View source for Millennium Park

{{Short description|Public park in Chicago, Illinois, US}}
{{Other uses}}
{{Use American English|date=July 2022}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=November 2015}}
{{Infobox park
| name = Millennium Park
| photo = Millennium Square, Chicago, Illinois (9181701264).jpg
| photo_width = 275
| photo_caption = Millennium Park
| map_image = Millennium Park location.png
| map_width = 272
| map_caption = Map of Millennium Park
| type = [[Urban park]]
| location = [[Grant Park (Chicago)|Grant Park]], [[Chicago]], [[Illinois]]
| coords = {{Wikidatacoord|Q1130516|region:US-IL_type:landmark_scale:2000_source:geonames|name=Millennium Park|display=inline,title}}
| area = {{cvt|24.5|acre|ha}}
| elevation = {{cvt|175|m|ft|order=flip}}
| opened = {{start date and age|2004|07|16}}
| operator = Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs
| visitation_num = 25 million
| visitation_year = 2017
| status = Open all year (daily 6 a.m. to 11 p.m.)
| parking = 2218 spaces
| publictransit = {{rint|chicago|l}} {{rint|chicago|brown}} {{rint|chicago|orange}} {{rint|chicago|pink}} {{rint|chicago|purple}} {{rint|chicago|green}} at [[Washington/Wabash (CTA station)|Washington/Wabash]]<br>
{{rint|chicago|metra}} {{rint|chicago|me}} and {{rint|nictd}} at [[Millennium Station]]
| website = [https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/dca/supp_info/millennium_park.html Official website]
}}

'''Millennium Park''' is a [[public park]] in the [[Chicago Loop|Loop]] [[Community areas of Chicago|community area]] of [[Chicago]], Illinois, operated by the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs. The park, opened in July 2004, is a prominent [[civic center]] near the city's [[Lake Michigan]] shoreline that covers a {{convert|24.5|acre|ha|adj=on}} section of northwestern [[Grant Park (Chicago)|Grant Park]]. Featuring a variety of [[public art]], outdoor spaces and venues, the park is bounded by [[Michigan Avenue (Chicago)|Michigan Avenue]], [[Randolph Street]], [[Columbus Drive (Chicago)|Columbus Drive]] and East Monroe Drive. In 2017, Millennium Park was the top [[Tourism in Chicago|tourist destination in Chicago]] and [[Midwestern United States|in the Midwest]], and placed among the top ten [[Tourism in the United States|in the United States]] with 25 million annual visitors.<ref>{{cite news |author=Johnson, Steve |title=Millennium Park is new top Midwest visitor destination, high-tech count finds |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/entertainment/ct-millennium-park-visitors-ent-0406-20170406-column.html |work=Chicago Tribune |access-date=6 April 2017 |archive-date=June 17, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200617163012/https://www.chicagotribune.com/entertainment/ct-millennium-park-visitors-ent-0406-20170406-column.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

Planning of the park, situated in an area occupied by parkland, the [[Illinois Central]] rail yards, and parking lots,<ref>[https://archive.today/20150402121653/http://tigger.uic.edu/depts/ahaa/imagebase/maclean/aerials1/05.JPEG This picture] shows Grant Park before Millennium Park (upper right) was built.</ref> began in October 1997. Construction began in October 1998, and Millennium Park opened in a ceremony on July 16, 2004, four years behind schedule. The three-day opening celebrations were attended by some 300,000 people and included an inaugural concert by the [[Grant Park Symphony Orchestra|Grant Park Orchestra]] and Chorus. The park has received awards for its [[accessibility]] and green design.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.millenniumpark.org/newsandmedia/pdfs/4.1%20Millennium%20Park%20Awards.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080910132600/http://www.millenniumpark.org/newsandmedia/pdfs/4.1%20Millennium%20Park%20Awards.pdf |archive-date=September 10, 2008 |title=Chicago's New Millennium Park Wins Travel & Leisure Design Award For "Best Public Space", And The American Public Works Association "Project Of The Year" Award |access-date=June 24, 2008 |date=April 12, 2005 |publisher=City of Chicago |author=Ryan, Karen }}</ref> Millennium Park has free admission,<ref name=LFC>{{cite news |url=https://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9806EED71E3BF930A25754C0A9629C8B63 |title=Letter From Chicago; A Prized Project, a Mayor and Persistent Criticism |access-date=May 31, 2008 |date=July 13, 2004 |work=[[The New York Times]] |author=Kinzer, Stephen |archive-date=December 20, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071220014220/http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9806EED71E3BF930A25754C0A9629C8B63 |url-status=live }}</ref> and features the [[Jay Pritzker Pavilion]], ''[[Cloud Gate]]'', the ''[[Crown Fountain]]'', the [[Lurie Garden]], and various other attractions. The park is connected by the [[BP Pedestrian Bridge]] and the [[Nichols Bridgeway]] to other parts of Grant Park. Because the park sits atop parking garages, the commuter rail [[Millennium Station]] and rail lines, it is considered the world's largest [[rooftop garden]]. In 2015, the park became the location of the city's annual [[Christmas tree]] lighting.

Some observers consider Millennium Park the city's most important project since the [[World's Columbian Exposition]] of 1893.<ref name=LFC/><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ft.com/content/63ad44b2-2196-11da-a603-00000e2511c8 |title=Classical city soars above Capone clichés |access-date=August 7, 2008 |date=September 10, 2005 |publisher=The Financial Times Ltd |work=[[The Financial Times]] |author1=Daniel, Caroline |author2=Jeremy Grant |name-list-style=amp |archive-url=https://archive.today/20090907060900/http://www.ft.com/cms/s/63ad44b2-2196-11da-a603-00000e2511c8,Authorised=false.html?_i_location=https://www.ft.com/content/63ad44b2-2196-11da-a603-00000e2511c8 |archive-date=September 7, 2009 |url-status=dead }}</ref> It far exceeded its originally proposed budget of $150&nbsp;million. The final cost of $475&nbsp;million was borne by Chicago taxpayers and private donors. The city paid $270&nbsp;million; private donors paid the rest,<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/2004/07/18/16-million-in-lawsuits-ensnare-pavilion-at-millennium-park/ |title=$16 million in lawsuits ensnare pavilion at Millennium Park |access-date=August 6, 2008 |date=July 18, 2004 |work=[[Chicago Tribune]] |author1=Cohen, Laurie |author2=Liam Ford |name-list-style=amp |archive-date=September 9, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100909163808/http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2004-07-18/news/0407180277_1_gehry-millennium-park-lawsuits |url-status=live }}</ref> and assumed roughly half of the financial responsibility for the [[cost overrun]]s.<ref name=Anptiags>{{cite news |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/2004/07/18/a-no-place-transformed-into-a-grand-space/ |title=A no place transformed into a grand space – What was once a gritty, blighted site is now home to a glistening, cultural spectacle that delivers joy to its visitors |access-date=August 6, 2008 |date=July 18, 2004 |work=Chicago Tribune |author=Kamin, Blair |archive-date=May 3, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120503101142/http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2004-07-18/news/0407180382_1_millennium-park-crown-fountain-spaces |url-status=live }}</ref> The construction delays and cost overruns were attributed to poor planning, many design changes, and [[cronyism]]. Nonetheless, architectural and urban planning critics have praised the completed park.

==Background==
{{multiple image
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| footer  = (Left) [[Union Base-Ball Grounds]] (also known as Lake Front Park) in 1883; (Right) Sketch of the [[Art Institute of Chicago]] in 1893, showing a structure on the Millennium Park site (lower left corner), railroad tracks, a municipal pier, and Lake Michigan covering most of [[Grant Park (Chicago)|Grant Park]] ([[reclaimed land]] formed the park beyond the track over the following decade).
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| image1    = Lake Shore Park 1883.JPG
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| image2    = Art Institute 1893.gif
| width2    = 185
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}}
From 1852 until 1997, the [[Illinois Central Railroad]] owned a right of way between downtown Chicago and [[Lake Michigan]], in the area that became [[Grant Park (Chicago)|Grant Park]] and used it for railroad tracks.<ref name=NH/> In 1871, [[Union Base-Ball Grounds]] was built on part of the site that became Millennium Park; the [[Chicago White Stockings (1870–89)|Chicago White Stockings]] played home games there until the grounds were destroyed in the [[Great Chicago Fire]].<ref name=MPNYT>{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2006/08/06/books/chapters/0806-1st-gilf.html |title=Millennium Park |access-date=June 24, 2008 |date=August 6, 2006 |work=[[The New York Times]] |author=Gilfoyle, Timothy J. |archive-date=August 12, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170812062941/http://www.nytimes.com/2006/08/06/books/chapters/0806-1st-gilf.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=RS>{{cite web |url=http://www.retrosheet.org/parkcode.txt |title=Untitled (Baseball Park Codes) |access-date=August 4, 2010 |publisher=retrosheet.org |archive-date=July 10, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100710000420/http://www.retrosheet.org/parkcode.txt |url-status=live }}</ref> Lake Front Park, the White Stockings' new ball grounds, was built in 1878 with a short [[right field]] due to the railroad tracks. The grounds were improved and the seating capacity was doubled in 1883, but the team had to move after the season ended the next year, as the federal government had given the city the land "with the stipulation that no commercial venture could use it".<ref name=MPNYT/><ref name=RS/><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.neweastside.org/decisions.html |title=Ward Case Summaries |publisher=Neweastside.org |access-date=May 15, 2011 |archive-date=July 27, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110727121010/http://www.neweastside.org/DECISIONS.html |url-status=live }}</ref> [[Daniel Burnham]] planned Grant Park around the Illinois Central Railroad property in his [[1909 Plan of Chicago]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.millenniumpark.org/parkhistory/ |title=Park History |publisher=City of Chicago |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080526012215/http://www.millenniumpark.org/parkhistory/ |archive-date=May 26, 2008 |access-date=June 20, 2008 }}</ref> Between 1917 and 1953, a prominent semicircle of paired Greek [[Doric order|Doric]]-style columns (called a [[peristyle]]) was placed in this area of Grant Park ([[Wrigley Square|partially recreated]] in the new Millennium Park).<ref name=A&AWSaMMP/> In 1997, when the city gained [[Air rights|airspace rights]] over the tracks, it decided to build a parking facility over them in the northwestern corner of Grant Park.<ref name=NH/> Eventually, the city realized that a grand civic amenity might lure private dollars in a way that a municipal improvement such as ordinary parking structure would not, and thus began the effort to create Millennium Park.<ref name=NH>{{cite news |url=https://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9A00EEDF123FF935A3575BC0A9609C8B63 |title=No Headline |access-date=June 1, 2008 |date=August 6, 2006 |work=The New York Times |author=Lewis, Michael J. |archive-date=November 4, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121104085445/http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9A00EEDF123FF935A3575BC0A9609C8B63 |url-status=live }}</ref> The park was originally planned under the name Lakefront Millennium Park.<ref name=WTMASGPR>{{cite news |url=http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info:sid/iw.newsbank.com:NewsBank:CTRB&rft_val_format=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:ctx&rft_dat=0EB42A3CE4D07C57&svc_dat=InfoWeb:aggregated5&req_dat=AA98CDC331574F0ABEAFF732B33DC0B2 |title=Will Too Many Architects Spoil Grant Park's Redesign? |access-date=July 24, 2008 |date=March 18, 1999 |work=Chicago Tribune |author=Kamin, Blair |archive-date=April 2, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402152801/http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info%3Asid%2Fiw.newsbank.com%3ANewsBank%3ACTRB&rft_val_format=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Actx&rft_dat=0EB42A3CE4D07C57&svc_dat=InfoWeb%3Aaggregated5&req_dat=AA98CDC331574F0ABEAFF732B33DC0B2 |url-status=live }}</ref>

The park was conceived as a {{convert|16|acre|ha|adj=on}} landscape-covered bridge over an underground parking structure to be built on top of the [[Metra]]/Illinois Central Railroad tracks in Grant Park.<ref name=MDMTECROSSRAMP>{{cite web |date=Winter 2001–2002 |url=http://www.pbcchicago.com/upload/454.pdf |title=Mayor Daley, McCormick Tribune Executives Cut Ribbon on Spectacular Skating Rink at Millennium Park |access-date=June 2, 2008 |publisher=Public Building Commission of Chicago |work=Millennium Park News |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080910132602/http://www.pbcchicago.com/upload/454.pdf |archive-date=September 10, 2008 }}</ref> The park's overall design was by [[Skidmore, Owings & Merrill]], and gradually additional architects and artists such as [[Frank Gehry]] and [[Thomas Beeby]] were incorporated into the plan.<ref name=WTMASGPR/> Sponsors were sought by invitation only.<ref name=sid/>

{{multiple image
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| footer  = Views of what became Millennium Park in 1981: (Left) Train on tracks, now under what became [[Chase Promenade|Chase Promenade South]]; (Right) View from the [[Willis Tower|Sears Tower]] of rail yards and parking lots, with Richard J. Daley Bicentennial Plaza beyond
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| image1    = Grant Park rail lines in 1981.jpg
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In February 1999, the city announced it was negotiating with Frank Gehry to design a [[proscenium]] arch and orchestra enclosure for a bandshell, as well as a pedestrian bridge crossing Columbus Drive, and that it was seeking donors to cover his work.<ref name=BffMasfp/><ref>{{cite news |url=http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info:sid/iw.newsbank.com:NewsBank:ADHB&rft_val_format=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:ctx&rft_dat=0ED0293A7773EBF9&svc_dat=InfoWeb:aggregated5&req_dat=AA98CDC331574F0ABEAFF732B33DC0B2 |title=The City |access-date=July 24, 2008 |date=February 18, 1999 |work=[[Daily Herald (Arlington Heights)|Daily Herald]] |archive-date=May 4, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150504211650/http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info%3Asid%2Fiw.newsbank.com%3ANewsBank%3AADHB&rft_val_format=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Actx&rft_dat=0ED0293A7773EBF9&svc_dat=InfoWeb%3Aaggregated5&req_dat=AA98CDC331574F0ABEAFF732B33DC0B2 |url-status=live }}</ref> At the time, the ''[[Chicago Tribune]]'' dubbed Gehry "the hottest architect in the universe"<ref name=CHDOAAFIBAS/> in reference to the acclaim for his [[Guggenheim Museum Bilbao]], and they noted the designs would not include Mayor [[Richard M. Daley]]'s trademarks, such as [[wrought iron]] and seasonal flower boxes.<ref name=CHDOAAFIBAS>{{cite news |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/1999/02/17/city-has-designs-on-ace-architect-for-its-band-shell/ |title=City Has Designs On Ace Architect For Its Band Shell |access-date=July 24, 2008 |date=February 17, 1999 |work=Chicago Tribune |author1=Warren, Ellen |author2=Teresa Wiltz |name-list-style=amp |archive-date=May 3, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120503101335/http://articles.chicagotribune.com/1999-02-17/news/9902170210_1_frank-gehry-band-shell-drew-carey-show |url-status=live }}</ref> Millennium Park project manager Edward Uhlir said "Frank is just the cutting edge of the next century of architecture,"<ref name=BffMasfp/> and noted that no other architect was being sought.<ref name=BffMasfp>{{cite news |url=http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info:sid/iw.newsbank.com:NewsBank:CSTB&rft_val_format=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:ctx&rft_dat=0EB42A2E27BC3A9F&svc_dat=InfoWeb:aggregated5&req_dat=AA98CDC331574F0ABEAFF732B33DC0B2 |title=Building for future – Modern architect sought for park |access-date=July 24, 2008 |date=February 18, 1999 |work=[[Chicago Sun-Times]] |author=Bey, Lee |page=4, News section |archive-date=January 8, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160108063237/http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info%3Asid%2Fiw.newsbank.com%3ANewsBank%3ACSTB&rft_val_format=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Actx&rft_dat=0EB42A2E27BC3A9F&svc_dat=InfoWeb%3Aaggregated5&req_dat=AA98CDC331574F0ABEAFF732B33DC0B2 |url-status=live }}</ref> Gehry was approached several times by Skidmore architect [[Adrian Smith (architect)|Adrian Smith]] on behalf of the city.<ref name=AWCDTHETAFC/> His hesitance and refusal to accept the commission was overcome by [[Cindy Pritzker]], the philanthropist, who had developed a relationship with the architect when he won the [[Pritzker Prize]] in 1989. According to [[John H. Bryan]], who led fund-raising for the park, Pritzker enticed Gehry in face-to-face discussions, using a $15&nbsp;million funding commitment toward the bandshell's creation.<ref name=HasbgCfp/> Having Gehry get involved helped the city realize its vision of having modern themes in the park; upon rumors of his involvement the ''[[Chicago Sun-Times]]'' proclaimed "Perhaps the future has arrived",<ref name=BffMasfp/> while the ''Chicago Tribune'' noted that "The most celebrated architect in the world may soon have a chance to bring Chicago into the 21st Century".<ref name=AWCDTHETAFC>{{cite news |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/1999/04/18/a-world-class-designer-turns-his-eye-to-architectures-first-city/ |title=A World-Class Designer Turns His Eye To Architecture's First City |access-date=July 24, 2008 |date=April 18, 1999 |work=Chicago Tribune |author=Kamin, Blair |archive-date=May 3, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120503101340/http://articles.chicagotribune.com/1999-04-18/news/9904180513_1_frank-gehry-pritzker-architecture-prize-big-city |url-status=live }}</ref>

{{Millennium Park Map}}
Plans for the park were officially announced in March 1998 and construction began in September of that year.<!-- http://www.brunerfoundation.org/rba/pdfs/2009/MP.FINAL.pdf --> Initial construction was under the auspices of the [[Chicago Department of Transportation]], because the project bridges the railroad tracks. However, as the project grew and expanded, its broad variety of features and amenities outside the scope of the field of transportation placed it under the jurisdiction of the city's Public Buildings Commission.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ncbg.org/public_works/millennium_park.htm |title=Following the Money for Millennium Park |publisher=Neighborhood Capital Budget Group |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110106043718/http://www.ncbg.org/public_works/millennium_park.htm |archive-date=January 6, 2011 |access-date=July 28, 2008 }}</ref>

In April 1999, the city announced that the [[Pritzker family]] had donated $15&nbsp;million to fund Gehry's bandshell and an additional nine donors committed $10&nbsp;million.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/1999/04/27/millennium-park-gets-millions/ |title=Millennium Park Gets Millions |access-date=July 24, 2008 |date=April 27, 1999 |work=Chicago Tribune |archive-date=May 3, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120503101404/http://articles.chicagotribune.com/1999-04-27/news/9904280139_1_frank-gehry-pritzker-architecture-prize-great-lawn |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="RfGPtg"/> The day of this announcement, Gehry agreed to the design request.<ref name="Aobthbbt2c"/> In November, when his design was unveiled, Gehry said the bridge design was preliminary and not well-conceived because funding for it was not committed.<!-- Therefore, the bridge did not include an extensive [[berm]] at that time.--><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/1999/11/04/architects-band-shell-design-filled-with-heavy-metal-twists/ |title=Architect's Band Shell Design Filled With Heavy-Metal Twists |access-date=July 24, 2008 |date=November 4, 1999 |work=Chicago Tribune |author=Kamin, Blair |archive-date=May 3, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120503101412/http://articles.chicagotribune.com/1999-11-04/news/9911040341_1_frank-gehry-band-shell-trellis |url-status=live }}</ref> The need to fund a bridge to span the eight-lane Columbus Drive was evident, but some planning for the park was delayed in anticipation of details on the redesign of [[Soldier Field]].<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/1999/11/23/timing-crucial-plotting-grant-parks-future/ |title=Timing Crucial Plotting Grant Park's Future |access-date=July 24, 2008 |date=November 23, 1999 |work=Chicago Tribune |author=Kamin, Blair |archive-date=May 3, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120503101421/http://articles.chicagotribune.com/1999-11-23/features/9911240354_1_chicago-park-district-mayor-richard-m-daley-plan |url-status=live }}</ref> In January 2000, the city announced plans to expand the park to include features that became ''Cloud Gate'', the ''Crown Fountain'', the [[McDonald's Cycle Center]], and the BP Pedestrian Bridge.<ref name=CTMPD>{{cite news |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/2000/01/07/city-tweaks-millennium-park-design/ |title=City Tweaks Millennium Park Design |access-date=July 24, 2008 |date=January 7, 2000 |work=Chicago Tribune |author=Song, Lisa |archive-date=October 17, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131017022138/http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2000-01-07/news/0001130043_1_structure-ed-uhlir-millennium-park |url-status=live }}</ref> Later that month, Gehry unveiled his new winding design for the bridge.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/2000/01/28/defiant-architect-back-with-revised-grant-park-bridge-design/ |title=Defiant Architect Back With Revised Grant Park Bridge Design |access-date=July 24, 2008 |date=January 28, 2000 |work=Chicago Tribune |author=Donato, Marla |archive-date=May 3, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120503101455/http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2000-01-28/news/0001280264_1_frank-gehry-bridge-design-band-shell |url-status=live }}</ref>

