Millennium Park, one of Chicago's most treasured public spaces turns 10 years old today. The park, which includes an amplified outdoor concert venue, sprawling gardens, large fountains disguised as contemporary art and the famous Cloud Gate sculpture (aka "the Bean"), is also one of the city's most popular tourist destinations. Once covered with railroad tracks, the park was intended to celebrate the new millennium - but was four years behind schedule when it finally opened. Coming in at a cost of $475 million, the park sports a bandshell designed by star architect Frank Gehry and has most recently sprouted a number of tall head-shaped sculptures by Spanish artist Jaume Plensa, who also designed the interactive fountain/video sculpture Crown Fountain, which is located at the park. Here's wishing you a happy birthday Millennium Park, and to many, many more. You will soon be joined by Maggie Daley Park to transform the Loop into an incredible outdoor space for tourists and residents alike.
·Previous Millennium Park coverage [Curbed Chicago]
·Previous Grant Park coverage [Curbed Chicago]