"Millenium Park" Top 5 Page for this destination Chicago Travelogue by rmdw

24.5 acres in the NW corner of Grant Park were converted into the unique and wonderful Millenium Park. Though originally conceived in 1997, the park wasn't completed until 2004.

Shown here is the Millennium Monument, a nearly full-sized replica of the original peristyle that stood in the same location between 1917 and 1953. Its graceful semi-circular row of Doric-style columns rise nearly 40 feet tall.

Outdoor Amphitheatre

Word renowned architect Frank Gehry designed the Jay Pritzker Pavilion, a visually magnificent and technologically advanced outdoor amphitheatre

The Pavilion has 4,000 fixed seats and capacity for an additional 7,000 people on the lawn.

Headdress Above Pavilion Stage

The pavilion stands 120-feet high, with a billowing "headdress" of stainless steel ribbons that frame the proscenium opening.

The Southern LED Fountain

Celebrated Spanish artist Jaume Plensa helped design this state-of-the-art fountain, incorporating state-of-the-art LED technology.

Shown here is one of the two 50' tall fountains that stand 150 feet apart on a 6,000 square foot area of the park. Each sits in approximately 1/8 inch of water. About once a minute a burst of water comes out of the lower part of each fountain.

The Northern Fountain at Night

Here's a photo, taken at night, of the Northern fountain, including the backside of the Southern one.

Northern Fountain with Cityscape Background

Here's another photo of the Northern fountain, along with downtown Chicago at night.

Cloud Gate aka "The Jelly Bean"

Cloud Gate look like a huge jelly bean coated with highly polished stainless steel. It was designed by Anish Kapoor of London, England. Completed in July 2004, it weighs 100 tons and is 33’ high x 42’ wide x 66’ long.

Shekaago beside Cloud Gate

Here's my friend, Lisa, standing beside the Cloud Gate. Note the interesting reflection of the buildings of South Michigan Avenue.