Saying Goodbye to Chicago, Part Two: Millennium Park

I lived away from Chicago while Millennium Park was under construction. I made a number of visits to the city during that time, and initially I was not impressed. With the trees still young and compact in their unsettledness, Millennium Park looked like a jumble of concrete and monuments. However, this judgment of mine was clearly short-sighted, as Millennium Park has really come into its own over the years. My first summer back in the city, I made what I felt to be an obligatory visit to the new attraction, and I was simply stunned by its sheer beauty and elegance. The trees had begun to grow and branch outward, creating an organic energy that wove together the Park into a more harmonious whole. It was during this visit that Millennium Park became one of my favorite downtown Chicago destinations. Below are photos of Millennium Park that I have taken over the last two years.

From a Distance: Approaching Cloud Gate ("The Bean"), Millennium Park, Chicago, IL

"The Bean" in Solitary Tranquility, Millennium Park, Chicago, IL

"The Bean," in Harmony with its Surroundings, Millennium Park, Chicago, IL

Cloud Gate, nicknamed "The Bean" by many Chicagoans, has become a real attraction at the Park, as people walk up to it to see the city reflected on its surface or walk underneath it simply because they can.

One of the Fountains, Millennium Park, Chicago, IL

This water fountain is part of a set of two with video featuring the faces of a diverse contemporary Chicago. In the hot summer months, this is a perfect place for cooling down.

Bandshell, Millennium Park, Chicago, IL

The Bandshell is the site of free concerts during the summer. Somewhat hidden in the background at the right (second to right) is the high-rise building Aqua, which is the winner of numerous architectural awards. I love the extensive network of metal beams spanning the distance of the Bandshell's front lawn. Speakers hang from them to provide concert-listeners with an outstanding musical experience. At night, the Bandshell is illuminated in different colors in a beautiful light-show.

Bridge to Lurie Garden Featuring Native Prairie Plants, Millennium Park, Chicago, IL

The Lurie Garden showcases prairie plants native to the Midwestern United States. This is my favorite part of the Park. It provides a nice respite from the hustle and bustle of Michigan Avenue. With the city skyline in the background, city and nature mingle together and provide a rewarding experience. Plant detail photos follow below.

Prairie Flower Detail, Lurie Garden, Millennium Park, Chicago, IL

Prairie Grass and Architecture in the Background, Millennium Park, Chicago, IL

The winding BP Bridge (below) marks an excellent culmination to the Millennium Park experience. One problem, though: the park it leads to is not designed spectacularly like Millennium Park, making the Bridge seem more like a bridge to nowhere. Still, it is a nice meandering walk that allows you to view beautiful Lake Michigan to the east and the expanse of Millennium Park to the west.

The Winding BP Bridge, Millennium Park, Chicago, IL

Destination of BP Bridge, Millennium Park, Chicago, IL

Some have criticized Millennium Park, citing that it was completed behind schedule, costed the city considerably more than was first estimated, and that it is just a tourist attraction that offers nothing to Chicagoans. I have to disagree with the last part. I am far from the only Chicagoan who has fallen in love with Millennium Park and find in it a place of relaxation and enjoyment. I also don't think there is anything wrong with creating monuments that attract tourists, as tourism brings considerable revenue to the city. We live in a global economy, which pits Chicago in a competition with many major cities around the world. This park has achieved iconic significance for Chicago, drawing tourists from around the world. Walking around Millennium Park, you can hear the sound of multiple languages being spoken by tourists carrying cameras: French and German, Italian and Russian, Hindi, Japanese, and Arabic. So many people flock to Millennium Park to enjoy its beauty, including many Chicagoans, and that makes Millennium Park a truly worthwhile investment. Millennium Park is a wonderful embodiment of former Mayor Daley's legacy to Chicago, and I, like so many others, love it.