Mayor Daley's influence was key in getting corporate and individual sponsors to pay for much of the park.<ref>{{cite magazine |url=http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1050280,00.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050418201230/http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1050280,00.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=April 18, 2005 |title=Richard the Second |access-date=July 7, 2008 |date=April 18, 2005 |author=Thigpen, David |magazine=[[Time (magazine)|Time]] }}</ref> Bryan, the former [[chief executive officer]] (CEO) of [[Sara Lee Corporation]] who spearheaded the fundraising,<ref name=MM>{{cite news |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/2004/07/15/magnificent-millennium/ |title=Magnificent Millennium |access-date=June 23, 2010 |date=July 15, 2004 |work=Chicago Tribune |archive-date=May 9, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120509195205/http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2004-07-15/news/0407150113_1_millennium-park-cloud-gate-new-parking-garage |url-status=live }}</ref> says that sponsorship was by invitation and no one refused the opportunity to be a sponsor.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/2004/07/15/sponsors-put-money-where-their-names-are/ |title=Sponsors put money where their names are |access-date=June 23, 2010 |date=July 15, 2004 |work=Chicago Tribune |author=Smith, Sid |archive-date=July 26, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140726011752/http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2004-07-15/news/0407150417_1_yard-sale-enhancements-millennium-park |url-status=live }}</ref> One ''[[Time (magazine)|Time]]'' magazine writer describes the park as the crowning achievement for Mayor Daley,<ref>{{cite magazine |url=http://www.time.com/time/nation/article/0,8599,1581098,00.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070124163616/http://www.time.com/time/nation/article/0,8599,1581098,00.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=January 24, 2007 |title=In Chicago, t-he Dynasty Rolls On |access-date=July 7, 2008 |date=January 22, 2007 |author=Cole, Wendy |magazine=Time }}</ref> while another suggests the park's cost and time overages were examples of the city's mismanagement.<ref>{{cite magazine |url=http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1009679,00.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080306173614/http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1009679,00.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=March 6, 2008 |title=Creative Thinking In Chicago |access-date=July 7, 2008 |date=December 17, 2004 |author=Isackson, Noah |magazine=Time }}</ref> The July 16–18, 2004, opening ceremony was sponsored by [[J.P. Morgan Chase & Co]].<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/2004/05/21/city-park-has-friend-to-bank-on/ |title=City park has friend to bank on |access-date=August 4, 2008 |date=May 21, 2004 |work=Chicago Tribune |author=Ford, Liam |archive-date=May 3, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120503101225/http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2004-05-21/news/0405210216_1_mayor-daley-jp-morgan-chase-parking-garage |url-status=live }}</ref>

The community around Millennium Park has become one of the most fashionable and desired residential addresses in Chicago. In 2006, Forbes named the park's 60602 [[zip code]] as the hottest in terms of price appreciation in the country,<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.forbes.com/2006/03/09/cx_sc_0310homeslide1.html?thisSpeed=35000 |title=Zip Codes With Greatest Appreciation |access-date=June 20, 2008 |work=Forbes |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101104111827/http://www.forbes.com/2006/03/09/cx_sc_0310homeslide1.html |archive-date=November 4, 2010 |url-status=dead }}</ref> with upscale buildings such as [[The Heritage at Millennium Park]] (130 N. Garland) leading the way for other buildings, such as [[Waterview Tower]], [[The Legacy at Millennium Park|The Legacy]] and [[Joffrey Tower]]. The median sale price for residential real estate was $710,000 in 2005 according to Forbes, also ranking it on the list of most expensive zip codes.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.forbes.com/lists/2006/7/ZIP60602.html |title=Chicago, Cook, IL |access-date=June 20, 2008 |work=Forbes |archive-date=March 12, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090312022000/http://www.forbes.com/lists/2006/7/ZIP60602.html |url-status=dead }}</ref> The park has been credited with increasing residential real estate values by $100 per square foot ($1,076 per m<sup>2</sup>).<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2006/06/04/realestate/04nati.html? |title=How a Park Changed a Chicago Neighborhood |access-date=July 30, 2008 |date=June 4, 2006 |author=Sharoff, Robert |work=The New York Times |archive-date=April 13, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110413143236/http://www.nytimes.com/2006/06/04/realestate/04nati.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

==Features==
[[File:Millennium Park from Sears Tower.jpg|thumb|Pritzker Pavilion and BP Bridge in Millennium Park, with Daley Bicentennial Plaza behind, seen from [[Willis Tower]] in 2007]]
Millennium Park is a portion of the {{convert|319|acre|ha|1|adj=on}} Grant Park, known as the "front lawn" of downtown Chicago,<ref name=MPNYT/> and has four major artistic highlights: the Jay Pritzker Pavilion, ''Cloud Gate'', the ''Crown Fountain'', and the Lurie Garden.<ref name=FGoLM>{{cite web |url=http://www.asla.org/lamag/lam04/november/feature3.html |title=Fair Game on Lake Michigan |access-date=June 1, 2008 |date=November 2004 |publisher=[[American Society of Landscape Architects]] |work=Landscape Architecture Magazine |author=Freemen, Allen |archive-date=June 12, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080612190857/http://www.asla.org/lamag/lam04/november/feature3.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Millennium Park is successful as a public art venue in part due to the grand scale of each piece and the open spaces for display.{{sfn|Gilfoyle|2006|p=344}} A showcase for [[postmodern architecture]], it also features the [[McCormick Tribune Ice Skating Rink]], the [[BP Pedestrian Bridge]], the [[Harris Theater (Chicago)|Joan W. and Irving B. Harris Theater for Music and Dance]], [[Wrigley Square]], the [[McDonald's Cycle Center]], the [[Exelon Pavilions]], the [[Grainger Plaza|AT&T Plaza]], the [[Boeing Galleries]], the [[Chase Promenade]], and the [[Nichols Bridgeway]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.millenniumpark.org/documents/5x7in.pdf |title=Map of Millennium Park |publisher=Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs, City of Chicago |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101205164954/http://millenniumpark.org/documents/5x7in.pdf |archive-date=December 5, 2010 |access-date=August 10, 2010 }}</ref>

Millennium Park is considered one of the largest [[green roof]]s in the world, having been constructed on top of a railroad yard and large parking garages.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/id/24056306 |title=Green roofs popping up in big cities: Environmentally friendly industry rapidly coming into its own |author=Nelson, Bryn |date=April 15, 2008 |publisher=NBC News |access-date=August 10, 2010 |archive-date=December 25, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131225060228/http://www.nbcnews.com/id/24056306/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> The park, which is known for being user friendly, has a very rigorous cleaning schedule with many areas being swept, wiped down or cleaned multiple times a day.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info:sid/iw.newsbank.com:NewsBank:CSTB&rft_val_format=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:ctx&rft_dat=10EAA2ED7B4D80D8&svc_dat=InfoWeb:aggregated5&req_dat=AA98CDC331574F0ABEAFF732B33DC0B2 |title=New amenities for Millennium Park?: Company proposes baby strollers, Disney training for workers |access-date=June 1, 2008 |date=December 16, 2005 |work=Chicago Sun-Times |author=Spielman, Fran |archive-date=May 4, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150504211630/http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info%3Asid%2Fiw.newsbank.com%3ANewsBank%3ACSTB&rft_val_format=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Actx&rft_dat=10EAA2ED7B4D80D8&svc_dat=InfoWeb%3Aaggregated5&req_dat=AA98CDC331574F0ABEAFF732B33DC0B2 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info:sid/iw.newsbank.com:NewsBank:CSTB&rft_val_format=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:ctx&rft_dat=103FD8B48E46925A&svc_dat=InfoWeb:aggregated5&req_dat=AA98CDC331574F0ABEAFF732B33DC0B2 |title=New city jewel invites us downtown to play |access-date=July 25, 2008 |date=July 16, 2004 |work=Chicago Sun-Times |archive-date=January 8, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160108063237/http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info%3Asid%2Fiw.newsbank.com%3ANewsBank%3ACSTB&rft_val_format=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Actx&rft_dat=103FD8B48E46925A&svc_dat=InfoWeb%3Aaggregated5&req_dat=AA98CDC331574F0ABEAFF732B33DC0B2 |url-status=live }}</ref> Although the park was unveiled in July 2004, some features opened earlier, and upgrades continued for some time afterwards.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2005-01-10/news/0501100048_1_benches-millennium-park-ed-uhlir |title=Park reflects vision still in its infancy – Upgrades for Millennium site are in the works, with more on way |access-date=August 4, 2008 |date=January 10, 2005 |work=Chicago Tribune |author=Dardick, Hal |archive-date=May 3, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120503101015/http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2005-01-10/news/0501100048_1_benches-millennium-park-ed-uhlir |url-status=dead }}</ref> Along with the cultural features above ground (described below) the park has its own 2218-space parking garage.<ref name=Anptiags/>

===Jay Pritzker Pavilion===
{{Main|Jay Pritzker Pavilion}}
[[File:20090814 Pritzker Pavilion on Beethoven's 9th Day crop.JPG|thumb|left|Concertgoers listen to [[Symphony No. 9 (Beethoven)|Beethoven's Ninth Symphony]] at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion, the centerpiece of Millennium Park.]]
The centerpiece of Millennium Park is the Jay Pritzker Pavilion,<ref>{{cite news |url=https://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/USAToday/access/664722041.html?dids=664722041:664722041&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&date=Jul+15%2C+2004&author=Debbie+Howlett&pub=USA+TODAY&edition=&startpage=A.03&desc=%27A+band+shell+on+steroids%27 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120713002248/http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/USAToday/access/664722041.html?dids=664722041:664722041&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&date=Jul+15,+2004&author=Debbie+Howlett&pub=USA+TODAY&edition=&startpage=A.03&desc='A+band+shell+on+steroids' |url-status=dead |archive-date=July 13, 2012 |title=A band shell on steroids |access-date=July 31, 2008 |date=July 15, 2004 |work=[[USA Today]] |author=Howlett, Debbie}}</ref> a [[bandshell]] designed by Frank Gehry. The pavilion has 4,000 fixed seats, plus additional lawn seating for 7,000;<ref name=MPF&F>{{cite web |url=http://www.millenniumpark.org/artandarchitecture/jay_pritzker_factsheet.html |title=Facts and Dimensions of Jay Pritzker Pavilion |publisher=City of Chicago |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070814101255/http://www.millenniumpark.org/artandarchitecture/jay_pritzker_factsheet.html |archive-date=August 14, 2007 |access-date=September 20, 2007 }}</ref> the stage is framed by curving plates of stainless steel, characteristic of Gehry. It was named after [[Jay Pritzker]], whose family is known for owning [[Hyatt Hotels]] and was a major donor. The Pritzker Pavilion is Grant Park's outdoor performing arts venue for small events, and complements [[Petrillo Music Shell]], the park's older and larger bandshell. The pavilion is built partially atop the Harris Theater for Music and Dance, the park's indoor performing arts venue, with which it shares a loading dock and backstage facilities.<ref name=JWaIBHTfMaD>{{cite news |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/2004/07/18/joan-w-and-irving-b-harris-theater-for-music-and-dance/ |title=Joan W. and Irving B. Harris Theater for Music and Dance&nbsp;– **&nbsp;– 205 E. Randolph Drive&nbsp;– Hammond Beeby Rupert Ainge, Chicago |access-date=June 6, 2008 |date=July 18, 2004 |work=Chicago Tribune |author=Kamin, Blair |archive-date=November 3, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131103113354/http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2004-07-18/news/0407180375_1_star-lobby-framed |url-status=live }}</ref> The pavilion is seen as a major upgrade from the Petrillo Music Shell for those events it hosts.<ref name=MM/> Initially, the pavilion's lawn seats were free for all concerts, but this changed when [[Tori Amos]] performed the first rock concert there on August 31, 2005.<ref name=HocfMPc>{{cite news |url=http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info:sid/iw.newsbank.com:NewsBank:CSTB&rft_val_format=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:ctx&rft_dat=10CEE1EF3961DD78&svc_dat=InfoWeb:aggregated5&req_dat=AA98CDC331574F0ABEAFF732B33DC0B2 |title=Howls over charge for Millennium Park concert // Watchdog contends lawn seats supposed to be free |access-date=May 18, 2008 |date=September 1, 2005 |work=Chicago Sun-Times |author=Herrmann, Andrew |archive-date=January 18, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150118164150/http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info%3Asid%2Fiw.newsbank.com%3ANewsBank%3ACSTB&rft_val_format=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Actx&rft_dat=10CEE1EF3961DD78&svc_dat=InfoWeb%3Aaggregated5&req_dat=AA98CDC331574F0ABEAFF732B33DC0B2 |url-status=live }}</ref>

The Pritzker Pavilion is the home of the Grant Park Symphony Orchestra and Chorus and the [[Grant Park Music Festival]], the nation's only remaining free, municipally supported, outdoor, classical music series.{{sfn|Macaluso|Bachrach|Samors|2009|p=viii}} The Festival is presented by the [[Chicago Park District]] and the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.grantparkmusicfestival.com |title=Grant Park Music Festival |access-date=June 15, 2010 |publisher=Grant Park Music Festival |archive-date=June 25, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140625040220/http://www.grantparkmusicfestival.com/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The Pavilion hosts a wide range of other music series and annual performing arts events.<ref>{{cite web |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080801040136/http://www.millenniumpark.org/parkevents/jazz.aspx |archive-date=August 1, 2008 |url=http://www.millenniumpark.org/parkevents/jazz.aspx |access-date=September 21, 2007 |title=Calendar of Millennium Park Free Programs: Jazz |publisher=City of Chicago }}</ref><ref name=AcmmaPfra>{{cite news |url=http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info:sid/iw.newsbank.com:NewsBank:CSTB&rft_val_format=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:ctx&rft_dat=10CF366622FB2B70&svc_dat=InfoWeb:aggregated5&req_dat=AA98CDC331574F0ABEAFF732B33DC0B2 |title=Amos creates musical magic as Pritzker's first rock act |access-date=May 18, 2008 |date=September 2, 2005 |work=Chicago Sun-Times |author=Orloff, Brian |archive-date=November 26, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151126061708/http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info%3Asid%2Fiw.newsbank.com%3ANewsBank%3ACSTB&rft_val_format=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Actx&rft_dat=10CF366622FB2B70&svc_dat=InfoWeb%3Aaggregated5&req_dat=AA98CDC331574F0ABEAFF732B33DC0B2 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=CoTharihoc>{{cite news |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/2005/09/02/church-of-tori-holds-a-revival-in-heart-of-city/ |title=Church of Tori holds a revival in heart of city |access-date=May 18, 2008 |date=September 2, 2005 |work=Chicago Tribune |author=Elder, Robert K. |archive-date=May 3, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120503101027/http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2005-09-02/features/0509010296_1_tori-amos-band-shell-songs |url-status=live }}</ref> Performers ranging from mainstream rock bands to classical musicians and opera singers have appeared at the pavilion,{{sfn|Macaluso|Bachrach|Samors|2009|p=182}} which also hosts physical fitness activities such as yoga.<ref>{{cite web |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080625073424/http://www.millenniumpark.org/parkevents/fitness.aspx |archive-date=June 25, 2008 |url=http://www.millenniumpark.org/parkevents/fitness.aspx |access-date=September 21, 2007 |title=Calendar of Millennium Park Free Programs: Fitness |publisher=City of Chicago }}</ref> All rehearsals at the pavilion are open to the public; trained guides are available for the music festival rehearsals, which are well-attended.{{sfn|Macaluso|Bachrach|Samors|2009|p=216}}

The construction of the pavilion created a legal controversy, given that there are historic limitations on buildings in Grant Park. To avoid these legal restrictions, the city classifies the bandshell as a work of art rather than a building.<ref name=IafoGPCmfasr>{{cite news |url=http://www.economist.com/world/unitedstates/displaystory.cfm?story_id=9905732 |title=In a fight over Grant Park, Chicago's mayor faces a small revolt |access-date=July 31, 2008 |date=October 4, 2007 |publisher=The Economist Newspaper Limited |newspaper=[[The Economist]] |url-access=subscription |archive-date=March 6, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090306184224/http://www.economist.com/world/unitedstates/displaystory.cfm?story_id=9905732 |url-status=live }}</ref> With several design and assembly problems, the construction plans were revised over time, with features eliminated and others added as successful fundraising allowed the budget to grow.<ref name=CTMPD/> In the end, the performance venue was designed with a large fixed seating area, a Great Lawn, a [[Trellis (architecture)|trellis]] network to support the sound system, and a headdress fashioned from signature Gehry stainless steel.{{sfn|Sharoff|2004|p=24}} It features a sound system with an acoustic design that replicates an indoor concert hall sound experience.<ref name=JPMPSaGaiL>{{cite web |url=http://www.lares-lexicon.com/millenium/millenium.html |access-date=September 20, 2007 |title=The Jay Pritzker Music Pavilion Sounds as Good as it Looks |publisher=LARES Associates |author=Delacoma, Wayne |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070919182703/http://www.lares-lexicon.com/millenium/millenium.html |archive-date=September 19, 2007 }}</ref> The pavilion and Millennium Park have received favorable recognition by critics, especially for their accessibility; an accessibility award ceremony held at the pavilion in 2005 described it as "one of the most accessible parks—not just in the United States but possibly the world".<ref name=PVA>{{cite web |url=http://pvamag.com/pn/article/1551/chicagosnew_class_act |title=Chicago's New Class Act |access-date=December 21, 2007 |date=July 2005 |publisher=Paralyzed Veterans of America |work=PN |author=Deyer, Joshua |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190413082445/http://pvamag.com/pn/article/1551/chicagosnew_class_act |archive-date=April 13, 2019 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

