Cloud Gate
Huge outdoor sculpture shaped like a bean & allowing for views from its many mirrored sides.
Cloud Gate is rated 4.7 / 5 from 40,862 Google reviews and sits about 3.0 km (38 min walk) from Chicago station.
General overview
About Cloud Gate
Cloud Gateâpopularly called âThe Beanââis Anish Kapoorâs monumental polished stainless-steel sculpture in Chicagoâs Millennium Park. Its curved surface reflects and distorts the skyline, park, and visitors. Admission is free, and no ticket is normally required.
- Photograph Chicagoâs skyline reflected across the mirrored exterior
- Walk beneath the sculpture into its concave chamber, known as the omphalos
- See constantly changing reflections created by people, weather, and daylight
- Combine the stop with Crown Fountain, Lurie Garden, and Jay Pritzker Pavilion
- Visit after dark to see the illuminated city reflected in the sculpture
Things to do here
Cloud Gate exterior
Walk around the 110-ton stainless-steel sculpture and view its seamless, highly polished surface from different angles.
The omphalos
Step beneath the central arch to see multiple warped and repeated reflections in the sculptureâs concave underside.
Photography
Capture skyline reflections, portraits, abstract close-ups, and evening city lights. Early morning generally offers fewer people.
Millennium Park walk
Pair Cloud Gate with Crown Fountain, Lurie Garden, the Great Lawn, and Jay Pritzker Pavilion.
Approach from Michigan Avenue or Randolph Street and follow signs into Millennium Park. Public transit is usually easier than driving downtown. Check for event-related entrances, street closures, or temporary plaza restrictions.
Advance booking is not normally necessary because Cloud Gate is a free outdoor public artwork. Separate tours, concerts, or nearby attractions may require reservations.
This overview is general knowledge, not confirmed against an official source â verify hours, prices and entry rules before you go.
Photo gallery
See it before you go
Most asked
How to reach
Cloud Gate is about 3.0 km (~38 min walk) from Chicago station on the Chicago "L".
Before you go
Good to know
Verify tickets, seasonal hours, entry rules, and special events on the official website before visiting.
Pair it up
Also near this station
Frequently asked questions
How do I get to Cloud Gate from Chicago station?
Cloud Gate is about 3049 m (roughly 38 min walk) from Chicago station on the Chicago "L". Use the directions link on this page for turn-by-turn walking directions.
What is Cloud Gate rated?
Cloud Gate has a Google rating of 4.7 out of 5 from 40,862 reviews.
What's near Cloud Gate?
Also within a short walk of the same station: Aba, Au Cheval, Pizzeria Portofino.
Is Cloud Gate wheelchair accessible?
Yes â Google lists the following accessibility features for Cloud Gate: wheelchair-accessible entrance, wheelchair-accessible parking, wheelchair-accessible restroom, wheelchair-accessible seating.
Is there parking near Cloud Gate?
Google lists these parking options near Cloud Gate: paid parking lot, paid street parking, paid garage parking.
Is Cloud Gate the same as The Bean?
Yes. Cloud Gate is the artworkâs official title; âThe Beanâ is its widely used nickname.
Is Cloud Gate free?
Yes. Viewing the sculpture is normally free, with no reservation or admission ticket required.
Can visitors walk underneath it?
Yes, under normal conditions. Visitors can walk beneath the arch and view the repeated reflections in the concave omphalos.
Can visitors touch the sculpture?
Visitors commonly touch the accessible lower surface, but climbing, marking, scratching, attaching objects, or otherwise damaging it is prohibited.
How do I get there by public transit?
CTA bus routes serve Michigan Avenue and Randolph Street, and several Loop elevated-train stations are within walking distance. Millennium Station, used by Metra Electric and South Shore Line trains, is adjacent to the park.
Is it open in winter or rain?
It is normally accessible year-round because it is outdoors, but severe weather, ice, snow removal, cleaning, or maintenance may temporarily limit access.
When is it least crowded?
Early morning, especially on weekdays, is generally quietest. Midday, weekends, holidays, and major park events draw larger crowds.
Is Cloud Gate accessible to wheelchair users?
Yes. It stands on a generally level, paved plaza with step-free routes available through Millennium Park.
Can I bring professional photography equipment?
Small personal equipment is generally acceptable if it does not block others. Commercial filming, elaborate setups, or organized professional shoots may require a City of Chicago permit.
Data and photos from Google Places, generated August 11, 2026. Ratings, hours and prices can change â confirm anything time-sensitive before you go.