Happy birthday, Millennium Park! Yes, the Chicago park named for the chronological milestone now 14 years in the rearview mirror is turning 10—it went famously over-schedule and over-budget but we love it nonetheless. Last year 4.75 million people visited Chicago’s front yard, taking in free concerts and events, and probably taking at least as many selfies with Anish Kapoor’s Cloud Gate and the flowing titanium locks of Frank Gehry‘s Pritzker Pavilion in the background.
In honor of the anniversary, the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events is kicking off a series of shows and exhibitions that includes new work from Crown Fountain designer Jaume Plensa. Hey, Jaume! Email us if you need another face for your 40-foot LED projection!
Here at AN, we’re celebrating with ten of our favorite photographs of the park taken over the past decade and more. Take a look below.
Piet Oudolf’s colorful landscape in front of Renzo Piano’s Modern Wing at the Art Institute of Chicago. (joevare / Flickr) Crown Fountain stands against the Chicago street wall along Michigan Avenue. (Guido45 / Flickr) Aerial view of the Cloud Gate sculpture, known locally as “The Bean.” (Guido45 / Flickr) The Pritzker Pavilion at Millennium Park. (Chris Smith / Flickr) Early fall in Millennium Park looking toward Frank Gehry’s Pritzker Pavilion. (Jonathan / Flickr) Frank Gehry’s Pritzker Pavilion shell under construction. (Rob / Flickr) The Chicago skyline reflected in the Cloud Gate installation by Anish Kapoor. (Chris Coleman / Flickr) The dynamic Crown Fountain peeks over the treetops of Millennium Park. (John W. Iwanski / Flickr) A sinuous pedestrian bridge by Frank Gehry snakes through the park. (Steve Silverman / Flickr) The spitting figures of Crown Fountain are a popular play spot for children, and sometimes adults. (mimmyg / Flickr)
