it.

Initially, authorities collected a permit fee from people who clicked a picture of the art structure; though it is now free for the public to click images, any commercial use is only allowed with a paid permit.

The Bean was termed as a 'Tourist Magnet' for being one of the major Chicago tourist attractions by many news agencies, including The New York Times.

The Cloud Gate has now become synonymous with the city of Chicago as the popular art piece decorates countless souvenirs, postcards, posters, and clothing items.

 FAQs

Where is the Bean in Chicago?

The Bean is placed in the Millenium Park of Loop community area in Chicago.

When was the Bean built?

The Bean was built and unveiled in the year 2004.

Who designed the Cloud Gate?

An Indian-born British artist Sir Anish Kapoor designed the Cloud Gate.

How long did it take to build Cloud Gate?

The construction of the Cloud Gate was still in progress when the park got inaugurated. The entire sculpture was created between 2003-2004.

Who funded the creation of Cloud Gate?

The Cloud Gate was created with funding from private organizations and individuals.

How big is the Cloud Gate in Chicago?

The Cloud Gate stands at 33 ft (10 m) high, 42 ft (12.8 m) wide, and 66 ft (20 m) long.