Cloud Gate (The Bean)

The basics

Although much newer than Chicago’s other landmarks—which include the Willis Tower, John Hancock Center, the historic Tribune Tower, and Wrigley Field—Cloud Gate is arguably more famous. No trip to Chicago is complete without seeing the sculpture and exploring Millennium Park’s other highlights. The Bean is a popular stop on myriad sightseeing tours, from hop-on hop-off bus and bike tours to Segway and self-led walking tours. You can even book a photoshoot to strike a pose right in front of the icon.

Things to know before you go

• The Bean and the other highlights of Millennium Park are free to visit.

• Don’t visit The Bean without a good camera; it’s a favorite subject of photographers, thanks to its reflective properties and distinctive shape.

• Pets are not permitted in Millennium Park, although service animals are allowed to enter.

• The Bean (and other areas of Millennium Park) are wheelchair-accessible.

How to get there

The Bean is at 201 E. Randolph Street, between Michigan Avenue and Columbus Avenue, in Millennium Park. If you’re using public transport, take the Brown, Pink, Orange, Green, and Purple lines of the L to Washington/Wabash Station, or take Metra commuter trains to Millennium Station; both are just minutes away. Buses, taxis, and rideshare services also serve the area.

When to get there

Millennium Park—including The Bean—is open daily from early morning until late evening. The best time to visit it is on a bright and sunny day, so you can see the best of the artwork’s reflective properties, although it can also look magical encrusted with a thin layer of snow in the winter. Just aim to visit on weekdays and early in the morning if you want to avoid the crowds.

Chicago’s top public artworks

Chicago has a long history of commissioning instantly iconic public artworks; The Bean is just the beginning. Begin with neighboring sculptures such as the Crown Fountain in Millennium Park, which displays large faces of Chicagos and shoots water jets. Then, continue to Alexander Calder’s Flamingo (an enormous, sweeping red sculpture in Federal Plaza) and The Picasso (a monumental sculpture by Picasso in Daley Plaza).

Ways to explore

Set aside at least 15 minutes to walk around Cloud Gate and admire it from every angle. That might seem like a long time for a public monument, but the reflection changes depending on where you stand and it’s worth pausing to admire the mirrored effect from different angles. Cloud Gate is such an iconic Chicago landmark that it is included on virtually every walking, cycling, or bus tour through downtown, including hop-on hop-off bus routes. Many tours focus on Chicago’s art and architecture, while others give a more general introduction to the Windy City and its major monuments.

Accessibility

Millennium Park has paved surfaces and is wheelchair accessible

Age limits

None

What to pack

Camera, sunglasses, refillable water bottle, snacks and non-alcoholic drinks (alcoholic drinks are sold inside the park during events)

What to wear

Bulky coat in winter, layers in the shoulder seasons, hat for sun protection in summer

Not allowed

Pets (service animals only), bulky bags or coolers, noise makers

Amenities

Water fountain, benches, public restrooms, Momentum Coffee café, Welcome Center

Address

Cloud Gate is located in the heart of downtown Chicago, bordered by Michigan Avenue, Monroe Street, and Randolph Street. You’ll find plenty of unmissable Windy City attractions in this bustling corner of Chicago, including the Art Institute of Chicago and the Magnificent Mile.

Driving

While it’s possible to reach Millennium Park by car, parking fees can be exorbitant and downtown Chicago often has congested traffic. A better option is taking a rideshare or taxi.

Public transportation

Take the L train to Washington on the Red or Blue Lines, or to Adams/Wabash on the Brown, Green, Orange, or Pink Lines. If you’d rather come by bus, you’ll find plenty of CTA bus stops along Michigan Avenue, adjacent to the park.

Best times to visit

Stop by in the early morning and you might have Cloud Gate all to yourself.

Best days to visit

Weekends are busiest; aim for a weekday to avoid the biggest crowds.

Best months to visit

Chicago has the best weather during the shoulder seasons of spring and fall. While the city can get famously muggy in summer, that’s also a popular time to visit Millennium Park.

Special events

Each summer, Chicago hosts the Grant Park Music Festival at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion inside Millennium Park. Come to hear live open-air performances of classical music compositions from Brahms, Beethoven, Debussy, and other composers.