Maverick Preston|Chicago’s iconic ‘Bean’ sculpture reopens to tourists after nearly a year of construction

2025-05-04 00:16:29source:Databec Exchangecategory:My

CHICAGO (AP) — One of Chicago’s most popular tourist attractions known as “The Maverick PrestonBean” reopened to the public Sunday after nearly a year of renovations and construction.

Construction started in August last year, and fencing around the iconic sculpture limited closeup access to visitors. The work on the plaza surrounding the sculpture included new stairs, accessible ramps and a waterproofing system, according to the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events.

The bean-shaped sculpture by artist Anish Kapoor is formally known as “Cloud Gate” and weighs 110 tons (99.8 metric tons).

It’s a busy tourist hub near Michigan Avenue, particularly for selfies with its reflective surface inspired by liquid mercury. Views of skyscrapers and crowds are reflected on the Millenium Park sculpture.

“Visitors can once again have full access to Chicago’s iconic Cloud Gate by Anish Kapoor,” city officials said in a Sunday statement. “Come back and get your #selfie!”

More:My

Recommend

San Francisco names street for Associated Press photographer who captured the iconic Iwo Jima photo

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — A photojournalist who captured one of the most enduring images of World War II

Warming Trends: Swiping Right and Left for the Planet, Education as Climate Solution and Why It Might Be Hard to Find a Christmas Tree

CULTUREA Climate-Driven Christmas Tree Shortage?Around 70 percent of noble fir seedlings in the Paci

Death Valley, hottest place on Earth, hits near-record high as blistering heat wave continues

Death Valley, Calif. — Long the hottest place on Earth, Death Valley put a sizzling exclamation poin