This time round, we went to the Millennium Park. And there we saw it. The world's most famous kidney bean:
And the shiniest one too. Incidentally, it is not supposed to be a bean. Its real name is "Cloud Gate". But I guess "The Bean" sounds so much more affectionate.
This sculpture, by the British artist Anish Kapoor, is made out of stainless steel. It is relatively new, being unveiled on 15 May 2006. Thus, every 15 May is known as "Cloud Gate Day" in Chicago.
And if you walk into the gap under the bean, and look up, you will see an amazing sight:
This 12-foot underbelly is called the "omphalos"... (ooh, new word!) The multiple reflections look different depending on where you are standing. It was lots of fun! (Would have been more fun if the weather was freezing cold. It was subzero!)Another feature in Millenium Park: Crown Fountain!
Why is it called a fountain? Well, I was asking myself the exact same question. All I saw was this big gigantic glass brick wall with a screen showing a person's face on it. Where is the water?
It was only when I came home and did a search did I realise what this structure is supposed to be. The person on the screen is supposed to be spouting water! Haha, how interesting! In better weather, there is also a black granite reflecting pool between the glass brick walls... I will love to go back in summer to see the Crown Fountain in its full glory!
Next, the McCormick Tribune Ice Skating Rink, situated in front of the Cloud Gate:
There were lots of people ice skating, but not in this photo because the rink is being resurfaced. The queue was super long, even on a cold day like this!And here is the rink with the skaters inside... Crowded!
Alright, after two whole hours of being exposed to the cold, it is time to go get a hot cuppa! But not before a photo in front of the bean and the rink:
No comments:
Post a Comment