===Grainger Plaza and Cloud Gate===
{{Main|Grainger Plaza|Cloud Gate}}

The Grainger Plaza (formerly AT&T Plaza) is a public space that hosts the ''[[Cloud Gate]]'' sculpture.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.pbcchicago.com/upload/454.pdf |title=Millennium Park News |publisher=Public Building Commission of Chicago |date=Winter 2001–2002 |access-date=July 6, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080910132602/http://www.pbcchicago.com/upload/454.pdf |archive-date=September 10, 2008 }}</ref> The plaza opened in July 2004 with the unveiling of the sculpture during the grand opening weekend of the park. [[Ameritech]] donated $3&nbsp;million for the naming right for the plaza, but it was SBC Plaza when the park opened, as a merger had changed the company name to [[SBC Communications]].<ref name=CTMPD/><ref name=DotM>{{cite news |url=http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info:sid/iw.newsbank.com:NewsBank:CREB&rft_val_format=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:ctx&rft_dat=106D2CDD4BC4B85F&svc_dat=InfoWeb:aggregated5&req_dat=AA98CDC331574F0ABEAFF732B33DC0B2 |title=Dawn of the Millennium |access-date=September 19, 2008 |date=July 16, 2004 |work=[[RedEye]] |archive-date=March 4, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304043743/http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info%3Asid%2Fiw.newsbank.com%3ANewsBank%3ACREB&rft_val_format=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Actx&rft_dat=106D2CDD4BC4B85F&svc_dat=InfoWeb%3Aaggregated5&req_dat=AA98CDC331574F0ABEAFF732B33DC0B2 |url-status=live }}</ref> The 2005 merger of SBC and [[AT&T Corporation]] led to the name AT&T Plaza. In 2021, the Grainger Foundation established a $5 million endowment to support the ongoing enhancement of the plaza (now called Grainger Plaza) and Cloud Gate. The sculpture and the Grainger Plaza are located on top of [[Park Grill]], between the Chase Promenade and McCormick Tribune Plaza & Ice Rink. The plaza has become a place to view the McCormick Tribune Plaza & Ice Rink. During the holiday season, the plaza hosts Christmas caroling.<ref name=HdtcCs>{{cite news |url=http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info:sid/iw.newsbank.com:NewsBank:NWRB&rft_val_format=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:ctx&rft_dat=11591906F4834490&svc_dat=InfoWeb:aggregated5&req_dat=AA98CDC331574F0ABEAFF732B33DC0B2 |title=Head downtown to catch Christmas spirit |access-date=September 14, 2008 |date=November 21, 2006 |work=[[Northwest Herald]] |archive-date=January 8, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160108063237/http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info%3Asid%2Fiw.newsbank.com%3ANewsBank%3ANWRB&rft_val_format=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Actx&rft_dat=11591906F4834490&svc_dat=InfoWeb%3Aaggregated5&req_dat=AA98CDC331574F0ABEAFF732B33DC0B2 |url-status=live }}</ref>

''Cloud Gate'', dubbed "The Bean" by Chicagoans because of its legume-like shape, is a three-story reflective steel sculpture. The first public artwork in the United States by world-renowned artist [[Anish Kapoor]], the privately funded piece cost $23&nbsp;million, considerably more than the original estimate of $6&nbsp;million. Composed of 168 stainless steel plates welded together, its highly polished exterior has no visible seams. It is {{convert|33|x|66|x|42|ft|m}} and weighs {{convert|110|ST|t LT|0|lk=on|sp=us}}.{{sfn|Gilfoyle|2006|p=165}} Its smooth shape and mirror-like surface were inspired by liquid mercury. It reflects the city skyline,{{sfn|Sharoff|2004|p=61}}<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ft.com/content/63ad44b2-2196-11da-a603-00000e2511c8 |title=Classical city soars above Capone clichés |access-date=July 31, 2008 |date=September 10, 2005 |publisher=The Financial Times Ltd |work=[[The Financial Times]] |author1=Daniel, Caroline |author2=Jeremy Grant |name-list-style=amp |url-access=registration |archive-date=September 7, 2009 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20090907060900/http://www.ft.com/cms/s/63ad44b2-2196-11da-a603-00000e2511c8,Authorised=false.html?_i_location=https://www.ft.com/content/63ad44b2-2196-11da-a603-00000e2511c8 |url-status=live }}</ref> particularly the [[Historic Michigan Boulevard District|historic Michigan Avenue "streetwall"]], and the sky.{{sfn|Sharoff|2004|p=45}}{{sfn|Jodidio|2005|pp=120–122}} It provides striking reflections of visitors,<ref name="AKPPF" /> who can walk around and under its {{convert|12|ft|m|adj=on}} high arch. On the underside is the "omphalos" (Greek for "navel"), a concave chamber that warps and multiplies reflections. The sculpture builds upon many of Kapoor's artistic themes, and is a popular photo subject with tourists.{{sfn|Baume|2008|pp=18, 26}}

After Kapoor's design for the sculpture was selected in a design competition,{{sfn|Sharoff|2004|p=61}} numerous technological concerns regarding its construction and assembly arose,{{sfn|Gilfoyle|2006|p=165}}<ref name="findarticle">{{cite news |url=http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m1248/is_10_92/ai_n7576767 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20041222123527/http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m1248/is_10_92/ai_n7576767 |url-status=dead |archive-date=December 22, 2004 |access-date=May 31, 2008 |title=Sunday afternoon in the Cyber-Age Park: the city's new greensward features Frank Gehny's latest, plus "interactive" sculptural works by Jaume Plensa and Anish Kapoor |work=Art in America |author=Schulze, Franz }}</ref><ref name="construction"/>{{sfn|Sharoff|2004|p=55}} in addition to concerns about the sculpture's upkeep and maintenance.<ref name="construction">{{cite web |url=http://midwest.construction.com/features/archive/0410_feature7-2.asp |access-date=May 31, 2008 |title=Special Project – Chicago's Millennium Park Project |work=[[McGraw-Hill Construction]] |author=Steele, Jeffrey |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081012235350/http://midwest.construction.com/features/archive/0410_feature7-2.asp |archive-date=October 12, 2008 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref name="BghcbAAKabsbaoCGaMdciMP">{{cite news |url=http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2006-05-16/news/0605160259_1_bean-cloud-gate-millennium-park |title=Bean's gleam has creator beaming – Artist Anish Kapoor admits being surprised by aspects of 'Cloud Gate' at Monday's dedication ceremony in Millennium Park |access-date=July 17, 2008 |date=May 16, 2006 |work=Chicago Tribune |author=Ahmed-Ullah, Noreen S. |archive-date=May 3, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120503100957/http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2006-05-16/news/0605160259_1_bean-cloud-gate-millennium-park |url-status=dead }}</ref> Experts were consulted, some of whom believed the design could not be implemented.{{sfn|Gilfoyle|2006|p=202}} Eventually, a feasible method was found, but the sculpture's construction fell behind schedule. ''Cloud Gate'' was unveiled in an incomplete form during the Millennium Park grand opening celebration,<ref name="CAI">{{cite web |url=http://www.chicagoarchitecture.info/Building/636/Cloud_Gate.php |access-date=June 1, 2008 |title=Cloud Gate |work=Chicago Architecture Info |archive-date=November 22, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181122005607/https://www.chicagoarchitecture.info/Building/636/Cloud_Gate.php |url-status=dead }}</ref> as the grid of welds around each metal panel was still visible.<ref name="pressrelease"/> The sculpture was concealed again while it was completed;<ref name="polish">{{cite news |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/topic/chi-0508240314aug24,0,1725342.story |access-date=June 3, 2008 |date=August 24, 2005 |title=Making it shine |work=Chicago Tribune |author=Nunn, Emily }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/topic/la-tr-shot2jan02,0,2354484.story |title=A place to reflect in Chicago |work=[[Los Angeles Times]] |date=January 2, 2005 |access-date=June 1, 2008 |archive-date=September 7, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090907191738/http://www.chicagotribune.com/topic/la-tr-shot2jan02,0,2354484.story |url-status=live }}</ref> in early 2005, workers polished out the seams.<ref name="pressrelease">{{cite web |url=http://www.millenniumpark.org/newsandmedia/documents/CloudGateUntenting.pdf |title=Cloud Gate Sculpture in Millennium Park to be Completely Untented by Sunday, August 28 |work=Millennium Park |date=August 18, 2005 |author=Ryan, Karen |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100612233519/http://millenniumpark.org/newsandmedia/documents/CloudGateUntenting.pdf |archive-date=June 12, 2010 |access-date=June 1, 2008 }}</ref> ''Cloud Gate'' was formally dedicated on May 15, 2006,<ref name="bean">{{cite web |author=Carlson, Prescott |title=Chicago's Millennium Park |work=Chicago Travel |publisher=About.com |url=http://gochicago.about.com/od/attractionsandlandmarks/ss/millennium_park_6.htm |access-date=January 26, 2010 |archive-date=March 13, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090313232817/http://gochicago.about.com/od/attractionsandlandmarks/ss/millennium_park_6.htm |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite episode |url=http://www.wttw.com/main.taf?p=28,3,1,1&Date=05%2F15%2F2006&et=%20-%20Week%20Of%20May%2015%2C%202006 |title=The Bean Unveiled |series=[[Chicago Tonight]] |airdate=May 15, 2006 |station=[[WTTW]] |location=[[Chicago]] |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091003165049/http://www.wttw.com/main.taf?p=28%2C3%2C1%2C1&Date=05%2F15%2F2006&et=%20-%20Week%20Of%20May%2015%2C%202006 |archive-date=October 3, 2009 }}</ref> and it has since gained considerable popularity, domestically and internationally.<ref name="AKPPF">{{cite magazine |url=http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1812056,00.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080612125038/http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1812056,00.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=June 12, 2008 |title=Anish Kapoor: Past, Present, Future |access-date=July 6, 2008 |date=June 5, 2008 |magazine=Time |author=Lacayo, Richard }}</ref><ref name="TWAM2-3">{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2008/05/25/arts/25weekahead.html |title=The Week Ahead: May 25–31 |access-date=June 2, 2008 |date=May 25, 2008 |work=The New York Times |author=Kennedy, Randy |archive-date=August 5, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140805135605/http://www.nytimes.com/2008/05/25/arts/25weekahead.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9806EED71E3BF930A25754C0A9629C8B63 |title=Letter From Chicago; A Prized Project, a Mayor and Persistent Criticism |access-date=July 30, 2008 |date=July 13, 2004 |author=Kinzer, Stephen |work=The New York Times |archive-date=March 7, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090307053618/http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9806EED71E3BF930A25754C0A9629C8B63 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/USAToday/access/687931411.html?dids=687931411:687931411&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&date=Sep+3%2C+2004&author=&pub=USA+TODAY&edition=&startpage=D.08&desc=What+have+artists+wrought+from+9%2F11%3F |title=What have artists wrought from 9/11? |access-date=July 31, 2008 |date=September 3, 2004 |work=USA Today |archive-date=September 17, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090917210849/http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/USAToday/access/687931411.html?dids=687931411:687931411&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&date=Sep+3%2C+2004&author=&pub=USA+TODAY&edition=&startpage=D.08&desc=What+have+artists+wrought+from+9%2F11%3F |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref name="TBA">{{cite magazine |url=http://www.time.com/time/bestandworst/2004/arch.html |title=The Best Architecture |magazine=Time |author=Lacayo, Richard |date=December 18, 2004 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080510154129/http://www.time.com/time/bestandworst/2004/arch.html |archive-date=May 10, 2008 |access-date=June 3, 2008 }}</ref>

===Crown Fountain===
{{Main|Crown Fountain}}
[[File:20070616 Crown Fountain (6).JPG|thumb|175px|left|Videos are displayed on ''Crown Fountain''. Water falls from the top between videos.<ref name=WotwAJPrtfft2c/>]]
The ''Crown Fountain'' is an interactive work of public art and [[video sculpture]], named in honor of Chicago's [[Lester Crown|Crown family]] and opened in July 2004. It was designed by [[Catalan people|Catalan]] conceptual artist [[Jaume Plensa]] and executed by [[Krueck and Sexton Architects]].<ref name=Artropolis/><ref name=AT>{{cite web |url=http://www.architechmag.com/articles/detailarchitech.asp?articleid=2622 |title=Crown Fountain |publisher=Stamats Business Media |date=July–August 2005 |work=Archi•Tech |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061202104702/http://www.architechmag.com/articles/detailarchitech.asp?articleid=2622 |archive-date=December 2, 2006 |access-date=June 13, 2007 }}</ref> The fountain is composed of a black granite reflecting pool placed between a pair of transparent [[glass brick]] towers. The towers are {{convert|50|ft|m}} tall,<ref name=Artropolis>{{cite web |url=http://mmart.com/artropolis/citywide_events/public_art/index.html |access-date=June 13, 2007 |year=2007 |publisher=Merchandise Mart Properties, Inc |title=Artropolis |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071105232924/http://mmart.com/artropolis/citywide_events/public_art/index.html |archive-date=November 5, 2007 }}</ref> and use [[light-emitting diode]]s behind the bricks to display digital videos on their inward faces. Construction and design of the ''Crown Fountain'' cost $17&nbsp;million.<ref name=CsCFuLlad>{{cite web |url=http://www.ledsmagazine.com/features/2/5/3 |title=Chicago's stunning Crown Fountain uses LED lights and displays |access-date=March 18, 2008 |date=May 2005 |publisher=PennWell Corporation |work=LEDs Magazine |archive-date=March 21, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080321050512/http://www.ledsmagazine.com/features/2/5/3 |url-status=live }}</ref>

Weather permitting, the water operates from May to October,<ref name="Frequently Asked Questions">{{cite web |url=http://egov.cityofchicago.org/city/webportal/portalCategoryTreeAction.do?deptMainCategoryOID=-536887892&categoryPath=%2fCity+Agencies%2fCity+Departments%2fCity+of+Chicago%2fSub+Agencies%2fMillennium+Park%2fFAQ+Categories&success=FAQ&entityName=Millennium+Park&topChannelName=SubAgency&contentType=COC_FAQ&com.broadvision.session.new=Yes |title=Frequently Asked Questions |access-date=June 8, 2008 |publisher=City of Chicago |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090307000417/http://egov.cityofchicago.org/city/webportal/portalCategoryTreeAction.do?deptMainCategoryOID=-536887892&categoryPath=%2FCity%2BAgencies%2FCity%2BDepartments%2FCity%2Bof%2BChicago%2FSub%2BAgencies%2FMillennium%2BPark%2FFAQ%2BCategories&success=FAQ&entityName=Millennium%2BPark&topChannelName=SubAgency&contentType=COC_FAQ&com.broadvision.session.new=Yes |archive-date=March 7, 2009 }}</ref> intermittently cascading down the two towers and spouting through a nozzle on each tower's front face. To achieve the effect in which water appears to be flowing from subjects' mouths, each video has a segment where the subject's lips are puckered, which is then timed to correspond to the spouting water, reminiscent of [[gargoyle]] fountains; this happens roughly every five minutes.<ref name=CDoCA>{{cite web |url=http://www.millenniumpark.org/artandarchitecture/crown_fountain.html |title=The Crown Fountain |publisher=Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070608095149/http://www.millenniumpark.org/artandarchitecture/crown_fountain.html |archive-date=June 8, 2007 |access-date=June 13, 2007 }}</ref> The park and fountain are open to the public daily from 6&nbsp;a.m. to 11&nbsp;p.m.<ref name="MPgeninfo">{{cite web |url=http://www.millenniumpark.org/generalinformation/ |publisher=City of Chicago |title=Millennium Park: General Information |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080730174640/http://www.millenniumpark.org/generalinformation/ |archive-date=July 30, 2008 |access-date=August 3, 2008 }}</ref>

Residents and critics have praised the fountain for its artistic and entertainment features.<ref name=WotwAJPrtfft2c>{{cite news |url=http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info:sid/iw.newsbank.com:NewsBank:CSTB&rft_val_format=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:ctx&rft_dat=103F33C4C7E1B57A&svc_dat=InfoWeb:aggregated5&req_dat=AA98CDC331574F0ABEAFF732B33DC0B2 |title=Walking on the water—Artist Jaume Plensa reinvents the fountain for the 21st century |access-date=July 25, 2008 |date=July 12, 2004 |work=Chicago Sun-Times |author=Nance, Kevin |archive-date=December 8, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151208074331/http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info%3Asid%2Fiw.newsbank.com%3ANewsBank%3ACSTB&rft_val_format=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Actx&rft_dat=103F33C4C7E1B57A&svc_dat=InfoWeb%3Aaggregated5&req_dat=AA98CDC331574F0ABEAFF732B33DC0B2 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=CFsss1MDaMAJPBwK&SAC>{{cite news |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/2004/07/18/crown-fountain-2/ |title=Crown Fountain—***1/2*—Monroe Drive and Michigan Avenue—Jaume Plensa, Barcelona with Krueck & Sexton Architects, Chicago |access-date=July 25, 2008 |date=July 18, 2004 |work=Chicago Tribune |author=Kamin, Blair |archive-date=May 3, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120503101154/http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2004-07-18/news/0407180377_1_glass-block-towers-millennium-park |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=CarNoosrcbapc>{{cite news |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090306172529/http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=%2Fchronicle%2Farchive%2F2006%2F07%2F30%2FTRGPUK5SDH1.DTL |archive-date=March 6, 2009 |url=http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/chronicle/archive/2006/07/30/TRGPUK5SDH1.DTL |title=Chicago's architectural razzmatazz: New or old, skyscrapers reflect city's brash and playful character |access-date=July 31, 2008 |date=July 30, 2006 |work=[[San Francisco Chronicle]] |author=King, John |url-status=dead }}</ref> It highlights Plensa's themes of dualism, light, and water, extending the use of video technology from his prior works.{{sfn|Gilfoyle|2006|p=288}} The fountain promotes physical interaction between the public and the water in an artistic setting. Both the fountain and Millennium Park are highly accessible because of their universal design.<ref name=PVA/>

The ''Crown Fountain'' has been the most controversial of all the Millennium Park features. Before it was built, some were concerned that the sculpture's height violated the aesthetic tradition of the park.{{sfn|Gilfoyle|2006|pp=290–291}} New concerns were raised after the construction when the surveillance cameras were installed atop the fountain, which led to a public outcry (and their quick removal).<ref name=Asaaclp>{{cite news |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/2006/12/20/artworks-stand-alone-as-cameras-lose-perch/ |title=Artworks stand alone as cameras lose perch |access-date=April 22, 2008 |date=December 20, 2006 |author=Janega, James |work=Chicago Tribune |archive-date=May 3, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120503100846/http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2006-12-20/news/0612200316_1_cameras-millennium-park-homeland-security |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=ATWABS>{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2006/12/28/us/28cameras.html |title=A Tempest When Art Became Surveillance |access-date=April 12, 2008 |date=December 28, 2006 |author=Sander, Libby |work=The New York Times |archive-date=November 29, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121129014629/http://www.nytimes.com/2006/12/28/us/28cameras.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=Janega>{{cite news |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/2006/12/19/now-the-giant-faces-really-are-watching/ |title=Now the Giant Faces Really are Watching |access-date=April 22, 2008 |date=December 19, 2006 |author=Janega, James |work=Chicago Tribune |archive-date=May 3, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120503100857/http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2006-12-19/news/0612190277_1_cameras-millennium-park-public-art |url-status=live }}</ref> However, the fountain has survived its somewhat contentious beginnings to find its way into Chicago pop culture. It is a popular subject for photographers and a common gathering place. While some of the videos displayed are of scenery, most attention has focused on its video clips of local residents, in which almost a thousand Chicagoans randomly appear on two screens.<ref name=Hystf>{{cite news |url=http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info:sid/iw.newsbank.com:NewsBank:CSTB&rft_val_format=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:ctx&rft_dat=119F8FEDC3E36068&svc_dat=InfoWeb:aggregated5&req_dat=AA98CDC331574F0ABEAFF732B33DC0B2 |title=Have you seen this face?; Many have yet to see their own images |work=Chicago Sun-Times |date=June 24, 2007 |access-date=April 22, 2008 |author=Nance, Kevin |archive-date=January 8, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160108063237/http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info%3Asid%2Fiw.newsbank.com%3ANewsBank%3ACSTB&rft_val_format=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Actx&rft_dat=119F8FEDC3E36068&svc_dat=InfoWeb%3Aaggregated5&req_dat=AA98CDC331574F0ABEAFF732B33DC0B2 |url-status=live }}</ref> The fountain is a public play area and offers people an escape from summer heat, allowing children to frolic in the fountain's water.<ref name=NSaHHTD>{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2006/07/18/us/18sizzle.html |title=Nation Sweats as Heat Hits Triple Digits |work=The New York Times |access-date=July 28, 2008 |date=July 18, 2006 |author=Steinhauer, Jennifer |archive-date=August 5, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140805140813/http://www.nytimes.com/2006/07/18/us/18sizzle.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

