Millennium park is Chicago's premiere park, showcasing modern art and architecture from artists such as Anish Kapoor, Jaume Plesna, and Frank Gehry. The park is located centrally in Chicago and walking distance from the Hard Rock Hotel Chicago on N. Michigan Ave.
Millennium Park is located at:
201 E. Randolph St., between Michigan Ave. & Columbus Ave. Chicago, IL 60602
Phone: 312.742.1168
Millennium Park is open from 6am - 11pm everyday.
Millennium Park's Most Famous Attractions
Cloud Gate:
Perhaps the most recognizable piece of art in Millennium Park would be the Cloud Gate by British artist Anish Kapoor. It is also his first public outdoor work to be featured in the United States.
Millennium Park's Cloud Gate is an an elliptical sculpture, weighing in at a considerable, 220,000 pounds! It is sculpted and crafted from a series of polished stainless steel plates. The design is made to induce, like the name implies, the feeling that one is looking at a gate into the clouds. The reason this is, is that the highly polished stainless steel reflects the amazing Chicago Skyline as well as the clouds.
The gate has a mirrored surface which can create some very trippy perspectives as you touch the sculpture at varying angles.
Crown Fountain:
I can guarantee you one thing, you've never seen a fountain like this before, the Crown Fountain has two glass block towers that stand an impressive 50 feet high, each. Resting between the two glass block towers is a reflecting pool that connects each tower to the other. The towers display video and images of Chicago's citizenry.
The crown fountain was designed by Spanish artist Jaume Plensa. The screens are meant to be symbolic of Gargoyles. The screens are equipped with a fountain that sprouts from the location of the video subjects mouth, adding to the gargoyle theme the artist had in mind for this piece. The mouth fountain operates between spring and fall while the video continues to play 365 days a year.
Jay Pritzker Pavilion:
Millennium Park is home to one of the worlds most modern and beautiful music pavilions that hosts a wide variety of art and music throughout the spring, summer and fall. The design is such that it is not only spectacularly beautiful but also functional. The Pritzker pavilion truly is a beautiful blend of art and function. The design replicates the acoustics of an indoor venue, that delivers amazing sound, without sacrificing a relaxing and natural atmosphere.
Millenniums Park's Pritzker pavilion also hosts, annually, the Grant Park Music Festival, as well as many other complimentary concerts, music and events.
Nichols Bridgeway:
The Nichols Bridgeway is a Millennium Park attraction you may not already be familiar with. The Nichols Bridgeway is the most novel addition to the Millennium Park lineup. The bridge spans over 600 feet and serves as a walkway between Millennium Park and the Art Institute of Chicago's modern collection. Which I might say is apropos as Millennium Park consists of, mostly, modern art pieces, architecture and design.
Going Green with the Exelon Pavilions:
The Exelon Pavilions merge art, design, architecture and sustainability to provide an attraction that is not only fun to look at, but functional and earth friendly. The pavilions serve as a means to extract electricity from solar energy. The pavilions serve as a conversion station that convert light generated, solar energy, into renewable forms of electricity.
The designs are minimalist and give off a minecraft meets Darth Vader vibe. The pavilions are shaped like cubes and have black and glass exteriors.
The Harris Theater:
Giving back to Chicagoan's is a big part of Millennium Park and this attraction is no different. The Harris Theater provides tourists and natives with amazing performances put on by Chicago's performing arts and cultural institutes. The Harris Theater brings art, entertainment, music and dance to it's guests from Sept. to May and is sure to please any art lover.
The Harris Theater is the home of Chicago Opera Theater, Hubbard Street Dance and Baroque Music.
The McDonald's Bicycle Center:
Ever want to take a segue tour of Millennium Park? Of course you have! Who can resist those little 2 wheeler gems?!?
If you're interested in biking or segues this is the place for you. There's no doubt that the McDonald Cycle Center can meet the needs of any bicyclist or hobby rider.
McDonald's Cycle Center Offers:
Lockers: If you need to lock up your valuables while you're strolling around Millennium Park you can do so in the conveniently located lockers located in the McDonald Cycle Center.
Showers: After a long ride you may need to rinse off before your Chicago Nightlife adventure begins.
Towel Service:
Bike Repair:
Bicycle Rental:
Where To Stay:
If you're looking for a place to stay in Chicago while you're visiting Millennium Park I would highly recommend the Hard Rock Hotel Chicago. It is centrally located, and across the street from Millennium Park, the hotel boasts a wide variety of unique amenities; from a Fender guitar to a nursing mother package, the Hard Rock Hotel Chicago has you covered. For more information on Millennium Park as well as the Hard Rock Hotel Chicago visit:
http://www.hardrockhotelchicago.com/millennium-park.htm