The Bean measures an impressive 33x66x42 feet and weighs 110 tons, perfectly reflecting the city’s stunning skyline. Visitors are drawn to its 12-foot high arch and the fascinating concave “omphalos” beneath it. Kapoor’s design, inspired by liquid mercury, blends artistic themes and captivates tourists with its unique reflective allure.

Despite the construction challenges, Cloud Gate was unveiled in 2004 and formally dedicated on May 15, 2006. Since then, it has become a global attraction, drawing millions of visitors eager to snap a selfie with this extraordinary piece of art.

Between 1995 and 2006, the Oz Park Advisory Council enlisted artist John Kearney to create four sculptures depicting characters from L. Frank Baum’s "The Wonderful Wizard of Oz." The Cowardly Lion, installed in 2001, was Kearney's second creation for the park, cast in bronze to emulate a lion's coat.

Kearney, an alum of the Cranbrook Academy of Art, also founded the Contemporary Art Workshop in 1949 with his wife, Lynn Kearney. This workshop provided a platform for emerging Chicago artists until its closure in 2009.

One of the most notable fun facts about Wayne’s Lanes is its connection to the 1993 movie Groundhog Day. The bowling alley served as a filming location for the iconic scene where Bill Murray’s character spends time bowling and reflecting on his repetitive life, cementing its place in pop culture history

Established in 1984, the infamous Ed Debevic’s has maintained its reputation as Chicago’s most celebrated retro-themed diner. Renowned for its cheeky service and nostalgic 1950s ambiance, Ed’s has become a lively and distinctive fixture in the culinary landscape. If you’re expecting a conventional dining experience, brace yourself for a surprise. Eccentric servers, dressed in vibrant costumes, serve up delicious burgers, hot dogs, cheese fries, hearty salads, milkshakes, and ice cream sundaes – all delivered to your booth with an extra side of attitude.

Explore the 2D Eatery! Embark on a distinctive gastronomic adventure guided by a renowned chef and a talented designer, a married duo. They welcome you to savor a variety of Asian gourmet treats, including Japanese mochi donuts, Vietnamese coffee, Taiwanese fried chicken sandwiches, and beyond. All set against breathtaking monochrome comic-book landscapes that are sure to captivate your senses!

Upon entering The Wormhole, your attention is immediately drawn to the retired DeLorean positioned at the rear. The ambiance of this establishment is both eccentric and peculiar, featuring an '80s motif that exudes a playful charm rather than seeming clichéd. Assorted furnishings, classic film posters, Star Wars figurines, and a vintage Macintosh computer collectively transport you through time, all while avoiding the sensation of being in a mere storage space for props.

Crafted from numerous embedded chips spanning over 250 hues, Marc Chagall’s mosaic masterpiece, The Four Seasons, captures six scenes of Chicago. This work showcases a rich tapestry of images drawn from the artist’s Russian-Jewish heritage and mirrored in his Surrealist paintings, featuring elements like birds, fish, flowers, suns, and entwined lovers. Chagall asserted that “the seasons represent human life, both physical and spiritual, at its different ages.” The mosaic’s design originated in Chagall’s French studio, transferred onto full-scale panels, and was meticulously installed in Chicago with the expertise of a skilled mosaicist.

Even after its arrival in Chicago, Chagall continued refining the design, updating sections depicting the city’s skyline (last observed by the artist 30 years prior to installation) and incorporating fragments of native Chicago brick.

Kelly’s Pub, located in the Lincoln Park neighborhood of Chicago, has a rich history and a fun fact worth noting: it’s one of the oldest continuously operating bars in the area, dating back to the 1930s. Over the decades, it has maintained its classic charm and has become a beloved spot for locals and tourists alike. The pub is also known for its friendly atmosphere and for being a favorite hangout for DePaul University students, adding to its vibrant and lively ambiance.

Mother’s in Chicago, also known as Mother’s Nightclub, has a rich history as one of the city’s iconic nightlife spots. A fun fact about Mother’s is that it was featured in the 1986 film “About Last Night,” starring Rob Lowe and Demi Moore. The club’s vibrant and energetic atmosphere made it a perfect setting for the movie, which added to its legendary status in the Chicago nightlife scene.

The Michigan Avenue Bridge, now officially known as the DuSable Bridge, has a fascinating history tied to the development of Chicago. Opened in 1920, it was designed to connect the north and south sides of the city, significantly boosting Chicago’s growth. One fun fact is that the bridge was the first double-deck bascule bridge ever built, meaning it could lift to allow ships to pass underneath while still supporting vehicular and pedestrian traffic on both levels. The bridge also features intricate sculptures that depict key moments in Chicago’s history, including the Battle of Fort Dearborn and the rebuilding of the city after the Great Chicago Fire.

The Abraham Lincoln mural in Chicago, known as “The Great Debate,” is located in the Pilsen neighborhood. It was created by artist John Pitman Weber and is part of the Chicago Public Art Group’s collection. This vibrant mural depicts Lincoln in the context of his famous debates with Stephen A. Douglas, highlighting key moments from their political rivalry.

The mural not only celebrates Lincoln’s legacy but also emphasizes the importance of civic engagement and public discourse, reflecting the rich cultural and historical tapestry of the Pilsen community.

In 1969, the Brunswick Corporation commissioned a sculpture design from Joan Miró. However, they decided not to proceed due to cost concerns. The bronze model of Miró's Chicago (shown below) is now part of the Milwaukee Art Museum collection.

