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!”



Saudi Arabia, Japan Discuss Cultural Relations

The Saudi Assistant Minister of Culture met on Monday with Japan’s Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs in Diriyah's Al-Bujairi District. SPA
The Saudi Assistant Minister of Culture met on Monday with Japan’s Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs in Diriyah's Al-Bujairi District. SPA
TT

Saudi Arabia, Japan Discuss Cultural Relations

The Saudi Assistant Minister of Culture met on Monday with Japan’s Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs in Diriyah's Al-Bujairi District. SPA
The Saudi Assistant Minister of Culture met on Monday with Japan’s Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs in Diriyah's Al-Bujairi District. SPA

Saudi Assistant Minister of Culture Rakan bin Ibrahim Altouq met on Monday with Japan’s Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs Hisashi Matsumoto in Diriyah's Al-Bujairi District.

Altouq discussed the growing Saudi-Japanese cultural relations, emphasizing the Saudi Ministry of Culture's commitment to expanding the scope of cultural cooperation and exchange in various cultural fields throughout this year, which marks the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Saudi Arabia and Japan.

He also highlighted the Kingdom's participation in a national pavilion at the Expo 2025 Osaka.