the Bean

I was out downtown this morning to spend the day like a tourist. I went to the Millenium Park to take pictures of the sculpture Cloud Gate. I was, however, disappointed when I got there and saw this huge white tent encasing the sculpture famously known as the Bean. It seemed the $11,500,000 metal monstrosity had to be repaired or finished. Although the Bean was not in its best state, a lot of tourists still enjoyed taking pictures of it and with it. There was a group of kids wearing yellow t-shirts out in a field trip posing against it, with their parents and teachers reminding them to say cheese. There was a man laying down on the floor to take pictures of the bottom side of it. (I don't know why.) There were old ladies with their walkers sitting and resting on one of the park benches. Today was really a nice day to go out and play.

After taking pictures of the Bean, I walked to the Jay Pritzker Pavilion next to it. The stage's roof looks like a headress made of curled metal. Looking up, you could see a net of trellis-like metal above. I think those are used to hang speakers so that the sound is evenly distributed to the whole pavilion. Venue to outdoor concerts, this pavilion is also a makeshift picnic/lunch setting to some of downtown's employees, residents and visitors. A young couple laid out a picnic blanket for their baby to crawl on while they munch on their sandwhiches.

I forgot to walk farther to take pictures of the Crown Fountain. I wish I could have taken pictures of the faces spitting water or walk on the sunken wet ground. Maybe next time.

When I first heard about the unveiling of the new Millenium Park last year, I wasn't impressed with all that metal. For me, it looked hot on a summer day and glaring. I thought that it wouldn't blend with the park's greeneries. But when I saw the Bean, I marvelled at its elegance and beauty and it's ever changing face. The reflection of the city's skyline and the people around it makes for a very interesting sculpture. It's by far my most favorite part of the park.

More photos here.