===Lurie Garden===
{{Main|Lurie Garden}}
[[File:Lurie Garden in sun.jpg|thumb|right|Lurie Garden with Pritzker Pavilion and [[Randolph Street (Chicago)|Randolph Street]] skyscrapers in the background]]
The Lurie Garden is a {{convert|2.5|acre|ha|adj=on}} public garden located at the southern end of Millennium Park; designed by [[landscape architecture]] firm GGN ([[Kathryn Gustafson|Gustafson]] Guthrie Nichol), [[Piet Oudolf]], and [[Robert Israel (garden designer)|Robert Israel]], it opened on July 16, 2004.<ref name=A&ALG/> The garden is a combination of perennials, bulbs, native [[prairie]] grasses, shrubs and trees.<ref>{{cite web |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080604153120/http://www.millenniumpark.org/artandarchitecture/luriegarden/plantlife/ |archive-date=June 4, 2008 |url=http://millenniumpark.org/artandarchitecture/luriegarden/plantlife/ |title=Art & Architecture: The Plant Life of the Lurie Garden |access-date=June 1, 2008 |publisher=City of Chicago }}</ref> It is the featured nature component of the world's largest [[green roof]]. The garden cost $13.2&nbsp;million and has a $10&nbsp;million [[financial endowment]] for maintenance and upkeep.<ref name=FGoLM/><ref>{{cite news |url=http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info:sid/iw.newsbank.com:NewsBank:CSTB&rft_val_format=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:ctx&rft_dat=103F314E0D3567B3&svc_dat=InfoWeb:aggregated5&req_dat=AA98CDC331574F0ABEAFF732B33DC0B2 |title=Sun-Times Insight |access-date=June 1, 2008 |date=July 15, 2004 |work=Chicago Sun-Times |author=Herrmann, Andrew |archive-date=April 2, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402190916/http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info%3Asid%2Fiw.newsbank.com%3ANewsBank%3ACSTB&rft_val_format=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Actx&rft_dat=103F314E0D3567B3&svc_dat=InfoWeb%3Aaggregated5&req_dat=AA98CDC331574F0ABEAFF732B33DC0B2 |url-status=live }}</ref> It was named after philanthropist Ann Lurie, who donated the $10 million endowment.<ref name=NSaCWGaG>{{cite news |url=https://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9F01EED7163AF936A25754C0A9629C8B63 |title=Nature; Softening a City With Grit and Grass |access-date=June 1, 2008 |date=July 15, 2004 |work=The New York Times |author=Raver, Anne |archive-date=June 17, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080617003432/http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9F01EED7163AF936A25754C0A9629C8B63 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=Gag>{{cite web |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/2004/07/15/glimpsing-a-garden-from-the-ground-up/ |title=Glimpsing a garden: From the ground up: Lurie will take time to reach potential |access-date=July 16, 2010 |date=July 15, 2004 |work=Chicago Tribune |author=Botts, Beth |archive-date=May 15, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120515215535/http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2004-07-15/news/0407150418_1_piet-oudolf-plants-great-garden |url-status=live }}</ref> The garden is a tribute to the city, whose motto is "''Urbs in Horto''", Latin for "City in a Garden".<ref name=A&ALG>{{cite web |url=http://millenniumpark.org/artandarchitecture/lurie_garden.html |title=Art & Architecture: Lurie Garden |publisher=City of Chicago |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080528061121/http://www.millenniumpark.org/artandarchitecture/lurie_garden.html |archive-date=May 28, 2008 |access-date=June 1, 2008 }}</ref> The Lurie Garden is composed of two "plates". The dark plate depicts Chicago's history by presenting shade-loving plants, and has a combination of trees that will provide a shade [[canopy (biology)|canopy]] for these plants when they fill in. The light plate, which has no trees, represents the city's future with sun-loving perennials that thrive in heat and light.<ref name="Frequently Asked Questions"/>

===McCormick Tribune Plaza & Ice Rink and Park Grill===
{{Main|McCormick Tribune Plaza & Ice Rink|Park Grill}}
[[File:Millennium Park Ice Skating.jpg|thumb|left|The McCormick Tribune Ice Skating Rink is a popular people-watching venue.]]
The McCormick Tribune Plaza & Ice Rink is a multipurpose venue located along the western edge of Millennium Park opposite the streetwall of the [[Historic Michigan Boulevard District]]. On December 20, 2001, it became the first attraction in Millennium Park to open,<ref name=MDMTECROSSRAMP />{{sfn|Satler|2006|p=170}} a few weeks ahead of the Millennium Park underground parking garage.<ref name=MDMTECROSSRAMP/> The $3.2&nbsp;million plaza was funded by a donation from the McCormick Tribune Foundation.<ref name=A&AMTPaIR>{{cite web |url=http://www.millenniumpark.org/artandarchitecture/mccormick_tribune.html |title=Art & Architecture: McCormick Tribune Plaza and Ice Rink |publisher=City of Chicago |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080523162736/http://www.millenniumpark.org/artandarchitecture/mccormick_tribune.html |archive-date=May 23, 2008 |access-date=June 2, 2008 }}</ref> For four months a year, it operates as McCormick Tribune Ice Rink, a free public outdoor [[ice skating rink]].<ref name=COaS>{{cite web |url=http://www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/index.cfm/fuseaction/parks.ice_skating.cfm |archive-url=https://archive.today/20060320094731/http://www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/index.cfm/fuseaction/parks.ice_skating.cfm |url-status=dead |archive-date=March 20, 2006 |title=Come Out and Skate |access-date=June 2, 2008 |publisher=[[Chicago Park District]] }}</ref> It is generally open for skating from mid-November until mid-March and hosts over 100,000 skaters annually. It is known as one of Chicago's better outdoor [[people watching]] locations during the winter months.<ref name=WDOiC>{{cite news |url=http://travel.nytimes.com/2008/01/18/travel/escapes/18urban-chicago.html |title=Winter Day Out in Chicago |access-date=June 2, 2008 |date=January 18, 2008 |work=The New York Times |author=Davey, Monica |archive-date=May 16, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080516223855/http://travel.nytimes.com/2008/01/18/travel/escapes/18urban-chicago.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=5BC1WD>{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/slideshow/2008/01/18/travel/escapes/20080118_URBAN_SLIDESHOW_index.html |title=5 Big Cities, 1 Winter Day (Slideshow) |access-date=June 2, 2008 |date=January 18, 2008 |work=The New York Times |author=Davey, Monica |archive-date=February 24, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080224201706/http://www.nytimes.com/slideshow/2008/01/18/travel/escapes/20080118_URBAN_SLIDESHOW_index.html |url-status=live }}</ref> The rink is operated by the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs rather than the [[Chicago Park District]],<ref>{{cite web |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100612234702/http://millenniumpark.org/documents/McCormickTribuneIceRink2007.pdf |archive-date=June 12, 2010 |url=http://www.millenniumpark.org/documents/McCormickTribuneIceRink2007.pdf |title=The McCormick Tribune Ice Rink in Millennium Park Opens for the 2007–08 Season on Wednesday, November 14 |publisher=Chicago Department of Public Affairs |date=October 12, 2007 |access-date=February 27, 2010 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100209030708/http://www.millenniumpark.org/contact_us.html |archive-date=February 9, 2010 |url=http://www.millenniumpark.org/contact_us.html |title=Contact Us |access-date=February 24, 2010 |publisher=Millennium Park }}</ref> which operates most major public ice skating rinks in Chicago.<ref name=COaS/>

For the rest of the year, it serves as The Plaza at Park Grill or Park Grill Plaza, Chicago's largest [[al fresco dining]] facility.<ref name=YOT/> The 150-seat outdoor restaurant offers scenic views of the park, and hosts various culinary events and musical performances during its months of operation.<ref name=YOT>{{cite web |url=http://www.parkgrillchicago.com/terrace/index.asp |title=Your Outdoor Table |publisher=parkgrillchicago.com |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080611192709/http://www.parkgrillchicago.com/terrace/index.asp |archive-date=June 11, 2008 |url-status=usurped |access-date=June 2, 2008 }}</ref><ref name=PGE&A>{{cite web |url=http://www.parkgrillchicago.com/events/index.asp |title=Park Grill Events & Activities |access-date=June 2, 2008 |publisher=parkgrillchicago.com |url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080518001729/http://www.parkgrillchicago.com/events/index.asp |archive-date=May 18, 2008 }}</ref> From June 21 to September 15, 2002, the plaza served as an open-air exhibition space and hosted the inaugural exhibit in Millennium Park, ''[[Exelon]] Presents Earth From Above'' by [[Yann Arthus-Bertrand]], a French [[aerial photography|aerial photographer]].<ref>{{cite news |url=http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info:sid/iw.newsbank.com:NewsBank:CTRB&rft_val_format=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:ctx&rft_dat=0F4418972DE89EA8&svc_dat=InfoWeb:aggregated5&req_dat=AA98CDC331574F0ABEAFF732B33DC0B2 |title=Metro |access-date=June 14, 2008 |date=June 19, 2002 |work=Chicago Tribune |archive-date=January 8, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160108063237/http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info%3Asid%2Fiw.newsbank.com%3ANewsBank%3ACTRB&rft_val_format=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Actx&rft_dat=0F4418972DE89EA8&svc_dat=InfoWeb%3Aaggregated5&req_dat=AA98CDC331574F0ABEAFF732B33DC0B2 |url-status=live }}</ref>

The Park Grill Plaza is affiliated with the 300-seat indoor [[Park Grill]] restaurant, located beneath the Grainger Plaza and ''Cloud Gate''. The Park Grill is the only full-service restaurant in Millennium Park and opened on November 24, 2003.<ref name=Quigley>{{cite news |author=Quigley, Kelly |title=Millennium Park eatery to debut |newspaper=Crain's Chicago Business |date=November 21, 2003 |url=http://www.chicagobusiness.com/cgi-bin/news.pl?id=10762 |access-date=March 13, 2003 |archive-date=October 19, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211019212536/https://www.chicagobusiness.com/?id=10762 |url-status=live }}</ref> It regularly places among the leaders in citywide best-of competitions for best burger,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://chicago.metromix.com/restaurants/article/chicagos-best-burgers/182620/content |date=June 14, 2005 |author=Vettel, Phil |title=Metromix Chicago: Chicago's best burgers |publisher=chicago.metromix.com |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100401223900/http://chicago.metromix.com/restaurants/article/chicagos-best-burgers/182620/content |archive-date=April 1, 2010 |access-date=March 16, 2010 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Chicagoist: The Way They Make You Feel: Trib Ranks Best Burgers |url=http://chicagoist.com/2005/06/14/the_way_they_make_you_feel_trib_ranks_best_burgers.php |date=June 14, 2005 |access-date=March 16, 2010 |publisher=[[Chicagoist]] |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120403035550/http://chicagoist.com/2005/06/14/the_way_they_make_you_feel_trib_ranks_best_burgers.php |archive-date=April 3, 2012 }}</ref><ref>{{cite journal |journal=Time Out Chicago |url=http://chicago.timeout.com/articles/student-guide/22325/classic |title=Student Guide: Best Burgers |date=September 12, 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100213125106/http://chicago.timeout.com/articles/student-guide/22325/classic |archive-date=February 13, 2010 |access-date=March 16, 2010 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |work=[[Chicago (magazine)|Chicago Magazine]] |url=http://www.chicagomag.com/Chicago-Magazine/August-2008/Best-of-Chicago/Page-2/ |title=Best of Chicago |editor1=Graham Meyer |editor2=Jennifer Tanaka |date=August 2008 |access-date=March 16, 2009 |archive-date=March 29, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090329050341/http://www.chicagomag.com/Chicago-Magazine/August-2008/Best-of-Chicago/Page-2/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |publisher=[[Citysearch]] |url=http://chicago.citysearch.com/bestof/winners/2008/hamburger |title=Best Chicago Hamburgers 2008 |access-date=March 17, 2010 |archive-date=September 23, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090923174215/http://chicago.citysearch.com/bestof/winners/2008/hamburger |url-status=live }}</ref> and it is widely praised for its views.<ref>{{cite web |publisher=zagat.com |url=http://www.zagat.com/Blog/Detail.aspx?SNP=NC&SCID=35&BLGID=20276 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131017223050/http://www.zagat.com/Blog/Detail.aspx?SNP=NC&SCID=35&BLGID=20276 |url-status=dead |archive-date=October 17, 2013 |title=Zagat Buzz: Chicago Edition. "Do It Outdoors." |date=April 24, 2009 |access-date=March 16, 2010 }}</ref><ref>{{cite journal |journal=New City Chicago |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070815091926/http://www.newcitychicago.com/chicago/4171.html |archive-date=August 15, 2007 |url=http://www.newcitychicago.com/chicago/4171.html |title=Resto 100: Chicago's Essential Restaurants |author=editorial staff |date=March 1, 2005 |access-date=March 16, 2010 }}</ref><ref name=Zag0607>{{cite book |title=2006/07 Chicago Restaurants |publisher=[[Zagat Survey]] |year=2006 |editor=Simmons, Daniel |isbn=1-57006-801-1 |url=https://archive.org/details/zagatsurvey2006200zaga }}</ref><ref name=Zag0809>{{cite book |title=08/09 Chicago Restaurants |publisher=[[Zagat Survey]] |year=2008 |editor=Lynn, Allison |isbn=978-1-57006-981-9 }}</ref> The restaurant has been the focus of controversies about the numerous associates of Mayor Daley who are investors, its exclusive location and lucrative contract terms. One of the most financially successful restaurants in Chicago, the Park Grill remains exempt from [[property taxes]] after a multi-year litigation which reached the [[appellate courts]] in Illinois.<ref name=stillno>{{cite news |author=Joravsky, Ben |url=http://www.chicagoreader.com/chicago/still-no-property-tax-bill-for-the-park-grill/Content?oid=1153186 |title=Still No Property Tax Bill for the Park Grill: The restaurant under the Bean wins another round in its fight to avoid paying up like everybody else. |work=[[Chicago Reader]] |access-date=Mar 15, 2010 |date=July 16, 2009 |archive-date=July 18, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090718201516/http://www.chicagoreader.com/chicago/still-no-property-tax-bill-for-the-park-grill/Content?oid=1153186 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=cloutcafe>{{cite news |author=Rhodes, Steve |url=http://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local-beat/Clout-Cafe-Wins-Again.html |title=Clout Cafe Wins Again |work=NBC Chicago |access-date=March 15, 2010 |date=July 28, 2009 |archive-date=October 19, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211019212456/https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/clout-cafe-wins-again/1842196/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |author=Schroedter, Andrew |title=Park Grill not required to pay property taxes: ruling |work=Crain's Chicago Business |url=http://www.chicagorealestatedaily.com/cgi-bin/news.pl?id=34582 |date=June 29, 2009 |access-date=March 17, 2010 |archive-date=August 31, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090831043344/http://www.chicagorealestatedaily.com/cgi-bin/news.pl?id=34582 |url-status=live }}</ref>

===BP Pedestrian Bridge===
{{Main|BP Pedestrian Bridge}}
[[File:Bp bridge.JPG|thumb|The serpentine [[BP Pedestrian Bridge]] is architect [[Frank Gehry]]'s first bridge.]]
The BP Pedestrian Bridge is a [[girder bridge|girder]] [[footbridge]] over Columbus Drive that connects Millennium Park with [[Maggie Daley Park]] (formerly, Daley Bicentennial Plaza), both parts of the larger Grant Park. The pedestrian bridge is the first bridge Gehry designed to be built, and was named for [[BP|BP plc]], which donated $5&nbsp;million to the construction of the park.<ref name=GSaSBPPB>{{cite web |url=http://www.glasssteelandstone.com/BuildingDetail/641.php |title=BP Pedestrian Bridge |access-date=May 31, 2008 |publisher=Artefaqs Corporation |work=Glass, Steel and Stone |url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080608214211/http://www.glasssteelandstone.com/BuildingDetail/641.php |archive-date=June 8, 2008 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info:sid/iw.newsbank.com:NewsBank:CTRB&rft_val_format=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:ctx&rft_dat=0ED5C2B4DC1C36DF&svc_dat=InfoWeb:aggregated5&req_dat=AA98CDC331574F0ABEAFF732B33DC0B2 |title=Band shell cost heads skyward – Millennium Park's new concert venue may top $40 million |access-date=June 1, 2008 |date=July 2, 2001 |work=Chicago Tribune |author=Cohen, Laurie |archive-date=December 20, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141220180046/http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info%3Asid%2Fiw.newsbank.com%3ANewsBank%3ACTRB&rft_val_format=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Actx&rft_dat=0ED5C2B4DC1C36DF&svc_dat=InfoWeb%3Aaggregated5&req_dat=AA98CDC331574F0ABEAFF732B33DC0B2 |url-status=live }}</ref> It opened on July 16, 2004, along with the rest of Millennium Park.<ref name=CIIC>{{cite web |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080608174705/http://www.greenroofs.org/washington/index.php?page=millenium |archive-date=June 8, 2008 |url=http://www.greenroofs.org/washington/index.php?page=millenium |title=Category: Intensive Industrial/Commercial |access-date=May 30, 2008 |publisher=Green Roofs for Healthy Cities |year=2005 }}</ref> Gehry had been courted by the city to design the bridge and the neighboring Jay Pritzker Pavilion, and eventually agreed to do so after the [[Pritzker family]] funded the Pavilion.<ref name=AWCDTHETAFC/><ref name=RfGPtg>{{cite news |url=http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info:sid/iw.newsbank.com:NewsBank:CSTB&rft_val_format=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:ctx&rft_dat=0EB4240F126851DB&svc_dat=InfoWeb:aggregated5&req_dat=AA98CDC331574F0ABEAFF732B33DC0B2 |title=Room for Grant Park to grow |access-date=July 24, 2008 |date=April 28, 1999 |work=Chicago Sun-Times |author=Spielman, Fran |archive-date=December 20, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141220172846/http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info%3Asid%2Fiw.newsbank.com%3ANewsBank%3ACSTB&rft_val_format=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Actx&rft_dat=0EB4240F126851DB&svc_dat=InfoWeb%3Aaggregated5&req_dat=AA98CDC331574F0ABEAFF732B33DC0B2 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=Aobthbbt2c>{{cite news |url=http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info:sid/iw.newsbank.com:NewsBank:CSTB&rft_val_format=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:ctx&rft_dat=0EB4240F06C75DE5&svc_dat=InfoWeb:aggregated5&req_dat=AA98CDC331574F0ABEAFF732B33DC0B2 |title=Architect on board to help build bridge to 21st century |access-date=July 24, 2008 |date=April 28, 1999 |work=Chicago Sun-Times |author=De LaFuente, Della |archive-date=December 20, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141220174057/http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info%3Asid%2Fiw.newsbank.com%3ANewsBank%3ACSTB&rft_val_format=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Actx&rft_dat=0EB4240F06C75DE5&svc_dat=InfoWeb%3Aaggregated5&req_dat=AA98CDC331574F0ABEAFF732B33DC0B2 |url-status=live }}</ref> The bridge is known for its aesthetics, and Gehry's style is seen in its [[Biomorphism|biomorphic]] allusions and extensive sculptural use of stainless steel plates to express abstraction. The bridge is referred to as snakelike in character due to its curving form.<ref name=BBCCDFGLA/> The bridge's design, which meets highway standards to accommodate rushes of pedestrian traffic simultaneously exiting Pritzker Pavilion events,<ref name=Cbbatr>{{cite news |url=http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info:sid/iw.newsbank.com:NewsBank:CTRB&rft_val_format=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:ctx&rft_dat=102BCA56A3A39038&svc_dat=InfoWeb:aggregated5&req_dat=AA98CDC331574F0ABEAFF732B33DC0B2 |title=Curvy bridge bends all the rules – With its whimsical, wavy design, the new Millennium Park bridge has Chicagoans likening it to a skateboard, a snake—even a spaceship |access-date=May 30, 2008 |date=May 22, 2004 |publisher=Newsbank |work=Chicago Tribune |author=Janega, James |archive-date=December 20, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141220174012/http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info%3Asid%2Fiw.newsbank.com%3ANewsBank%3ACTRB&rft_val_format=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Actx&rft_dat=102BCA56A3A39038&svc_dat=InfoWeb%3Aaggregated5&req_dat=AA98CDC331574F0ABEAFF732B33DC0B2 |url-status=live }}</ref> enables it to bear a heavy load.<ref name=BBCCDFGLA>{{cite news |url=http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info:sid/iw.newsbank.com:NewsBank:CTRB&rft_val_format=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:ctx&rft_dat=103E954260CCFD7C&svc_dat=InfoWeb:aggregated5&req_dat=AA98CDC331574F0ABEAFF732B33DC0B2 |title=BP Bridge- **** – Crossing Columbus Drive – Frank Gehry, Los Angeles |access-date=June 1, 2008 |date=July 18, 2004 |work=Chicago Tribune |author=Kamin, Blair |archive-date=December 20, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141220173051/http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info%3Asid%2Fiw.newsbank.com%3ANewsBank%3ACTRB&rft_val_format=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Actx&rft_dat=103E954260CCFD7C&svc_dat=InfoWeb%3Aaggregated5&req_dat=AA98CDC331574F0ABEAFF732B33DC0B2 |url-status=live }}</ref>

