Cloud Gate, Steel sculpture in Millennium Park, Chicago, US
Cloud Gate is a steel sculpture in Millennium Park, Chicago, made from 168 welded plates that form a curved, bean-like shape with a mirror-like surface. The structure rises approximately 33 feet (10 meters) high and weighs around 110 tons, with its reflective exterior capturing the city skyline and passersby in constant motion.
British artist Anish Kapoor installed this work between 2004 and 2006 as his first permanent outdoor piece in the United States. The assembly faced delays due to technical challenges in welding and polishing the large steel plates into a seamless reflective surface.
People gather beneath the curved underside to see themselves in distorted reflections, often sparking spontaneous photo sessions. Visitors frequently touch the polished surface, leaving fingerprints that must be removed daily by a dedicated cleaning team.
The work sits outdoors and remains accessible around the clock, making it possible to visit in any season, though early mornings or late evenings tend to be less crowded. The area beneath the curved underside offers shelter from light rain but can feel tight when visitor numbers peak.
A hidden internal framework made of two massive rings and a truss system carries the entire weight and holds the outer shell in its curved form. The structure rests on just two points at the base, with flexible connections that accommodate temperature swings and let the work expand or contract with the changing weather.
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