Chicago's Iconic 'Bean' Sculpture Reopens to Tourists

Visitors take photos of the "Cloud Gate" sculpture, also known as the "bean," at Millennium Park, Sunday, June 23, 2024. (Anthony Vazquez/Chicago Sun-Times via AP)
Visitors take photos of the "Cloud Gate" sculpture, also known as the "bean," at Millennium Park, Sunday, June 23, 2024. (Anthony Vazquez/Chicago Sun-Times via AP)
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Chicago's Iconic 'Bean' Sculpture Reopens to Tourists

Visitors take photos of the "Cloud Gate" sculpture, also known as the "bean," at Millennium Park, Sunday, June 23, 2024. (Anthony Vazquez/Chicago Sun-Times via AP)
Visitors take photos of the "Cloud Gate" sculpture, also known as the "bean," at Millennium Park, Sunday, June 23, 2024. (Anthony Vazquez/Chicago Sun-Times via AP)

One of Chicago's most popular tourist attractions known as “The Bean” 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!”

One of Chicago's most popular tourist attractions known as “The Bean” 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!”



Greek Prime Minister Visits AlUla's Archaeological Sites

The Greek prime minister explored on Monday some of the most prominent landmarks and archaeological sites in AlUla. SPA
The Greek prime minister explored on Monday some of the most prominent landmarks and archaeological sites in AlUla. SPA
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Greek Prime Minister Visits AlUla's Archaeological Sites

The Greek prime minister explored on Monday some of the most prominent landmarks and archaeological sites in AlUla. SPA
The Greek prime minister explored on Monday some of the most prominent landmarks and archaeological sites in AlUla. SPA

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has visited Saudi Arabia's first UNESCO World Heritage Site, Hegra, in AlUla Governorate.
The PM explored on Monday some of the most prominent landmarks and archaeological sites, which date back thousands of years and were constructed over various historical periods.
The prime minister was accompanied on his visit by Governor of the Madinah Region Prince Salman bin Sultan bin Abdulaziz, Minister of Commerce Majid Al-Kassabi and Executive Director of the Royal Commission for AlUla Amr AlMadani, along with several other officials from the Saudi and Greek sides.

They explored Qasr al-Farid, one of the most significant ancient archaeological sites in Hegra and Qasr al-Bint, another remarkable location that dates back to pre-Islamic times.
Their journey also took them to Jabal Ithlib, which boasts a prominent historical landmark in the northeast of Hegra, thoughtfully designed as an open-air theater that harmonizes with the breathtaking natural landscape.

They also visited ancient historical sites and artifacts scattered throughout AlUla, drawing tourists from around the globe.

These sites are carefully preserved by the Royal Commission for AlUla, the Ministry of Culture, the Saudi Tourism Authority, and other organizations, ensuring that they remain a vital part of human heritage while showcasing the rich history and diverse civilizations that have thrived in the region over the centuries.