The pedestrian bridge serves as a [[noise barrier]] for the pavilion, blocking traffic sounds from Columbus Drive. It is a connecting link between Millennium Park and destinations to the east, such as the nearby lakefront, other parts of Grant Park and a parking garage.<ref name=HasbgCfp/> The BP Bridge uses a concealed [[box girder]] design with a concrete base, and its deck is covered by hardwood floor boards.{{sfn|Gilfoyle|2006|pp=196–201}} It is designed without handrails, using stainless steel [[parapet]]s instead.<ref name=BBCCDFGLA/> The total length is {{convert|935|ft}}, with a five percent slope on its inclined surfaces that makes it [[barrier-free]] and accessible.<ref name=GDABTFO>{{cite news |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/2000/06/23/gehrys-design-a-bridge-too-far-out/ |title=Gehry's Design: A Bridge Too Far Out? |access-date=June 1, 2008 |date=June 23, 2000 |work=Chicago Tribune |author=Kamin, Blair |archive-date=May 3, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120503101234/http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2000-06-23/features/0006230110_1_pedestrian-bridge-gehry-s-design-bandshell |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://millenniumpark.org/artandarchitecture/bp_bridge.html |title=Art & Architecture: BP Bridge |publisher=City of Chicago |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080526012144/http://www.millenniumpark.org/artandarchitecture/bp_bridge.html |archive-date=May 26, 2008 |access-date=May 31, 2008 }}</ref> It has won awards for its use of sheet metal.<ref name=FAFCTTCAPBFC>{{cite web |url=http://www.asm-expertise.com/whatspossible/index.cfm?fuseaction=view_article&article_id=2473 |title=Form And Function Come Together To Create A Pedestrian Bridge For Chicago: Millennium Park BP Pedestrian Bridge, Chicago, Ill. |work=Architectural Metal Expertise |publisher=SMILMCF |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120509235845/http://www.som.com/content.cfm/millennium_park_bp_pedestrian_bridge |archive-date=May 9, 2012 |access-date=May 31, 2008 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.som.com/content.cfm/millennium_park_bp_pedestrian_bridge |title=Millennium Park – BP Pedestrian Bridge |publisher=[[Skidmore, Owings & Merrill]] |access-date=May 28, 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090522004456/http://som.com/content.cfm/millennium_park_bp_pedestrian_bridge |archive-date=May 22, 2009 }}</ref> Although the bridge is closed in winter because ice cannot be safely removed from its wooden walkway, it has received favorable reviews for its design and aesthetics.<ref name=PVA/>

===Harris Theater===
{{Main|Harris Theater (Chicago, Illinois)}}
[[File:20071007 Harris Theater and Heritage.JPG|thumb|left|Harris Theater from [[Randolph Street]]]]
The Joan W. and Irving B. Harris Theater for Music and Dance is a 1525-seat theater for the performing arts located along the northern edge of Millennium Park. Constructed in 2002–03, it is the city's premier performance venue for small- and medium-sized performance groups,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.millenniumpark.org/artandarchitecture/harris_theater.html |title=Art & Architecture: Joan W. and Irving B. Harris Theater for Music and Dance |publisher=City of Chicago |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080511163212/http://www.millenniumpark.org/artandarchitecture/harris_theater.html |archive-date=May 11, 2008 |access-date=June 3, 2008 }}</ref> which had previously been without a permanent home and were underserved by the city's performing venue options.<ref name=HTfMaDaMP>{{cite web |url=http://www.harristheaterchicago.org/about/history |title=History of the Harris Theater |publisher=Harris Theater for Music and Dance at Millennium Park |year=2006 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080509195232/http://www.harristheaterchicago.org/about/history |archive-date=May 9, 2008 |access-date=June 4, 2008 }}</ref> The theater, which is largely underground due to Grant Park-related height restrictions, was named for its primary benefactors, Joan and [[Irving Harris]].<ref name=IBH9PaED>{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2004/09/28/obituaries/28harris.html |title=I. B. Harris, 94, Philanthropist and Executive, Dies |access-date=June 4, 2008 |date=September 28, 2004 |work=The New York Times |archive-date=February 1, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130201005508/http://www.nytimes.com/2004/09/28/obituaries/28harris.html |url-status=live }}</ref>
It serves as the park's indoor performing venue, a compliment to Jay Pritzker Pavilion, which hosts the park's outdoor performances. Among the regularly featured local groups are the [[Joffrey Ballet]], [[Hubbard Street Dance Chicago]] and [[Chicago Opera Theater]].<ref>{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=7K3TWOqxMQwC&pg=PA251 |title=Frommer's Chicago 2010 |publisher=[[Frommer's]] |author=Blackwell, Elizabeth Canning |isbn=978-0-470-50468-0 |pages=251–252 |date=November 16, 2009 |access-date=November 5, 2015 |archive-date=January 8, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160108063237/https://books.google.com/books?id=7K3TWOqxMQwC&pg=PA251 |url-status=live }}</ref> It provides subsidized rental, technical expertise, and marketing support for the companies using it,<ref name=AHTM>{{cite web |url=http://www.harristheaterchicago.org/about/mission |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080509195530/http://www.harristheaterchicago.org/about/mission |archive-date=May 9, 2008 |title=Abouth Harris Theater: Mission |access-date=June 4, 2008 |publisher=Harris Theater for Music and Dance at Millennium Park }}</ref> and turned a profit in its fourth fiscal year.<ref name=HTbtn>{{cite news |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/2008/09/14/harris-theater-by-the-numbers/ |title=Harris Theater by the numbers |access-date=April 14, 2010 |date=September 14, 2008 |work=Chicago Tribune |archive-date=July 14, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714154656/http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2008-09-14/news/0809120463_1_harris-theater-dance-seating |url-status=live }}</ref>

The Harris Theater has hosted notable national and international performers, such as the [[New York City Ballet]], which made its first visit to Chicago in over 25&nbsp;years (in 2006). The theater began offering subscription series of traveling performers in its 2008–09 fifth anniversary season.<ref name=HUBSSY>{{cite web |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/2008/03/26/harris-unveils-biggest-subscription-series-yet/ |title=Harris Unveils Biggest Subscription Series Yet |access-date=June 4, 2008 |date=March 26, 2008 |work=Chicago Tribune |author=von Rhein, John |archive-date=March 2, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140302081924/http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2008-03-26/features/0803240123_1_english-concert-toru-takemitsu-san-francisco-ballet |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="HTFMADAAWC5AS ..." >{{cite web |url=http://www.harristheaterchicago.org/files/Fall%2008-09%20season%20release%20FINAL.pdf |title=Harris Theater For Music And Dance Announces A World-Class 5th Anniversary Season Featuring The First-Ever Harris Theater Presents Series Of Chicago Premieres, Artistic Collaborations And A Line-up Of Some Of The World's Notable Artists Working Today |access-date=June 4, 2008 |publisher=harristheaterchicago.org |date=April 2, 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080910132709/http://www.harristheaterchicago.org/files/Fall%2008-09%20season%20release%20FINAL.pdf |archive-date=September 10, 2008 }}</ref><ref name=COPucfwVo>{{cite news |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/2006/04/27/charter-one-pavilion-ups-cool-factor-with-vip-offer/ |title=Charter One Pavilion ups cool factor with VIP offer |access-date=April 15, 2010 |date=April 27, 2006 |work=Chicago Tribune |author=Robinson, Regina |archive-date=July 17, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110717164824/http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2006-04-27/entertainment/0604260246_1_hot-tickets-box-seats-zappa-plays-zappa |url-status=live }}</ref> Performances through this series have included the [[San Francisco Ballet]],<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.sfballet.org/about/pressroom/pressreleases/view.asp?id=10193100 |title=San Francisco Ballet—America's Oldest Professional Ballet Company—Embarks on a Four-city American Tour as Part of Its Year-long 75th Anniversary Celebration |access-date=April 13, 2010 |date=June 10, 2008 |publisher=[[San Francisco Ballet]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101224092113/http://www.sfballet.org/about/pressroom/pressreleases/view.asp?id=10193100 |archive-date=December 24, 2010 |url-status=dead }}</ref> [[Mikhail Baryshnikov]], and [[Stephen Sondheim]].<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/2009/05/06/baryshnikov-lang-at-harris-theater/ |title=A starry Harris Theater lineup on tap for '09–'10 |access-date=April 13, 2010 |date=May 6, 2009 |work=Chicago Tribune |author=von Rhein, John |archive-date=July 17, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110717162039/http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2009-05-06/entertainment/0905050388_1_lang-lang-composer-and-lyricist-harris-theater |url-status=live }}</ref>

The theater has been credited as contributing to the performing arts renaissance in Chicago,<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/2008/11/09/chicago-theater-groups-need-own-homes-and-identities/ |title=Chicago theater groups need own homes—and identities: Economy woes limit new building options for many arts entities |access-date=April 15, 2010 |date=November 9, 2008 |work=Chicago Tribune |author=Jones, Chris |archive-date=July 17, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110717164835/http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2008-11-09/news/0811070234_1_arts-organizations-harris-theater-artistic-director |url-status=live }}</ref> and it has been favorably reviewed for its [[acoustics]], [[sightline]]s, [[proscenium]] and for providing a home base for numerous performing organizations.<ref name=JWaIBHTfMaD/><ref name=delacoma>{{cite news |url=http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info:sid/iw.newsbank.com:NewsBank:CSTB&rft_val_format=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:ctx&rft_dat=10821951F4DC7332&svc_dat=InfoWeb:aggregated5&req_dat=C23BE832E46446E3AEC1CCAEBDEAF5AE |title=Glover finds right balance for Mozart |access-date=April 17, 2010 |date=January 26, 2005 |work=Chicago Sun-Times |author=Delacoma, Wynne |page=50 |archive-date=October 19, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211019212504/https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=NewsBank&docref=news%2F10821951F4DC7332&f=basic |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=Escmfaif/> Although it is seen as a high-caliber venue for its music audiences, the theater is regarded as less than ideal for jazz groups, because it is more expensive and larger than most places where jazz is performed.<ref name=Escmfaif>{{cite news |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/2008/09/14/expansive-site-costs-make-for-an-imperfect-fit/ |title=Expansive site, costs make for an imperfect fit |access-date=April 17, 2010 |date=September 14, 2008 |work=Chicago Tribune |author=Reich, Howard |archive-date=July 17, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110717165320/http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2008-09-14/news/0809120451_1_arts-groups-jazz-showcase-chicago-jazz-ensemble |url-status=live }}</ref> The design has been criticized for traffic flow problems, with an elevator bottleneck.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/2008/09/14/the-rise-of-the-harris-theater/ |title=The rise of the Harris Theater: At age 5, the Millennium Park venue has become a pivotal part of Chicago's cultural landscape with a slate of programming to rival any single-venue arts center in the nation |access-date=April 14, 2010 |date=September 14, 2008 |author=Jones, Chris |work=Chicago Tribune |archive-date=July 17, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110717162511/http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2008-09-14/news/0809120528_1_wry-resignation-millennium-park-harris-theater |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=TF>{{cite news |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/2008/09/14/the-finances/ |title=The Finances: With a good bottom line, a look toward the future: Harris Theater At 5 |access-date=April 14, 2010 |date=September 14, 2008 |work=Chicago Tribune |author=Storch, Charles |archive-date=July 17, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110717162225/http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2008-09-14/news/0809120454_1_harris-theater-joan-harris-troupes |url-status=live }}</ref> However, the theater's prominent location and its underground design to preserve Millennium Park have been praised.<ref name=JWaIBHTfMaD/> Although there were complaints about high-priced events in its early years, discounted ticket programs were introduced in the 2009–10 season.<ref name=CHTtWBBaLLi2>{{cite web |url=http://www.playbillarts.com/features/article/8083.html |title=Chicago's Harris Theater to Welcome Baryshnikov, Battle and Lang Lang in 2009–2010 |access-date=April 17, 2010 |date=August 19, 2009 |publisher=[[Playbill]] |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090801022945/http://www.playbillarts.com/features/article/8083.html |archive-date=August 1, 2009 }}</ref>

===Wrigley Square===
{{Main|Wrigley Square}}
[[File:Millennium Monument in Wrigley Square.jpg|thumb|upright|The Millennium Monument in Wrigley Square]]
Wrigley Square is a public square located in the northwest corner of Millennium Park near the intersection of East [[Randolph Street (Chicago)|Randolph Street]] and North [[Michigan Avenue (Chicago)|Michigan]], across from the [[Historic Michigan Boulevard District]].<ref name=A&AWSaMMP>{{cite web |url=http://www.millenniumpark.org/artandarchitecture/wrigley_square.html |title=Art & Architecture: Wrigley Square and Millennium Monument (Peristyle) |publisher=City of Chicago |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080528061131/http://www.millenniumpark.org/artandarchitecture/wrigley_square.html |archive-date=May 28, 2008 |access-date=June 3, 2008 }}</ref> It contains the Millennium Monument, a nearly full-sized replica of the semicircle of paired Greek [[Doric order|Doric]]-style columns (called a [[peristyle]]) that originally sat in this area of Grant Park between 1917 and 1953.<ref name=A&AWSaMMP/> The square also contains a large lawn and a public fountain. The [[Wrigley Company|William Wrigley, Jr. Foundation]] contributed $5&nbsp;million for the monument and square, which was named in its honor.<ref name=MPIMMPaWSS>{{cite web |url=http://www.chipublib.org/cplbooksmovies/cplarchive/archivalcoll/mpi_mill_wrigleysquare.php |title=Millennium Park Inc. – Millennium Monument (Peristyle) and Wrigley Square Series |access-date=June 3, 2008 |publisher=[[Chicago Public Library]] |archive-date=February 11, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120211150838/http://www.chipublib.org/cplbooksmovies/cplarchive/archivalcoll/mpi_mill_wrigleysquare.php |url-status=live }}</ref> The pedestal of the Millennium Monument's peristyle is inscribed with the names of the 115 financial donors who made the 91 contributions of at least $1&nbsp;million each to help pay for Millennium Park.<ref name=AABSBDBA>{{cite news |url=https://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9901E2D61F3BF93BA25754C0A9629C8B63 |title=ART/ARCHITECTURE; Big Shoulders, Big Donors, Big Art |access-date=June 1, 2008 |date=July 18, 2004 |author=Bernstein, Fred A. |work=The New York Times |archive-date=June 8, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080608215203/http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9901E2D61F3BF93BA25754C0A9629C8B63 |url-status=live }}</ref>

===McDonald's Cycle Center===
{{Main|McDonald's Cycle Center}}
[[File:Front of Mcdonalds Bike Center.JPG|thumb|left|McDonald's Cycle Center was sponsored by [[McDonald's]] after the park opened.]]
The McDonald's Cycle Center is a 300-space heated and air conditioned indoor [[bike station]] located in the northeast corner of Millennium Park. The facility provides lockers, showers, a snack bar with outdoor summer seating, bike repair, bike rental and other amenities for downtown [[bicycle commuting|bicycle commuters]] and [[utility cycling|utility cyclists]]. The bike station also accommodates runners and [[in-line skating|in-line skaters]],<ref name=DONMPBS>{{cite web |url=http://www.pbcchicago.com/content/about/press_detail.asp?pID=153 |title=Daley Opens New Millennium Park Bicycle Station |access-date=June 24, 2010 |date=July 19, 2004 |publisher=City of Chicago |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110715060039/http://www.pbcchicago.com/content/about/press_detail.asp?pID=153 |archive-date=July 15, 2011 }}</ref><ref name=MPBSOVCO>{{cite web |url=http://www.aia.org/aiarchitect/thisweek05/tw0325/0325pw_bike.htm |title=Millennium Park Bike Station Offers Viable Commuting Option |access-date=June 8, 2008 |date=March 2005 |publisher=The American Institute of Architects |work=[[AIArchitect]] |author=Livingston, Heather |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080121093344/http://www.aia.org/aiarchitect/thisweek05/tw0325/0325pw_bike.htm |archive-date=January 21, 2008 }}</ref><ref name=A&AMCC>{{cite web |url=http://www.millenniumpark.org/artandarchitecture/bicycle_parking.html |title=Art & Architecture: McDonald's Cycle Center |publisher=City of Chicago |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080528061107/http://www.millenniumpark.org/artandarchitecture/bicycle_parking.html |archive-date=May 28, 2008 |access-date=June 8, 2008 }}</ref> and provides space for a [[Chicago Police Department]] Bike Patrol Group.<ref name=BS>{{cite news |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/2004/07/18/bicycle-station/ |title=Bicycle Station – *** – Near Randolph and Columbus Drives – Muller & Muller, Chicago |access-date=June 8, 2008 |date=July 18, 2004 |work=Chicago Tribune |author=Kamin, Blair |archive-date=July 14, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714112330/http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2004-07-18/news/0407180376_1_bike-station-bicycle-station-star |url-status=live }}</ref> The city-built center opened in July 2004 as the Millennium Park Bike Station; since June 2006, it has been sponsored by [[McDonald's]] and several other partners, including city departments and bicycle advocacy organizations.<ref name=A&AMCC/><ref name=ORPTBBC>{{cite news |url=http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info:sid/iw.newsbank.com:NewsBank:ORGB&rft_val_format=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:ctx&rft_dat=10AF036993EB48E3&svc_dat=InfoWeb:aggregated5&req_dat=0D0CB579A3BDA420 |title=Official Recruits Portland To Build Bike Center |access-date=July 28, 2009 |date=June 23, 2005 |work=[[The Oregonian]] |author=Brettman, Allan |archive-date=October 19, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211019212547/https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/user/login?destination=document-view%3Fp%3DAWNB%26docref%3Dnews%2F10AF036993EB48E3%26f%3Dbasic |url-status=live }}</ref> Suburban Chicago-based McDonald's sponsorship of the Cycle Center fit in well with its efforts to help its customers become more healthy by encouraging "balanced, active lifestyles".<ref name=IMismnam>{{cite news |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/2006/06/18/if-mcdonalds-is-serious-menu-needs-a-makeover/ |title=If McDonald's is serious, menu needs a makeover |access-date=June 8, 2008 |date=June 18, 2006 |work=Chicago Tribune |author=Deardorff, Julie |archive-date=July 28, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140728085238/http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2006-06-18/features/0606180349_1_ronald-mcdonald-trans-fats-school-day |url-status=live }}</ref> The Cycle Center is accessible by membership and day pass.<ref name=Gig>{{cite news |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/2005/04/29/get-in-gear-2/ |title=Get in gear! – It's bike season, and we take you on a monthlong tour of the best cycling activities |access-date=July 27, 2009 |date=April 29, 2005 |work=Chicago Tribune |author=George, Doug |archive-date=May 3, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120503101033/http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2005-04-29/entertainment/0504290295_1_bike-racks-bike-lanes-bicycles |url-status=live }}</ref>

