Millennium Park

[Tannerman]

Over the weekend, Chicago opened its new contribution to public space, Millennium Park. (Over 300,000 people checked it out). It's a 24.5-acre park downtown that features an array of different modern art objects, a music bandshell, and various other cultural things. The park itself was built over railroad tracks which had broken up the waterfront for decades. So now you have a large open greenspace to enjoy.

Public reaction has been very positive. Of course, there are those who express issue with it (namely, it's 4 years late, it cost $475 million, and there are too many corporate sponsors), but I'll have to see it myself to check it out.

For those interested, here are a few photos and info about the park.


Park Overview


Band Shell


The Bridge


Crown Fountain (faces change and water spits out of their mouths)


Cloud Gate (which locals are now calling The Bean)

Very Cool Chicago Tribune interaction section
Tour of the Park
NY Times Story