Maybe you’ve heard about it, maybe you’ve started to see the work. It is true, after 17 years in the heart of Millennium Park, it’s time for The Bean’s home to get some needed upgrades. Beginning August 2023, the plaza where The Bean is located will be undergoing renovations in order to enhance the visitor experience and improve the area’s accessibility. During this time, public access and views of the sculpture will be limited; construction is expected to last through spring 2024.
We reached out to our very own docent Michelle Woods who has a principal role on this project and asked if she could answer a few more specific questions.
Will I be able to see Cloudgate well enough to take a photo?
There will be construction fencing surrounding the work area. We have two different images of the statue that will be placed on the fence. It will be visible from Michigan Ave as well.
How close will I be able to get to Cloudgate?
Not close. You won’t be able to interact with it up close. We are demolishing the entire plaza, water proofing the ground, installing new pavers and redoing the ADA ramps. So we need to keep people out of the construction area.
Is there any period when Cloudgate might be totally covered?
We want to protect it during demolition when we are breaking apart the existing pavers. We were asked if we could provide peep holes but we don’t want chucks of pavers flinging into anybody’s faces or eyes. Also there will be lots of dust we want to keep contained in the work zone to prevent it from affecting park guests with respiratory challenges.
Anything else you think we should know?
Project cost is $6.8 million
End date is April 2024