Planning for the Cycle Center was part of the larger "Bike 2010 Plan", in which the city aimed to make itself more accommodating to bicycle commuters. This plan (since replaced by the "Bike 2015 Plan"<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.bike2015plan.org |title=Bike 2015 Plan |access-date=July 27, 2009 |publisher=City of Chicago |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090628191042/http://www.bike2015plan.org/ |archive-date=June 28, 2009 |url-status=dead }}</ref>) included provisions for front-mounted two-bike carriers on [[Chicago Transit Authority]] (CTA) buses, permitting bikes to be carried on [[Chicago 'L']] trains, installing numerous bike racks and creating bicycle lanes in streets throughout the city.<ref name=Bdpmtcier/> Additionally, the [[Chicago metropolitan area]]'s other mass transit providers, Metra and [[Pace (transit)|Pace]], have developed increased bike accessibility.<ref name=LD>{{cite news |url=http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info:sid/iw.newsbank.com:NewsBank:DSOB&rft_val_format=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:ctx&rft_dat=10DCE567E5CFF650&svc_dat=InfoWeb:aggregated5&req_dat=AA98CDC331574F0ABEAFF732B33DC0B2 |title=Local Digest |access-date=June 8, 2008 |date=October 24, 2005 |work=[[Daily Southtown]] |archive-date=April 2, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402095702/http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info%3Asid%2Fiw.newsbank.com%3ANewsBank%3ADSOB&rft_val_format=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Actx&rft_dat=10DCE567E5CFF650&svc_dat=InfoWeb%3Aaggregated5&req_dat=AA98CDC331574F0ABEAFF732B33DC0B2 |url-status=live }}</ref> Mayor Daley was an advocate of the plan, noting it is also an environmentally friendly effort to cut down on traffic.<ref name=Bdpmtcier>{{cite news |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/2003/06/13/bike-depot-plan-may-turn-commute-into-easy-ride/ |title=Bike depot plan may turn commute into easy ride |access-date=June 8, 2008 |date=June 13, 2003 |work=Chicago Tribune |author=Washburn, Gary |archive-date=May 3, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120503101254/http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2003-06-13/news/0306130192_1_bike-station-bicycle-friendly-city-juice-bar |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=Mtsbc>{{cite news |url=http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info:sid/iw.newsbank.com:NewsBank:CTRB&rft_val_format=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:ctx&rft_dat=1122A7E0F197D945&svc_dat=InfoWeb:aggregated5&req_dat=AA98CDC331574F0ABEAFF732B33DC0B2 |title=McDonald's to sponsor bicycle center |access-date=June 8, 2008 |date=June 10, 2006 |work=Chicago Sun-Times |archive-date=April 2, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402201833/http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info%3Asid%2Fiw.newsbank.com%3ANewsBank%3ACTRB&rft_val_format=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Actx&rft_dat=1122A7E0F197D945&svc_dat=InfoWeb%3Aaggregated5&req_dat=AA98CDC331574F0ABEAFF732B33DC0B2 |url-status=live }}</ref> Environmentalists, [[urban planner]]s and cycling enthusiasts around the world have expressed interest in the Cycle Center, and want to emulate what they see as a success story in urban planning and transit-oriented development.<ref name=ORPTBBC/><ref name=BsiWCssTtw>{{cite news |url=http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info:sid/iw.newsbank.com:NewsBank:TRSB&rft_val_format=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:ctx&rft_dat=11980169C7681A58&svc_dat=InfoWeb:aggregated5&req_dat=0D0CB579A3BDA420 |title=Bike station in Windy City should show T.O. the way – Chicago's Cycle Center offers parking, showers; similar plan envisioned for Toronto's downtown |access-date=July 28, 2009 |date=June 1, 2007 |work=[[Toronto Star]] |author=Kalinowski, Tess |archive-date=October 19, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211019212525/https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/user/login?destination=document-view%3Fp%3DAWNB%26docref%3Dnews%2F11980169C7681A58%26f%3Dbasic |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=Wiw>{{cite news |url=http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info:sid/iw.newsbank.com:NewsBank:ASA2&rft_val_format=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:ctx&rft_dat=11956CB6C158E4F8&svc_dat=InfoWeb:aggregated5&req_dat=0D0CB579A3BDA420 |title=Would it work (here?) |access-date=July 28, 2009 |date=May 25, 2007 |work=[[The Age]] |author=Barrett, Peter |archive-date=October 19, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211019212505/https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/user/login?destination=document-view%3Fp%3DAWNB%26docref%3Dnews%2F11956CB6C158E4F8%26f%3Dbasic |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=BFLOITC>{{cite news |url=http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info:sid/iw.newsbank.com:NewsBank:BGBK&rft_val_format=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:ctx&rft_dat=105441D4055B625E&svc_dat=InfoWeb:aggregated5&req_dat=0D0CB579A3BDA420 |title=Bicyclists Feel Left Out In The Cold – Bikers Put Out After T Moves Racks Outdoors |access-date=July 28, 2009 |date=September 19, 2004 |work=[[The Boston Globe]] |author=Krcmar, Steven }}</ref> Pro-cycling and environmentalist journalists in publications well beyond Chicago have described the Cycle Center as exemplary, impressive, unique and ground-breaking.<ref name=ORPTBBC/><ref name=BsiWCssTtw/> The ''[[Toronto Star]]'' notes that it is revered as "a kind of [[Shangri-La]]", and describes it as "a jewel-like glass building on the Chicago waterfront, <nowiki>[that]</nowiki> has many of the amenities of an upscale health club ... close to the heart of the city", with the additional statement that "It's not heaven, but it's close".<ref name=BsiWCssTtw/> A Vancouver official told ''[[The Oregonian]]'' that it was "the ultimate in bicycle stations", and would be natural for bicycle friendly cities to emulate.<ref name=ORPTBBC/>

===Exelon Pavilions===
{{Main|Exelon Pavilions}}
[[File:Northwest Pavilion.jpg|thumb|175px|The Northwest Exelon Pavilion is Millennium Park's Welcome Center.]]
The Exelon Pavilions are a set of four [[solar energy]]-generating structures in Millennium Park. The pavilions provide sufficient energy to power the equivalent of 14 [[Energy star]]-rated energy-efficient houses in Chicago.<ref name=A&AEPMPWCaGE/> The pavilions were designed in January 2001 and construction began in January 2004. The Southeast and Southwest Exelon Pavilions (jointly the South Exelon Pavilions) along Madison Street were completed and opened in July 2004, and flank the Lurie Garden. The Northeast and Northwest Exelon Pavilions (jointly the North Exelon Pavilions) flank the Harris Theater along Randolph Street and were completed in November 2004, with a grand opening on April 30, 2005.<ref name=A&AEPFaF>{{cite web |url=http://www.millenniumpark.org/artandarchitecture/exelon_pavilions_factsheet.html |title=Art & Architecture: Exelon Pavilions Facts and Figures |publisher=City of Chicago |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080229071150/http://www.millenniumpark.org/artandarchitecture/exelon_pavilions_factsheet.html |archive-date=February 29, 2008 |access-date=June 7, 2008 }}</ref> Besides producing energy, three of the four pavilions provide access to the park's underground parking garages and the fourth serves as the park's welcome center.<ref name=A&AEPMPWCaGE>{{cite web |url=http://www.millenniumpark.org/artandarchitecture/exelon_pavilions.html |title=Art & Architecture: Exelon Pavilions: Millennium Park Welcome Center and Garage Entrances |publisher=City of Chicago |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080526012150/http://www.millenniumpark.org/artandarchitecture/exelon_pavilions.html |archive-date=May 26, 2008 |access-date=June 7, 2008 }}</ref> [[Exelon]], a company that generates the electricity transmitted by its subsidiary [[Commonwealth Edison]],<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/2004/07/18/exelon-pavilions/ |title=Exelon Pavilions |author=Kamin, Blair |access-date=June 24, 2010 |date=July 18, 2004 |work=Chicago Tribune |archive-date=October 14, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131014213955/http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2004-07-18/news/0407180379_1_solar-panels-star-millennium-park |url-status=live }}</ref> donated approximately $6&nbsp;million for the pavilions.<ref>{{cite news |title=Sun-Times Insight |date=July 15, 2004 |work=Chicago Sun-Times |author=Herrmann, Andrew |page=16 }}</ref>

===Boeing Galleries===
{{Main|Boeing Galleries}}
[[File:In Search of Paradise.jpg|thumb|175px|left|Boeing Galleries during the 2006 ''In Search of Paradise'' exhibition]]
The Boeing Galleries are a pair of outdoor exhibition spaces within Millennium Park; they are located along the south and north mid-level terraces, above and east of Wrigley Square and the ''Crown Fountain''.<ref name=BtFOaGSiCMP>{{cite web |url=http://www.boeing.com/news/releases/2005/q1/nr_050316a.html |title=Boeing to Fund Open-air Gallery Spaces in Chicago's Millennium Park |access-date=June 10, 2008 |publisher=[[Boeing]] |date=March 16, 2005 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090408095007/http://www.boeing.com/news/releases/2005/q1/nr_050316a.html |archive-date=April 8, 2009 }}</ref> They were added after the park opened; in March 2005, [[Boeing]] President and [[Chief executive officer|Chief Executive Officer]] [[James A. Bell|James Bell]] announced the firm would make a $5&nbsp;million grant to fund construction of the spaces, and for an endowment to "help fund visual arts exhibitions" in them.<ref name=BtFOaGSiCMP/> The galleries, which were built between March and June 2005,<ref name=A&APBG>{{cite web |url=http://www.millenniumpark.org/artandarchitecture/bowing_galleries_factsheet.html |title=Art & Architecture: PROJECT: Boeing Galleries |publisher=City of Chicago |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080511084611/http://www.millenniumpark.org/artandarchitecture/bowing_galleries_factsheet.html |archive-date=May 11, 2008 |access-date=June 10, 2008 }}</ref> have hosted grand-scale art exhibits, some of which have run for two full summers.

===Chase Promenade===
{{Main|Chase Promenade}}
[[File:Revealing Chicago.jpg|thumb|175px|Chase Promenade during the 2005 ''Revealing Chicago'' exhibition]]
The Chase Promenade is an open-air tree-lined pedestrian walkway in Millennium Park that opened July 16, 2004. The promenade was made possible by a gift from the [[Bank One Corporation|Bank One Foundation]];<ref name=A&ACP>{{cite web |url=http://www.millenniumpark.org/artandarchitecture/chase_promenade.html |title=Art & Architecture: Chase Promenade |publisher=City of Chicago |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080528061116/http://www.millenniumpark.org/artandarchitecture/chase_promenade.html |archive-date=May 28, 2008 |access-date=June 11, 2008 }}</ref> Bank One merged with [[JPMorgan Chase]] in 2004, and the name became Chase Promenade. The {{convert|8|acre|ha|adj=on}} walkway accommodates exhibitions, festivals and other family events.<ref name=A&ACP/> It also serves as a private-event rental venue.<ref name=PGCP>{{cite web |url=http://www.millenniumpark.org/privaterentals/chase/ |title=Private Rentals: Photo Galleries: Chase Promenade |publisher=City of Chicago |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080529050146/http://www.millenniumpark.org/privaterentals/chase/ |archive-date=May 29, 2008 |access-date=June 11, 2008 }}</ref> The Chase Promenade hosted the 2009 [[Burnham Pavilions]], which were the cornerstone of the citywide [[Burnham Plan]] centennial celebration.<ref name=F>{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2008/06/24/arts/24arts-FOOTNOTES_BRF.html |title=Footnotes |access-date=July 2, 2008 |date=June 24, 2008 |work=The New York Times |author=Cohen, Patricia |archive-date=August 5, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140805140634/http://www.nytimes.com/2008/06/24/arts/24arts-FOOTNOTES_BRF.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

===Nichols Bridgeway===
{{Main|Nichols Bridgeway}}
[[File:Nichols Bridgeway South.JPG|thumb|175px|left|The Nichols Bridgeway's design was inspired by the hull of a boat]]
The Nichols Bridgeway, a pedestrian bridge that opened on May 16, 2009, connects the south end of Millennium Park with the [[Art Institute of Chicago Building#Modern Wing|Modern Wing]] of the [[Art Institute of Chicago]]. The bridge begins at the southwest end of the Jay Pritzker Pavilion's Great Lawn and extends across Monroe Street, where it connects to the third floor of the Art Institute's West Pavilion.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info:sid/iw.newsbank.com:NewsBank:CSTWE&rft_val_format=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:ctx&rft_dat=1281FF016AF2B488&svc_dat=InfoWeb:aggregated5&req_dat=0D0CB579A3BDA420 |title=Growing in style – Art Institute's Modern Wing When the $300 million expansion opens this week, visitors will find the museum easier to navigate and see 20th century masterpieces in a whole new light – from the sun |access-date=May 13, 2009 |date=May 10, 2009 |work=Chicago Sun-Times |author=Weiss, Hedy |archive-date=October 19, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211019212508/https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/user/login?destination=document-view%3Fp%3DAWNB%26docref%3Dnews%2F1281FF016AF2B488%26f%3Dbasic |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/2009/05/08/bridge-to-the-art-world/ |title=Bridge to the art world – Art Institute's new overhead walkway brings Modern Wing to the rest of the city |access-date=May 13, 2009 |date=May 8, 2009 |work=Chicago Tribune |author=Lourgos, Angie Leventis |archive-date=May 3, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120503100824/http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2009-05-08/news/0905060581_1_art-institute-modern-wing-modern-art |url-status=live }}</ref> The bridge design by [[Renzo Piano]], the architect of the Modern Wing, was inspired by the [[Hull (watercraft)|hull]] of a boat.<ref name="Chicago Tribune">{{cite news |url=http://featuresblogs.chicagotribune.com/theskyline/2008/05/new-art-institu.html |title=New Art Institute bridge to shoot over Monroe Street |access-date=June 5, 2008 |date=March 9, 2008 |work=Chicago Tribune |archive-date=May 10, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080510195131/http://featuresblogs.chicagotribune.com/theskyline/2008/05/new-art-institu.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

The Nichols Bridgeway is approximately {{cvt|620|ft|m}} long and {{cvt|15|ft|m}} wide. The bottom of the bridge is made of white, painted structural steel, the floor is made of aluminum planking and the {{convert|42|in|m|adj=on}} tall railings are steel set atop stainless steel mesh. The bridge features anti-slip walkways and heating elements to prevent the formation of ice. It meets standards for universal accessibility, as required by the [[Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990]] (ADA). The bridge is named after museum donors Alexandra and John Nichols.<ref name="nbfs">{{cite web |url=http://www.artic.edu/aic/modern_wing/press_room/nbfs.pdf |title=The Nichols Bridgeway: Fact Sheet |access-date=May 15, 2008 |work=The [[Art Institute of Chicago]] |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080705235955/http://www.artic.edu/aic/modern_wing/press_room/nbfs.pdf |archive-date=July 5, 2008 }}</ref>
{{Clear}}

==Budget==
During development and construction of the park, many structures were added, redesigned or modified. These changes often resulted in budget increases. For example, the bandshell's proposed budget was $10.8&nbsp;million. When the elaborate, cantilevered Gehry design required extra pilings to be driven into the bedrock to support the added weight, the cost of the bandshell eventually spiraled to $60.3&nbsp;million. The cost of the park, as itemized in the following table, amounted to almost $500&nbsp;million.<ref name=finally>{{cite news |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/2004/07/11/city-to-finally-open-its-new-front-yard/ |title=City to finally open its new front yard – Millennium Park's price tag tripled |access-date=June 1, 2008 |date=July 11, 2004 |work=Chicago Tribune |author=Ford, Liam |archive-date=September 12, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100912032117/http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2004-07-11/news/0407110234_1_millennium-park-petrillo-music-shell-band-shell |url-status=live }}</ref>

