1. Cloud Gate (The Bean) by Anish Kapoor
Located in Millennium Park, Cloud Gate, commonly called “The Bean,” is a giant, reflective sculpture created by Anish Kapoor. It’s one of the most photographed spots in the city. The shiny surface mirrors the stunning skyline and surrounding areas.
Artist: Anish Kapoor
Fabricators: PSI and MTH Industries with Atelier One & Chris Hornzee-Jones
Location: Millennium Park, Chicago
2. Crown Fountain by Jaume Plensa
Crown Fountain features two 50-foot towers with LED screens displaying the faces of 1,000 locals. Water spouts from these faces, offering a refreshing escape in the summer.
Artist: Jaume Plensa
Fabricators: Crystal Fountains, L.E. Smith Glass Company, Circle Redmont Inc, with lights by Barco
Location: Millennium Park, Chicago
3. The Picasso by Pablo Picasso
This untitled sculpture, simply known as “The Picasso,” stands 50 feet tall in Daley Plaza. It sparked a wave of modern public art in Chicago.
Artist: Pablo Picasso
Fabricator: American Bridge Division of the United States Steel Corporation
Location: Daley Plaza, Chicago
4. Calder’s Flamingo by Alexander Calder
Standing at 53 feet, Calder’s Flamingo is a bright red steel sculpture located in Federal Plaza. It allows visitors to walk underneath and around it, making it a truly immersive experience.
Artist: Alexander Calder
Fabricator: American Bridge Division of the United States Steel Corporation
Location: Federal Plaza, Chicago
5. Homebound by Leonard Suryajaya
Located on the Chicago Waterfront, Homebound is a striking sculpture by Leonard Suryajaya. This piece explores themes of identity and belonging.
Artist: Leonard Suryajaya
Fabricator: ChiLab Studio
Location: Chicago Waterfront
6. A murmuration by Jina Valentine
At O’Hare International Airport, “a murmuration” by Jina Valentine stands out. This 450′ long piece in Terminal 5 captures the fluid, dynamic movement of a murmuration, creating a welcoming focal point for travelers.
Artist: Jina Valentine
Fabricator: ChiLab Studio, EH Schwab, Pioneer Metal Finishing
Location: Terminal 5, O’Hare International Airport
7. Agora by Magdalena Abakanowicz
Agora consists of 106 nine-foot-tall headless and armless iron sculptures. This interactive installation invites visitors to walk through and engage with the art.
Artist: Magdalena Abakanowicz
Fabricator: Śrem Foundry near Poznań, Poland
Location: South end of Grant Park, Chicago
8. The Four Seasons by Marc Chagall
This mosaic depicts six scenes of Chicago using over 250 colors of inlaid chips. It’s a remarkable piece located in Chase Tower Plaza.
Artist: Marc Chagall
Fabricator: Lino Melano
Location: Chase Tower Plaza, Chicago
9. The Crossing by Hubertus von der Goltz
This sculpture features a figure balancing atop a structural element, symbolizing the delicate balance between thought and action.
Artist: Hubertus von der Goltz
Fabricator: Unknown
Location: LaSalle Gateway Plaza, Chicago
10. Magdalene by Dessa Kirk
This sculpture is uniquely integrated into its environment as tulips and vines grow around it, blending art with nature.
Artist: Dessa Kirk
Fabricator: Dessa Kirk
Location: Congress Plaza, Chicago
For more information about public art in Chicago, visit Chicago.gov.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What are some must-see public art pieces in Chicago?
A: Cloud Gate, Crown Fountain, and The Picasso are iconic. Keywords: Chicago public art, must-see sculptures.
Q: Where can I find the Homebound sculpture by Leonard Suryajaya?
A: On the Chicago Waterfront. Keywords: Homebound sculpture, Leonard Suryajaya.
Q: What is the artwork “a murmuration” in Terminal 5 at O’Hare made out of?
A: Zinc-plated steel with anodized and engraved Aluminum discs. Keywords: Terminal 5 artwork, A Murmuration.
Q: What is unique about Calder’s Flamingo?
A: Its interactive nature and bright red color. Keywords: Calder’s Flamingo, interactive sculpture.
Q: Where is Agora by Magdalena Abakanowicz located?
A: At the south end of Grant Park. Keywords: Agora sculpture, Grant Park.
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