Fast forward to 1979, when Jane Byrne, Chicago's first female mayor, pledged to secure funds for the sculpture, provided that 50% of the necessary funds could be sourced from other contributors. Thanks to donations from various institutions, foundations, and individuals, construction began.

Miró, in a gesture of support, donated his design to the city, specifying the names of the contributors. The City of Chicago contributed $250,000, while the bulk of the funding came from other generous donors.

A fun fact about the Chicago Post Office at 404 West Harrison is that it once held the title of the largest post office in the world when it was completed in 1921. This massive building, often referred to as the Old Chicago Main Post Office, spans over 2.5 million square feet and features nine floors.

This artwork marks Balkenhol's first permanent public installation in the United States. Hailing from Germany, the sculptor developed his skills at the Hamburg School of Fine Arts.

Renowned for his minimalist and conceptual creations, his early sculptures featured nudes inspired by Roman, Greek, and Egyptian aesthetics.

In the 1980s, his focus shifted to portraying everyday individuals engaged in ordinary activities, often with a whimsical or unexpected touch. This artistic approach is evident in this piece, reminiscent of his "Small Man with Giraffe" displayed in front of the Hamburg Zoo.

Crafted from bronze, the sculpture releases water from the fish's mouth, creating a cascade that gently descends into the reflecting pool below, adorned with a vibrant sea-life image.

The Chicago Picasso, an untitled monumental sculpture by Pablo Picasso, stands in Daley Plaza, Chicago. Installed in 1967, it marked a significant shift in civic and urban art by expanding the concept beyond mere commemoration.

The COR-TEN steel structure, dedicated on August 15, 1967, stands 50 feet tall, weighs 162 tons, and is recognized for its distinctive Cubist design. It has become a beloved landmark, often serving as a public jungle gym where visitors climb and slide.

Commissioned in 1963 for the Chicago Civic Center by the architects at Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, Picasso's gift to the city cost $351,959.17, funded by charitable foundations. Despite an offer of $100,000, Picasso refused payment, emphasizing his desire to make a cultural contribution to the city.

Chicago's newest culinary hotspot, The Albert, nestled inside Hotel EMC2, pays homage to Albert Einstein by merging art and science in a distinctive way. Since its opening on March 24, the Rockwell Group-designed space boasts walls adorned with 12,000 science-themed books, creating an intriguing atmosphere. The centerpiece of the restaurant is a 19-foot-tall chandelier, which doubles as a suspended science lab for beverages, featuring glass cylinders filled with infused liquors, bitters, and spirits.

Our Lady of Sorrows Basilica in Chicago is known for its stunning architecture and rich history. One particularly fun fact is that the basilica's interior features 24-carat gold leafing and intricate mosaics that were designed by the renowned artist Bancel LaFarge. The church is also notable for having one of the largest domes in the city, which stands at 80 feet in diameter and 125 feet above the ground. This architectural marvel has been a site for numerous films, including "The Untouchables," adding a touch of Hollywood glamour to its sacred heritage.

The Aragon Ballroom in Chicago is renowned not only for its stunning architectural design but also for its colorful history. Opened in 1926, it was originally designed to resemble a Spanish village, complete with twinkling stars in the ceiling and balconies.

One of the most interesting fun facts about the Aragon is that during Prohibition, it had a secret tunnel that connected it to the nearby Green Mill Cocktail Lounge, allowing patrons to discreetly move between the two venues. This tunnel contributed to the Aragon’s reputation as a speakeasy hotspot during the Roaring Twenties. Today, it remains a popular venue for concerts and events, continuing its legacy as a vibrant part of Chicago’s cultural scene.

Emmit’s Irish Pub in Boston is also famous for its “Irish Breakfast,” which is served all day. This hearty meal includes traditional Irish components such as sausages, black and white pudding, bacon, eggs, baked beans, grilled tomatoes, and soda bread. It’s a beloved offering that attracts both locals and tourists looking for an authentic taste of Ireland in the heart of Boston. This all-day breakfast tradition is a nod to the pub’s commitment to providing an immersive Irish experience.

O’Hare International Airport in Chicago has an impressive and unusual feature: a multi-species aeroponic garden located in Terminal 3. This garden grows 44 different types of organic vegetables and herbs, including basil, chives, lettuce, and green beans. The produce is used by some of the airport’s restaurants, providing fresh and local ingredients. The garden showcases an innovative and sustainable approach to urban farming and is a unique green space in one of the world’s busiest airports.

On August 11, 2012, the sculpture was generously donated to the City of Vancouver by Chip and Shannon Wilson through the Wilson5 Foundation.

The Flamingo sculpture, weighing 50 tons and made of steel, showcases Calder's signature "Calder red" color. Calder, known for his stationary abstract structures called stabiles, designed it to stand out against the surrounding black and steel buildings. In 2012, the sculpture was given a fresh coat of paint.

Commissioned by the General Services Administration under the Percent for Art program, Flamingo was unveiled in 1974 as Calder's first public art project. Its dynamic forms harmonized with the modern environment. The unveiling day was celebrated as "Alexander Calder Day," featuring a circus parade.

Legendary place

In 2016, artist Yoko Ono presented Chicago with her first permanent public artwork, Sky Landing, situated on Jackson Park’s Wooded Island. This sculpture, embodying peace with its lotus petal design, occupies the historic site of the Japanese Pavilion from the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition.

Ono drew inspiration from her World War II childhood, when she found comfort in gazing at the sky. The dedication ceremony in 2016 highlighted the artwork as a space where the past and future unite in the pursuit of peace and harmony.