The attractions at Millenium Park in Chicago

Millenium Park was created in 2000, as its name suggests, and it has become an icon in Chicago - a hub of activity for tourists and residents alike.  Many cultural activities take place there in the warm summer months when the people of Chicago stream outside after the looooooooooooong cold winter.

Below is the Crown Fountain designed by Spanish artist Jaume Plensa and inspired by the people of Chicago.  The fountain consists of two 50ft glass block towers at each end of a shallow reflecting pool.  The towers project video images from a broad social spectrum of Chicago citizens, a reference to the traditional use of gargoyles in fountains.  The fountain anchoring the southwestern corner of  Millenium Park is a favourite of children and families.

The biggest attraction at the park however is the wonderful Cloud Gate, a 110 ton elliptical sculpture forged of a seamless series of highly polished stainless steel "plates" which reflect the city's skyline and the clouds above.  People stand under it and are endlessly fascinated by reflections of themselves in the globe.  It is the creation of British artist Anish Kapoor, his first outdoor work installed in the USA.

Here is a reflection of us in the globe.

Andrew and Tonja sitting on the grass at one of the outdoor concerts.

The first free concert we went to at Millenium Park, featuring the Shostakovich symphony no 10.  We took a picnic and sat on the grass along with hundreds of Chicagoans.  The venue is the Jay Pritzker Pavillion at the park.

The second of the concerts at the park.  We had seats this time and we were enjoying Verdi's Requiem.  A great piece of work at a great location.