“Curious Chicago Kids” is a new Chicago Parent series that helps families explore the city and answer kids’ curious questions along the way. From shiny sculptures to zoo facts, we break it down so parents feel ready — and maybe even a little cool — explaining it.
Send us your child’s funniest, weirdest or most creative Chicago questions — and we might feature it in an upcoming What’s That? article! Email us at editor@chicagoparent.com.
If you’re visiting Chicago with kids, one of the must-see attractions is a giant, shiny sculpture that looks like a magical silver bean. Officially known as “Cloud Gate,” this public art piece has captured the imaginations of visitors young and old.
But what is “The Bean,” and why is it so popular with families? Here’s a kid-friendly guide to help you explore and explain this iconic piece of art.
What is The Bean?
The Bean is a huge, shiny sculpture made of stainless steel. It was created by British artist Anish Kapoor and was unveiled in 2004. While its real name is “Cloud Gate,” most people call it “The Bean” because of its bean-like shape.
It’s famous for its smooth, mirror-like surface that reflects the city’s skyline and all the people around it. Kids love to see their reflections and watch how they change when they move around the sculpture. You can even walk underneath it and look up into a cool, swirling reflection that looks like a funhouse mirror.
Where is it?
You can find “The Bean” in Millennium Park, right in downtown Chicago. It’s part of a big open plaza called AT&T Plaza, which makes it easy for families to walk around and take photos. The park is located near other popular attractions like the Crown Fountain, Maggie Daley Park (a great spot for kids to play), and the Art Institute of Chicago.
Address: 201 E. Randolph St., Chicago
Tips When Visiting The Bean
- Go early or late. It’s one of the most visited spots in Chicago, so it can get crowded. Visiting early in the morning or later in the evening means fewer people and better photos.
- Bring a camera. Kids love taking selfies with their warped reflections!
- Touching is allowed. Yes, kids can touch it!
- Winter visits are cool, too. In winter, “The Bean” reflects the snow-covered park and city lights, making it even more magical.
- Watch for events. Millennium Park often has free concerts, movies, and family activities that make the visit even more fun.
How do I explain The Bean to my kid?
If your child asks, “What is that shiny thing?” you can say:
“It’s a piece of art called “Cloud Gate,” but everyone calls it “The Bean” because it looks like a big silver jellybean! It’s made out of shiny metal, so it reflects everything around it – like a giant mirror. You can see the sky, the buildings, and even yourself, all twisted and stretched.”
Explaining it like this helps make art fun and engaging for kids, and it may even spark their own creativity.
Fun facts about Cloud Gate
- It weighs 110 tons! That’s about the same as 15 elephants.
- It’s made of 168 stainless steel plates, all welded together so smoothly you can’t see the seams.
- It was inspired by liquid mercury, which is why it looks like it’s always flowing.
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