Mayor Daley at first placed much of the blame for the delay and cost overrun on Frank Gehry, who designed the pavilion and its connecting bridge; Daley's office later apologized to the architect.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info:sid/iw.newsbank.com:NewsBank:CSTB&rft_val_format=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:ctx&rft_dat=102DDD1FEC47B09D&svc_dat=InfoWeb:aggregated5&req_dat=AA98CDC331574F0ABEAFF732B33DC0B2 |title=Snakelike walkway by Gehry dedicated at Millennium Park |access-date=June 1, 2008 |date=May 23, 2005 |work=Chicago Sun-Times |author=Nance, Kevin |archive-date=May 4, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150504211615/http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info%3Asid%2Fiw.newsbank.com%3ANewsBank%3ACSTB&rft_val_format=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Actx&rft_dat=102DDD1FEC47B09D&svc_dat=InfoWeb%3Aaggregated5&req_dat=AA98CDC331574F0ABEAFF732B33DC0B2 |url-status=live }}</ref> A 2001 investigative report by the ''Chicago Tribune'' described the park then under construction and its budget overruns as an "expensive public-works debacle that can be traced to haphazard planning, design snafus and cronyism".<ref name="flounders">{{cite news |url=http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info:sid/iw.newsbank.com:NewsBank:CTRB&rft_val_format=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:ctx&rft_dat=0EDB47DD36D61F4A&svc_dat=InfoWeb:aggregated5&req_dat=AA98CDC331574F0ABEAFF732B33DC0B2 |title=Millennium Park flounders as deadlines, budget blown&nbsp;– Poor plans, constant changes slow progress, drive up price&nbsp;– and city taxpayers may have to help make up difference |access-date=August 10, 2010 |date=August 5, 2001 |publisher=NewsBank |work=Chicago Tribune |author1=Martin, Andrew |author2=Laurie Cohen |name-list-style=amp |archive-date=January 18, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150118162829/http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info%3Asid%2Fiw.newsbank.com%3ANewsBank%3ACTRB&rft_val_format=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Actx&rft_dat=0EDB47DD36D61F4A&svc_dat=InfoWeb%3Aaggregated5&req_dat=AA98CDC331574F0ABEAFF732B33DC0B2 |url-status=live }}</ref> According to Lois Weisberg, commissioner of the Department of Cultural Affairs, and James Law, executive director of the Mayor's Office of Special Events, once the full scope of the project was finalized the project was completed within the revised budget.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/2004/07/12/singing-the-praises-of-millennium-park/ |title=Singing the praises of Millennium Park |access-date=June 23, 2010 |date=July 12, 2004 |work=Chicago Tribune |author1=Weisberg, Lois |author2=James Law |name-list-style=amp |archive-date=May 9, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120509195237/http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2004-07-12/news/0407120185_1_millennium-park-great-lawn-parking-lots |url-status=live }}</ref>
[[Image:View of the Chicago skyline from 340 on the Park.jpg|350px|thumb|Millennium Park seen from [[340 on the Park]] in 2007; the foreground is Richard J. Daley Bicentennial Plaza (also part of [[Grant Park (Chicago)|Grant Park]], which has since been transformed into [[Maggie Daley Park]]). In the background are the [[Art Institute of Chicago]] and [[Historic Michigan Boulevard District]].]]
{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Project
! Proposed cost
! Final cost
! % of proposed
|-
|Garage
|$87.5&nbsp;million
|$105.6&nbsp;million
|121%
|-
|Metra superstructure
|$43.0&nbsp;million
|$60.6&nbsp;million
|141%
|-
|[[Jay Pritzker Pavilion]]
|$10.8&nbsp;million
|$60.3&nbsp;million
|558%
|-
|[[Harris Theater (Chicago)|Harris Theater]]
|$20.0&nbsp;million
|$60.0&nbsp;million
|300%
|-
|Park finishes/landscaping
|N/A
|$42.9&nbsp;million
|
|-
|Design and management costs
|N/A
|$39.5&nbsp;million
|
|-
|Endowment
|$10.0&nbsp;million
|$25.0&nbsp;million
|250%
|-
|''[[Crown Fountain]]''
|$15.0&nbsp;million
|$17.0&nbsp;million
|113%
|-
|[[BP Pedestrian Bridge]]
|$8.0&nbsp;million
|$14.5&nbsp;million
|181%
|-
|[[Lurie Garden]]
|$4.0–8.0&nbsp;million
|$13.2&nbsp;million
|330%–165%
|-
|''[[Cloud Gate]]'' sculpture
|$6.0&nbsp;million
|$23.0&nbsp;million
|383%
|-
|[[Exelon Pavilions]]
|N/A
|$7.0&nbsp;million
|
|-
|Peristyle/[[Wrigley Square]]
|$5.0&nbsp;million
|$5.0&nbsp;million
|100%
|-
|[[Chase Promenade]]
|$6.0&nbsp;million
|$4.0&nbsp;million
|67%
|-
|[[McCormick Tribune Plaza & Ice Rink]]
|$5.0&nbsp;million
|$3.2&nbsp;million
|64%
|-
|Misc. (fencing, terraces, graphics)
|N/A
|$1.6&nbsp;million
|
|-
|Total <small>(uses higher Lurie Garden figure)</small>
|$224.3&nbsp;million
|$482.4&nbsp;million
|215%
|-
| colspan="4" center;| Source: ''Chicago Tribune''.<ref name=finally/> Note: does not include [[Boeing Galleries]] or [[Nichols Bridgeway]].
|}

==Use==
Millennium Park had 3&nbsp;million visitors in its first year; annual attendance was projected to grow to between 3.31 and 3.65&nbsp;million by 2010.<ref name=imapct>{{cite web |url=http://www.chicagoloopalliance.com/db_images/includes/227Millennium%20Park%20Economic%20Impact%20Study%2020050503.pdf |title=Millennium Park Economic Impact Study |author1=Goodman Williams Group |author2=URS Corporation |date=April 21, 2005 |name-list-style=amp |publisher=City of Chicago Department of Planning and Development |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110708143914/http://www.chicagoloopalliance.com/db_images/includes/227Millennium%20Park%20Economic%20Impact%20Study%2020050503.pdf |archive-date=July 8, 2011 |access-date=August 11, 2010 }}</ref> According to ''Crain's Chicago Business'', however, the park had about 4 million visitors in 2009.<ref name=crain>{{cite news |title=Crain's List: Chicago's Largest Tourist Attractions (Sightseeing): Ranked by 2009 attendance |date=March 22, 2010 |page=21 |publisher=[[Crain Communications Inc.]] |work=Crain's Chicago Business }}</ref> In addition to the different uses detailed for each of the permanent features (above), the park has hosted some other notable events, including the annual Grant Park Music Festival, and two temporary pavilions to mark the centennial of [[Daniel Burnham]]'s 1909 [[Plan of Chicago]]. Millennium Park has also been featured in several films and television shows.

===Grant Park Music Festival===
{{Main|Grant Park Music Festival}}
[[File:Grant Park Music Festival Pritzker Pavilion Red View.jpg|thumb|left|A 2005 Grant Park Music Festival concert at Jay Pritzker Pavilion]]
The Grant Park Music Festival (formerly Grant Park Concerts) is an annual 10-week [[classical music]] concert series,{{sfn|Macaluso|Bachrach|Samors|2009|p=viii}} which features the [[Grant Park Symphony Orchestra]] and the Grant Park Chorus as well as guest performers and conductors.{{sfn|Macaluso|Bachrach|Samors|2009|p=168}} Since 2004, the festival has been housed in the Jay Pritzker Pavilion in Millennium Park.<ref name=JPPMP/> On occasion, the festival has been held at the Harris Theater instead of the Pritzker Pavilion.<ref name="Harris Theater">{{cite web |url=http://www.harristheaterchicago.org/current/companies/1379 |title=Harris Theater: Current Season: Grant Park Music Festival |access-date=April 13, 2010 |publisher=Harris Theater |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080704170512/http://www.harristheaterchicago.org/current/companies/1379 |archive-date=July 4, 2008 }}</ref><ref name="von Rhein, John">{{cite news |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/2009/03/18/big-plans-for-grant-park-music-festival/ |title=Grant Park Music Festival promises big 'Plans' |access-date=April 17, 2010 |date=March 18, 2009 |work=Chicago Tribune |author=von Rhein, John |archive-date=July 17, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110717165334/http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2009-03-18/entertainment/0903170335_1_petrillo-music-shell-grant-park-music-festival-chorus |url-status=live }}</ref> The festival has earned [[non-profit organization]] status,{{sfn|Macaluso|Bachrach|Samors|2009|p=168}} and claims to be the nation's only free, outdoor classical music series.<ref name=GPMF>{{cite web |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080822141110/http://www.millenniumpark.org/parkevents/gpmf.aspx |archive-date=August 22, 2008 |url=http://www.millenniumpark.org/parkevents/gpmf.aspx |access-date=September 20, 2007 |publisher=City of Chicago |title=Grant Park Music Festival }}</ref>

The Grant Park Music Festival has been a Chicago tradition since 1931, when Chicago Mayor [[Anton Cermak]] suggested free concerts to lift spirits of Chicagoans during the [[Great Depression]].{{sfn|Tiebert|2007|p=263}}{{sfn|Knox|Belcher|2002|p=15}} The tradition of symphonic Grant Park Music Festival concerts began in 1935. The 2004 season, during which the festival moved to the Pritzker Pavilion, was the event's 70th season.<ref name=JPPMP>{{cite web |url=http://chicago.metromix.com/theater/theater/jay-pritzker-pavilion-millennium-grant-park-museums/144955/content |title=Jay Pritzker Pavilion, Millennium Park |publisher=metromix.com |work=Metromix Chicago |access-date=September 20, 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080411042055/http://chicago.metromix.com/theater/theater/jay-pritzker-pavilion-millennium-grant-park-museums/144955/content |archive-date=April 11, 2008 }}</ref> Formerly, the Grant Park Music Festival was held at the [[Petrillo Music Shell]] in [[Grant Park (Chicago)|Grant Park]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.lares-lexicon.com/millenium/millenium.html |access-date=September 20, 2007 |title=The Jay Pritzker Music Pavilion Sounds as Good as it Looks |author=Delacoma, Wynne |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070919182703/http://www.lares-lexicon.com/millenium/millenium.html |archive-date=September 19, 2007 }}</ref>

Over time the festival has had various financial supporters, three primary locations and one name change. At times it has been broadcast nationally on the [[NBC|National Broadcasting Corporation]] (NBC) and [[CBS|Columbia Broadcasting Service]] (CBS) radio networks, and many of the world's leading classical musicians have performed there.{{sfn|Knox|Belcher|2002|p=15}} In 2000, the festival organizers agreed to release some of the concerts to the public via [[compact disc]] recordings.{{sfn|Macaluso|Bachrach|Samors|2009|p=204}}

===Installation of Burnham Pavilions in 2009===
{{Main|Burnham Pavilions}}
[[File:Millennium Park Chase Promenade.JPG|thumb|Chase Promenade South was the site of the Burnham Pavilions.]]
In 2009, architects [[Zaha Hadid]] and [[Ben van Berkel]] were invited to design and build two pavilions on the Chase Promenade South, to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Daniel Burnham's 1909 Plan of Chicago. The pavilions were privately funded<ref name="F"/><ref name=NAoB>{{cite news |url=http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info:sid/iw.newsbank.com:NewsBank:CSTB&rft_val_format=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:ctx&rft_dat=128EE661D18759B8&svc_dat=InfoWeb:aggregated5&req_dat=AA98CDC331574F0ABEAFF732B33DC0B2 |title=New Angles on Burnham – 2 futuristic pavilions launch tribute to Plan of Chicago designer |access-date=June 21, 2009 |date=June 19, 2009 |work=Chicago Sun-Times |author=Newbart, Dave |archive-date=January 8, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160108063237/http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info%3Asid%2Fiw.newsbank.com%3ANewsBank%3ACSTB&rft_val_format=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Actx&rft_dat=128EE661D18759B8&svc_dat=InfoWeb%3Aaggregated5&req_dat=AA98CDC331574F0ABEAFF732B33DC0B2 |url-status=live }}</ref> and were designed to be temporary structures.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/2008/06/22/2-architects-to-design-burnham-pavilions/ |title=2 architects to design Burnham pavilions |access-date=July 25, 2008 |date=June 22, 2008 |work=Chicago Tribune |author=Kamin, Blair |archive-date=July 14, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714202239/http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2008-06-22/news/0806200286_1_pavilions-navy-pier-architects |url-status=live }}</ref> They served as the focal point of Chicago's year-long celebration of Burnham's Plan, and were meant to symbolize the city's continued pursuit of the plan's architectural vision.<ref name=C&G>{{cite news |url=https://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=950CE4D9103EF93AA25754C0A96F9C8B63 |title=Comings & Goings; Chicago Celebrates An Urban Dream |access-date=July 29, 2009 |date=July 19, 2009 |work=The New York Times |author=Howard, Hilary |archive-date=November 8, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121108010020/http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=950CE4D9103EF93AA25754C0A96F9C8B63 |url-status=live }}</ref>

The van Berkel Pavilion was composed of two parallel rectangular planes joined by curving scoops, all built on a steel frame covered with glossy white plywood.<ref name=Poaadip>{{cite news |url=http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info:sid/iw.newsbank.com:NewsBank:CTRB&rft_val_format=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:ctx&rft_dat=128DE7595B9CD518&svc_dat=InfoWeb:aggregated5&req_dat=AA98CDC331574F0ABEAFF732B33DC0B2 |title=Pavilion opener awaits another day in park |access-date=June 21, 2009 |date=June 14, 2009 |work=Chicago Tribune |author=Kamin, Blair |archive-date=January 8, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160108063237/http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info%3Asid%2Fiw.newsbank.com%3ANewsBank%3ACTRB&rft_val_format=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Actx&rft_dat=128DE7595B9CD518&svc_dat=InfoWeb%3Aaggregated5&req_dat=AA98CDC331574F0ABEAFF732B33DC0B2 |url-status=live }}</ref> It was situated on a raised platform, which was sliced by a ramp entrance, making it ADA accessible.<ref name=PgjCGaMP>{{cite news |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/2009/06/18/populist-gem-joins-cloud-gate-at-millennium-park/ |title=Populist gem joins 'Cloud Gate' at Millennium Park- Van Berkel's temporary pavilion an interactive salute to Burnham |access-date=June 21, 2009 |date=June 18, 2009 |work=Chicago Tribune |author=Kamin, Blair |archive-date=May 3, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120503100809/http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2009-06-18/entertainment/0906170962_1_zaha-hadid-ludwig-mies-van-der-pavilion |url-status=live }}</ref> The Hadid Pavilion was a tensioned fabric shell fitted over a curving aluminum framework made of more than 7,000&nbsp;pieces. A centennial-themed video presentation was projected on its interior fabric walls after dark.<ref name=TZhl>{{cite news |url=http://featuresblogs.chicagotribune.com/theskyline/2009/08/the-zpod-has-landed-delayed-but-worth-the-wait-hadids-burnham-pavilion-is-a-small-structure-with-big.html |title=The Z-pod has landed: Delayed but worth the wait, Hadid's Burnham pavilion is a small structure that celebrates big plans |access-date=August 9, 2009 |date=August 4, 2009 |work=Chicago Tribune |author=Kamin, Blair |archive-date=August 9, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090809133125/http://featuresblogs.chicagotribune.com/theskyline/2009/08/the-zpod-has-landed-delayed-but-worth-the-wait-hadids-burnham-pavilion-is-a-small-structure-with-big.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

Both pavilions were scheduled to be unveiled on June 19, 2009. However, Hadid's pavilion was not ready in time; it had construction delays and a construction team change, which led to coverage of the delay in ''[[The New York Times]]'' and ''[[The Wall Street Journal]]''.<ref name=C&G/><ref name=ANM>{{cite news |title=A New Monument—For a Few Months: As star architect designs for a Chicago park, costs and delays build |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424052970203517304574306463246352106 |access-date=July 29, 2009 |date=July 24, 2009 |work=[[The Wall Street Journal]] |page=W12 |author=Crow, Kelly |archive-date=April 5, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150405231446/http://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424052970203517304574306463246352106 |url-status=live }}</ref> Only its aluminum skeleton was available for public viewing on the scheduled date; the work was completed and unveiled on August 4, 2009. The van Berkel pavilion was temporarily closed for repairs August 10–14, due to unanticipated wear and tear.<ref name=Fatahiaiw>{{cite news |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/2009/08/09/fragile-art-takes-a-hit-in-an-interactive-world/ |title=Fragile art takes a hit in an interactive world |access-date=August 14, 2009 |date=August 9, 2009 |work=Chicago Tribune |author=Kamin, Blair |archive-date=May 3, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120503100815/http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2009-08-09/news/0908080232_1_public-art-fragile-art-pavilion |url-status=live }}</ref> Both pavilions were dismantled after November 1, 2009; the materials from van Berkel's were recycled, while Hadid's was stored for possible exhibition elsewhere.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://burnhamplan100.uchicago.edu/history_future/burnham_pavilions |title=The Burnham Pavilions in Millennium Park |publisher=The Burnham Plan Centennial, The University of Chicago |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090512084452/http://burnhamplan100.uchicago.edu/history_future/burnham_pavilions |archive-date=May 12, 2009 |access-date=July 29, 2009 }}</ref>

===Christmas tree===
In October 2015, the city announced that its official annual [[Christmas tree]] lighting, which had been held at [[Daley Center]] since 1966 (except for 1982), would be held at the park in order that the official Christmas tree of the city could be closer to ice skating at McCormick Tribune Plaza & Ice Rink, the annual [[Christmas carol]]ing at Cloud Gate and to the new offerings of the nearby [[Maggie Daley Park]]. The annual tree raising now occurs in the park near Michigan Avenue and Washington Street.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-chicago-christmas-tree-met-1021-20151020-story.html |title=Chicago's Christmas tree moves to Millennium Park after almost 50 years |access-date=October 23, 2015 |date=October 21, 2015 |work=[[Chicago Tribune]] |archive-date=October 23, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151023043330/http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-chicago-christmas-tree-met-1021-20151020-story.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Some parties opposed the move that separated the annual tree from the [[Christkindlmarket]] and the ''[[Chicago Picasso]]''.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/entertainment/theater/chrisjones/ct-ae-1025-jones-20151022-column.html |title=Nice move, O Tannenbaum: Chicago's Christmas tree heads to Millennium Park |access-date=October 23, 2015 |date=October 22, 2015 |author=Jones, Chris |work=[[Chicago Tribune]] |archive-date=October 23, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151023015947/http://www.chicagotribune.com/entertainment/theater/chrisjones/ct-ae-1025-jones-20151022-column.html |url-status=live }}</ref> The city's first official tree lighting by Mayor [[Carter Harrison, Jr.]] in 1913 had been held in Grant Park on Michigan Avenue two blocks south of the new location.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://entertainment.suntimes.com/entertainment-news/city-christmas-tree-moving-millennium-park/ |title=City Christmas tree moving to Millennium Park |access-date=October 23, 2015 |date=October 20, 2015 |work=[[Chicago Sun-Times]] |author=Di Nunzio, Miriam |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151022165200/http://entertainment.suntimes.com/entertainment-news/city-christmas-tree-moving-millennium-park/ |archive-date=October 22, 2015 }}</ref>

