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A public sculpture by Anish Kapoor in Millennium Park, Chicago, that is called Cloud Gate. The sculpture is shaped like an ellipse, and its legume-like appearance has caused it to be nicknamed “The Bean”. It is made of 168 highly polished stainless steel plates, and stands at 33 feet high, 66 feet long, and 42 feet wide, weighing 110 tons.

From a distance it could be mistaken for a huge drop of mercury, while up close its highly reflective surface captures and transforms the skyline, the downtown cityscape and even the passers-by into a wonderfully warped new vista. The artist, Anish Kapoor, has referred to the sculpture as “a gate to Chicago, a poetic idea about the city it reflects.” The quality of the design and craftsmanship are obvious as you approach to study its huge smooth shiny, curvy surface. Finally I can say that the Cloud Gate is truly a new symbol of the city and another good reason to visit Chicago.

The sculpture was the result of a design competition. Once chosen, its implementation caused numerous technological concerns regarding its construction and assembly as well as ongoing concerns regarding its upkeep and maintenance. Various experts were consulted some of whom believed the design could not be implemented. Eventually, a feasible method was determined, but the sculpture fell well behind schedule and was unveiled in an incomplete form during the Millennium Park grand opening celebration before being concealed for completion and a final unveiling. – Wikipedia

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