Millennium Park in Chicago, Illinois

History of Millenium Park

One of the best public parks in Chicago, the history of Millennium Park started from its construction year 1998. However, the interesting thing to note down about the attraction is that its official inauguration was held on July 16, 2004. The World’s Columbian Exposition of 1893 was the turning point for this famous park. And since then, it has been considered as the most important project of the region. The Millennium Park, Chicago is known for its lush green property, and has even received various awards for the same.

Attractions of Millenium Park

The Millennium Park, Chicago even has ice skating area, Harris theatre for music and theatre, Exelon Pavilions and even the Boeing Galleries. The park has many amazing features which would keep you engaged throughout the tour. The Millennium Park is a must visit place on Chicago tour as it is not only a perfect place for entertainment, but also one of the best places for relaxation and solitude.

Let’s take a look at some of the best attractions that one must see during their visit to Millenium Park, Chicago.

Cloud Gate

Also referred to as ‘the Bean’ because of its shape, the Cloud Gate is a public sculpture built by British artist Anish Kapoor. With numerous stainless steel plates, this gigantic attraction weighs more than 110 tons. Offering an amazing reflection of the skyline of the city of Chicago, this attraction leaves everyone in awe.

Crown Fountain

Inspired by historic fountains  having gargoyles displaying the water spouting out of one’s mouth, Spanish artist Jaume Plensa constructed this unique attraction to pay tribute to the people of Chicago. Made up of two glass block towers of 50 feet, this attraction also displays around 1000 rotating video images of the residents. This attraction is a must-visit for kids.

Lurie Garden

Sprawling over 2.5 acres of land, Lurie Garden is one of the best places to visit on Chicago tour if one is seeking tranquility. Its 15 foot high hedge enclosing it on both sides symbolizes Chicago as the ‘City of big shoulders’. With a hardwood footbridge running over shallow water along the east side, here people often sit on the edge, and enjoy some time during the summer season.

Maggie Daley Park

Being one of the best public parks for kids, Maggie Daley Park is sandwiched between the lake shore and Millenium Park. Sprawled over 20 acres of land, this family-friendly park has a huge playground, a rock climbing wall, a skating ribbon, a mirror maze, a mega slide, and an ‘Enchanted Forest’.

Jay Pritzker Pavilion

Designed by Frank Gehry in memory of Jay Pritzker - a renowned philanthropist, this pavilion is made of brushed stainless steel. The pavilion has a seating area of 11000 people, and thus, numerous free music events are organized here from spring to fall. The high-end sound system of the pavilion can be seen covered wit criss-cross stainless steel pipes.  

Things to Do at Millenium Park

Visit the Crown Fountain, and cherish the splash of water. A perfect attraction to visit from the month of May to October, here, locals of Chicago can be seen showering paddlers and spouting water from their pouts.

Do visit ‘the Bean’ or the famous sculpture of Cloud Gate, and stroll under the gigantic structure to witness the distorted reflections that are worth snapping.

The sculpture of Cloud Gate also lets one enjoy the clear reflection of skyline of the city of Chicago.

Do visit the beguiling Lurie Garden, and escape into the fiction world while experiencing the utmost tranquility.

Adventure junkies must visit Maggie Daley Park, and partake in wall climbing activity for some adrenaline rush.

Besides the aforementioned things to do, people can have a gala time while visiting Millenium Park, for there is a lot to indulge in and around the famous park.

Events at Millenium Park

Chicago Gospel Music Festival

Featuring national and local artists, the Chicago Gospel Music Festival celebrates the works of the great music influences born around 80 years ago. Hosting a wide range of music shows from traditional choirs to contemporary urban styles, this festival is organized for two days.

Chicago Blues Festival

With a diverse range of music genres, including rap, gospel, rock hip-hop, R&B, this festival celebrates the rich Blues tradition of the city of Chicago. Featuring the live performances of over 100 national and international artists, this event runs for 3 days.

Chicago Jazz Festival

Promoting all forms of jazz through live music performances, the Chicago Jazz Festival is famous for its artistic creativity. On a visit to Millenium Park, people must attend this festival where some famous works are shown to educate the audience of  all ages about jazz. This event is held for more than a week.

World Music Festival

Since its beginning in 1999, the World Music Festival has been conducted over different avenues, and has attracted more than 6.5 lakh audience. Presenting over 650 artists from more than 80n countries, this citywide festival can be attended by tourists in the month of September.