The Grainger Plaza in Chicago, the area around the famous "Cloud Gate" sculpture in Millennium Park, is now open to the public after extensive construction. This project began in August 2023 and was overseen by the Chicago Department of Fleet and Facility Management (2FM). The updates included rebuilding the plaza's podium with new stairs, accessible ramps, new pavers, a waterproofing system, and other accessibility improvements. While some landscaping work is still in progress, it does not affect access to Cloud Gate.
Cloud Gate, commonly known as "The Bean," is a beloved Chicago landmark created by artist Anish Kapoor. This unique sculpture is made from 168 large stainless-steel plates, precisely cut using computer technology and then welded together. The result is a smooth, mirror-like surface that reflects the park's activities and the city skyline. The central arch of the sculpture, which stands 12 feet high, leads to a concave chamber underneath, giving it the name Cloud Gate.