===In popular culture===
[[Jeff Garlin]] claims that ''[[I Want Someone to Eat Cheese With]]'' was the first Hollywood movie to incorporate Millennium Park.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2007/09/30/PKC1S6CQH.DTL |title=Jeff Garlin writes, directs and stars in romantic comedy |access-date=July 31, 2008 |date=September 30, 2007 |work=San Francisco Chronicle |author=Goldstein, Meredith |archive-date=October 19, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211019212526/https://www.sfgate.com/entertainment/article/Jeff-Garlin-writes-directs-and-stars-in-romantic-2500359.php |url-status=live }}</ref> The film was not released until 2006, after the release of several other movies. These include the 2005 film ''[[The Weather Man]]'', which starred [[Nicolas Cage]] and was filmed in part at the park's McCormick Tribune Plaza & Ice Rink.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2006-04-23/features/0604230457_1_chicago-river-millennium-park-movie-map |title=Reel Chicago – Corncob Towers, Brawny Streetscapes and the Endless Lakefront Keep Us on the Movie Map |access-date=July 31, 2008 |date=April 23, 2006 |work=Chicago Tribune |author=Elder, Robert K. |archive-date=May 3, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120503101009/http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2006-04-23/features/0604230457_1_chicago-river-millennium-park-movie-map |url-status=dead }}</ref> The 2006 romantic comedy ''[[The Break-Up]]'' shot scenes in the park, then had to reshoot some of them because ''Cloud Gate'' was under cover in some of the initial shots.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info:sid/iw.newsbank.com:NewsBank:CSTB&rft_val_format=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:ctx&rft_dat=110AF1D246501AA8&svc_dat=InfoWeb:aggregated5&req_dat=AA98CDC331574F0ABEAFF732B33DC0B2 |title=Vaughn, Aniston frolic under Cloud cover |access-date=July 31, 2008 |date=March 30, 2006 |work=Chicago Sun-Times |author=Zwecker, Bill |archive-date=March 7, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210307005930/http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info%3Asid%2Fiw.newsbank.com%3ANewsBank%3ACSTB&rft_val_format=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Actx&rft_dat=110AF1D246501AA8&svc_dat=InfoWeb%3Aaggregated5&req_dat=AA98CDC331574F0ABEAFF732B33DC0B2 |url-status=live }}</ref> Other movies which include scenes filmed in Millennium Park include the 2005 thriller ''[[Derailed (2005 film)|Derailed]]'',<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.enjoyillinois.com/movies/movies.aspx |title=On Screen Illinois |access-date=August 11, 2008 |publisher=[[Universal Pictures|Universal Studios]] |work=Illinois Mile After Mile |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090716001207/http://www.enjoyillinois.com/movies/movies.aspx |archive-date=July 16, 2009 }}</ref> the 2006 romance ''[[The Lake House (film)|The Lake House]]'',<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0607/S00470.htm |title=Stateside Movie Review: The Lake House |access-date=August 8, 2008 |date=July 31, 2006 |publisher=[[Scoop (news website)|Scoop]] |author=Barker, Rosalea |archive-date=September 23, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080923181822/http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0607/S00470.htm |url-status=live }}</ref> and the 2007 thriller ''[[Butterfly on a Wheel]]''.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://playbackonline.ca/2006/04/03/infinity-20060403/ |title=Infinity rolls Wheel with Brosnan |access-date=August 8, 2008 |publisher=[[Playback (magazine)|Playback]] |author=Beiks, Ilona |date=April 3, 2006 |archive-date=August 5, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140805140525/http://playbackonline.ca/2006/04/03/infinity-20060403/ |url-status=live }}</ref> At least two television series have filmed in the park, including ''[[Leverage (American TV series)|Leverage]]''<ref>{{cite web |url=http://chicago.everyblock.com/filmings/by-date/2007/10/15/477643/ |title=Film "Leverage" filmed |access-date=August 8, 2008 |date=December 17, 2007 |publisher=EveryBlock |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110710205916/http://chicago.everyblock.com/filmings/by-date/2007/10/15/477643/ |archive-date=July 10, 2011 }}</ref> and ''[[Prison Break]]'', which featured shots of the ''Crown Fountain'' in the first few episodes of its first season (2005).<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.timeout.com/chicago/articles/features/12287/big-house-on-the-prairie |title=Big house on the prairie: TOC goes behind bars for a preview of Prison Break, an arresting TV drama serving time on location around Chicago |access-date=August 15, 2008 |date=August 24, 2005 |publisher=Time Out Chicago |author=Lyons, Margaret |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090210132409/http://www.timeout.com/chicago/articles/features/12287/big-house-on-the-prairie |archive-date=February 10, 2009 }}</ref> In the ending scene of ''[[Source Code (film)|Source Code]]'' (2011), [[Jake Gyllenhaal]]'s and [[Michelle Monaghan]]'s characters are seen walking through Millennium Park, and make their way to the ''Cloud Gate''.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/features/ct-ae-0403-dean-richards-20110401,0,7344561.column |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120724041434/http://www.chicagotribune.com/features/ct-ae-0403-dean-richards-20110401,0,7344561.column |url-status=dead |archive-date=July 24, 2012 |title=Gyllenhaal says the 'Bean' could be metaphor for 'Source Code' |access-date=May 20, 2011 |date=April 1, 2011 |work=[[Chicago Tribune]] |author=Richards, Dean }}</ref> In the 2012 [[romantic comedy]], ''[[The Vow (2012 film)|The Vow]]'', the characters run from the [[Art Institute of Chicago]] across the [[Nichols Bridgeway]] to Millennium Park, where they kiss under ''[[Cloud Gate]]''.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://rogerebert.suntimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20120208/REVIEWS/120209977 |title=The Vow |access-date=August 26, 2012 |date=February 8, 2012 |work=[[Chicago Sun-Times]] |author=Ebert, Roger |archive-date=September 27, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120927180110/http://rogerebert.suntimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=%2F20120208%2FREVIEWS%2F120209977 |url-status=live }}</ref>
The book series [[Divergent trilogy|Divergent]] has several events set in the part, with mentions of the [[Cloud Gate]] sculpture (referred to as The Bean), the [[Jay Pritzker Pavilion]], as well as the park itself, though it is only referred to as Millennium in the novel. The faction Erudite has their headquarters across from the park in the book series.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.shmoop.com/study-guides/literature/divergent/analysis/setting |title=Divergent Setting &#124; Shmoop |website=www.shmoop.com |access-date=October 19, 2021 |archive-date=May 11, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210511140534/https://www.shmoop.com/study-guides/literature/divergent/analysis/setting |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>[[Divergent trilogy]]</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/entertainment/ct-xpm-2013-01-27-ct-ent-0128-luis-20130127-story.html |title=What we know about 'Divergent' filming in Chicago |first=Luis |last=Gomez |website=chicagotribune.com |date=January 27, 2013 |access-date=October 19, 2021 |archive-date=October 28, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201028181811/https://www.chicagotribune.com/entertainment/ct-xpm-2013-01-27-ct-ent-0128-luis-20130127-story.html |url-status=live }}</ref> The park was featured in the 2014 action-adventure video game [[Watch Dogs (video game)|Watch Dogs]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.timeout.com/chicago/things-to-do/chicago-landmarks-reimagined-in-watch-dogs |title=Chicago landmarks reimagined in 'Watch Dogs' |access-date=September 13, 2017 |date=May 7, 2014 |work=[[Time Out (magazine)|Time Out]] Chicago |author=Long, Zach |archive-date=September 14, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170914040553/https://www.timeout.com/chicago/things-to-do/chicago-landmarks-reimagined-in-watch-dogs |url-status=live }}</ref>

==Controversy==

===Height restrictions===
[[File:Pritzker pavilion looking north night logan reed.jpg|thumb|left|Jay Pritzker Pavilion is classified as a work of art to avoid legal restrictions on its height]]
In 1836, a year before Chicago was incorporated,{{sfn|Macaluso|Bachrach|Samors|2009|pp=12–13}} the Board of Canal Commissioners held public auctions for the city's first lots. Foresighted citizens, who wanted the lakefront kept as public open space, convinced the commissioners to designate the land east of Michigan Avenue between [[Randolph Street]] and Park Row (11th Street) "Public Ground—A Common to Remain Forever Open, Clear and Free of Any Buildings, or Other Obstruction, whatever."{{sfn|Gilfoyle|2006|pp=3–4}} Grant Park has been "forever open, clear and free" since, protected by legislation that has been affirmed by four previous [[Illinois Supreme Court]] rulings.{{sfn|Sinkevitch|2004|p=37}}<ref>{{cite news |url=http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info:sid/iw.newsbank.com:NewsBank:CSTB&rft_val_format=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:ctx&rft_dat=121435C3FB5CE640&svc_dat=InfoWeb:aggregated5&req_dat=AA98CDC331574F0ABEAFF732B33DC0B2 |title=Mayor gets what he wants – Council OKs move 33-16 despite opposition |access-date=July 29, 2008 |date=June 12, 2008 |work=Chicago Sun-Times |author=Spielman, Fran |archive-date=December 8, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151208062224/http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info%3Asid%2Fiw.newsbank.com%3ANewsBank%3ACSTB&rft_val_format=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Actx&rft_dat=121435C3FB5CE640&svc_dat=InfoWeb%3Aaggregated5&req_dat=AA98CDC331574F0ABEAFF732B33DC0B2 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info:sid/iw.newsbank.com:NewsBank:CTRB&rft_val_format=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:ctx&rft_dat=1212F083B836ABB8&svc_dat=InfoWeb:aggregated5&req_dat=AA98CDC331574F0ABEAFF732B33DC0B2 |title=The taking of Grant Park |access-date=July 29, 2008 |date=June 8, 2008 |work=[[Chicago Tribune]] |archive-date=May 22, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150522005528/http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info%3Asid%2Fiw.newsbank.com%3ANewsBank%3ACTRB&rft_val_format=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Actx&rft_dat=1212F083B836ABB8&svc_dat=InfoWeb%3Aaggregated5&req_dat=AA98CDC331574F0ABEAFF732B33DC0B2 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info:sid/iw.newsbank.com:NewsBank:CSTB&rft_val_format=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:ctx&rft_dat=120B5E8D060726E0&svc_dat=InfoWeb:aggregated5&req_dat=AA98CDC331574F0ABEAFF732B33DC0B2 |title=13–2 vote for museum – Decision on Grant Park sets up Council battle |access-date=July 29, 2008 |date=May 16, 2008 |work=Chicago Sun-Times |author1=Spielman, Fran |author2=Art Golab |name-list-style=amp |archive-date=January 8, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160108063237/http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info%3Asid%2Fiw.newsbank.com%3ANewsBank%3ACSTB&rft_val_format=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Actx&rft_dat=120B5E8D060726E0&svc_dat=InfoWeb%3Aaggregated5&req_dat=AA98CDC331574F0ABEAFF732B33DC0B2 |url-status=live }}</ref> In 1839, [[United States Secretary of War]] [[Joel Roberts Poinsett]] upon decommissioning the [[Fort Dearborn]] reserve, declared the land between Randolph Street and Madison Street east of Michigan Avenue "Public Ground forever to remain vacant of buildings".{{sfn|Macaluso|Bachrach|Samors|2009|pp=12–13}}

[[Aaron Montgomery Ward]], who is known both as the inventor of [[mail order]] and the protector of Grant Park, twice sued the city of Chicago to force it to remove buildings and structures from Grant Park and to keep it from building new ones.<ref>{{cite encyclopedia |url=http://www.encyclopedia.chicagohistory.org/pages/538.html |title=Grant Park |access-date=July 28, 2008 |year=2005 |encyclopedia=The Electronic Encyclopedia of Chicago |publisher=[[Chicago Historical Society]] |author=Grinnell, Max |archive-date=May 18, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080518094126/http://www.encyclopedia.chicagohistory.org/pages/538.html |url-status=live }}</ref>{{sfn|Macaluso|Bachrach|Samors|2009|pp=23–25}} In 1890, arguing that Michigan Avenue property owners held [[easement]]s on the park land, Ward commenced legal actions to keep the park free of new buildings. In 1900, the Illinois Supreme Court concluded that all landfill east of Michigan Avenue was subject to dedications and easements.<ref>City of Chicago v. A Montgomery Ward, 169 Ill. 392 (1897)</ref> In 1909, when Ward sought to prevent the construction of the [[Field Museum of Natural History]] in the center of the park, the courts affirmed his arguments.{{sfn|Gilfoyle|2006|p=16}}<ref>E. R. Bliss v. A. Montgomery Ward, 198 Ill. 104; A. Montgomery Ward v. Field Museum of Natural History, 241 Ill. 496 (1909); and South Park Commissioners v. Ward & Co., 248 Ill. 299</ref>

As a result, the city has what are termed Montgomery Ward height restrictions on buildings and structures in Grant Park. However, the ''Crown Fountain'' and the {{convert|139|ft|m|adj=on}} Pritzker Pavilion were exempt from the height restrictions, because they were classified as works of art and not buildings or structures.<ref name=IafoGPCmfasr/>{{sfn|Gilfoyle|2006|p=181}} According to ''[[The Economist]]'', the pavilion is described as a work of art to dodge the protections established by Ward, who is said to continue to rule and protect Grant Park from his grave.<ref name=IafoGPCmfasr/> The Harris Theater, which is adjacent to Pritzker Pavilion, was built almost entirely underground to avoid the height restrictions.{{sfn|Gilfoyle|2006|p=181}} The height of the ''Crown Fountain'', which is also exempted as a work of art, has been described as stemming from a "pissing contest" with other park feature artists.{{sfn|Gilfoyle|2006|pp=181, 290–291}}

===Financial issues===
The Millennium Park project has been the subject of some criticism since its inception. In addition to concerns about cost overruns, individuals and organizations have complained that the money spent on the park might have gone to other worthy causes. Although the park's design and architectural elements have won wide praise, there has been some criticism of its aesthetics. Other criticism has revolved around the larger issue of political favors in the city. ''[[The New York Times]]'' reported in July 2004 that a contract for park cleanup had gone to a company that made contributions to Mayor Daley's election campaign.<ref name=LFC/> The park's full-service restaurant, Park Grill, has been criticized for its connection to numerous friends and associates of the mayor.<ref name=cloutheavycafe>{{cite news |author1=Novak, Tim |author2=Warmbir, Steve |author3=Herguth, Robert |author4=Brown, Mark |title=City puts heat on clout-heavy cafe; Changes ordered at Park Grill, with Daley cronies among backers |work=[[Chicago Sun-Times]] |date=February 11, 2005 |page=6, News section }}</ref><ref name=oversight>{{cite news |title=Millennium Park oversight plan advances |work=Chicago Sun-Times |date=May 9, 2007 |author=Spielman, Fran |page=66, Financial section }}</ref>
[[Image:SBC Plaza.JPG|thumb|A corporate underwriter's stone marker. ([[SBC Communications|SBC]] Plaza is now [[Grainger Plaza]].)]]
Concerns have also been raised over the mixed use of taxpayer and corporate funding and associated naming rights for sections of the park. While a monument in Wrigley Square honors the park's many private and corporate donors, many park features are also named for their corporate underwriters, with the sponsors' names prominently indicated with stone markers (The Boeing Gallery, The Exelon Pavilion, The Grainger Plaza, The Wrigley Square). Some critics have deemed this to be inappropriate for a public space. Julie Deardorff, ''[[Chicago Tribune]]'' health and fitness reporter, described the naming of the McDonald's Cycle Center as a continuation of the "&nbsp;'McDonaldization' of America" and as somewhat "insidious" because the company is making itself more prominent as the social sentiment is to move away from [[fast food]].<ref name=IMismnam/> Timothy Gilfoyle, author of ''Millennium Park: Creating a Chicago Landmark'', notes that a controversy surrounds the corporate naming of several of the park's features, including the BP Bridge, named for an [[Oil major|oil company]].{{sfn|Gilfoyle|2006|p=345}} In his analysis, Gilfoyle emphasizes the deeper tensions embedded in the park's development, arguing that Millennium Park was “contested terrain, where civic ideals, corporate interests, and cultural representation collide.” Naming rights were sold for high fees,<ref>{{cite news |url=https://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9806EED71E3BF930A25754C0A9629C8B63 |title=Letter from Chicago; A Prized Project, a Mayor and Persistent Criticism |access-date=August 4, 2008 |date=July 13, 2004 |author=Kinzer, Stephen |work=The New York Times |archive-date=March 7, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090307053618/http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9806EED71E3BF930A25754C0A9629C8B63 |url-status=live }}</ref> and Gilfoyle was not the only one who chastised park officials for selling naming rights to the highest bidder. Public interest groups have crusaded against commercialization of parks.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info:sid/iw.newsbank.com:NewsBank:CSTB&rft_val_format=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:ctx&rft_dat=105792A0411CD579&svc_dat=InfoWeb:aggregated5&req_dat=AA98CDC331574F0ABEAFF732B33DC0B2 |title=Corporate logos in parks? Daley thinks it's 'fantastic' // Says companies deserve it if they foot the bill |access-date=August 4, 2008 |date=September 2, 2004 |work=Chicago Sun-Times |author=Spielman, Fran |archive-date=May 4, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150504211634/http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info%3Asid%2Fiw.newsbank.com%3ANewsBank%3ACSTB&rft_val_format=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Actx&rft_dat=105792A0411CD579&svc_dat=InfoWeb%3Aaggregated5&req_dat=AA98CDC331574F0ABEAFF732B33DC0B2 |url-status=live }}</ref> However, many of the donors have a long history of local philanthropy and their funds were essential to provide necessary financing for several park features.<ref name=sid>{{cite news |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/2004/07/15/sponsors-put-money-where-their-names-are/ |title=Sponsors put money where their names are |access-date=July 28, 2008 |date=July 15, 2004 |work=Chicago Tribune |author=Smith, Sid |archive-date=July 26, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140726011752/http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2004-07-15/news/0407150417_1_yard-sale-enhancements-millennium-park |url-status=live }}</ref>

Ticket prices for both the Harris Theater and the Pritzker Pavilion have been controversial. John von Rhein, classical music critic for the ''Chicago Tribune'', notes that the theater's size poses a challenge to performers attempting to fill its seats, and feels that it overemphasizes high-priced events.<ref name="von Rhein">{{cite news |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/2008/09/14/expanding-audiences-and-ambitions/ |title=Expanding audiences and ambitions |access-date=April 15, 2010 |date=September 14, 2008 |work=Chicago Tribune |author=von Rhein, John |archive-date=July 17, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110717164909/http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2008-09-14/news/0809120449_1_eighth-blackbird-chicago-symphony-harris-theater |url-status=live }}</ref> In 2009–2010, the theater introduced two discounted ticket programs:<ref name=CHTtWBBaLLi2/> a $5 lunchtime series of 45-minute dance performances,<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/2009/09/04/danceworks-presents-noontime-shows-at-harris/ |title=Harris Theater ushers in lunchtime dance performances |access-date=April 13, 2010 |date=September 4, 2009 |work=Chicago Tribune |author=Smith, Sid |archive-date=July 17, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110717162135/http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2009-09-04/entertainment/0909030160_1_troupe-hubbard-street-dance-chicago-dance-lovers |url-status=live }}</ref> and a $10 ticket program for in-person, cash-only purchases in the last 90&nbsp;minutes before performances.<ref name=CHTtWBBaLLi2/> Once the pavilion was built, the initial plan was that the lawn seating would be free for all events. An early brochure for the Grant Park Music Festival said "You never need a ticket to attend a concert! The lawn and the general seating section are always admission free."<ref name=HocfMPc/> However, when parking garage revenue fell short of estimates during the first year, the city charged $10 for lawn seating at the August 31, 2005, concert by [[Tori Amos]].<ref name=HocfMPc/> Amos, a classically trained musician who chose only piano and organ accompaniment for her concert, earned positive reviews as the inaugural [[rock and roll]] performer in a venue that regularly hosts classical music.<ref name=AcmmaPfra/><ref name=CoTharihoc/> The city justified the charge by contending that since the pavilion is an open-air venue, there were many places in Millennium Park where people could have enjoyed the music or the atmosphere of the park without having to pay.<ref name=HocfMPc/><ref name=CCTPVIPP>{{cite web |url=http://chicagoist.com/2005/09/01/city_charges_to_publicly_view_its_private_parts.php |title=City Charges To Publicly View Its Private Parts |access-date=May 18, 2008 |date=September 1, 2005 |publisher=Gothamist LLC |work=[[Chicagoist]] |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080608195052/http://chicagoist.com/2005/09/01/city_charges_to_publicly_view_its_private_parts.php |archive-date=June 8, 2008 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/2005/08/26/can-tori-amos-pass-the-millennium-park-test/ |title=Can Tori Amos pass the Millennium Park test? |access-date=May 18, 2008 |date=August 26, 2005 |work=Chicago Tribune |author=Downing, Andy |archive-date=May 3, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120503101053/http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2005-08-26/entertainment/0508260161_1_tori-amos-millennium-park-concert |url-status=live }}</ref>

===Use restrictions===
When Millennium Park first opened in 2004 [[Metra Police Department|Metra Police]] stopped a [[Columbia College Chicago]] [[journalism]] student working on a photography project, and confiscated his film because of fears of terrorism.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/2004/07/19/cops-seize-college-photographers-film/ |title=Cops seize college photographer's film |access-date=June 23, 2010 |date=July 19, 2004 |work=Chicago Tribune |author=Kim, Gina |archive-date=May 9, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120509195200/http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2004-07-19/news/0407200264_1_police-officers-madrid-train-bombings-metra |url-status=live }}</ref> In 2005, ''Cloud Gate'' attracted some controversy when a professional photographer without a paid permit was denied access to the piece.<ref name="christiansciencemonitor">{{cite web |url=https://www.csmonitor.com/2005/0330/p15s01-usju.html |title=Who owns public art? |date=March 30, 2005 |access-date=May 2, 2007 |publisher=[[The Christian Science Monitor]] |author=Kleiman, Kelly |archive-date=May 7, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210507191119/https://www.csmonitor.com/2005/0330/p15s01-usju.html |url-status=live }}</ref> As is the case for all works of art currently covered by United States [[copyright]] law, the artist holds the copyright for the sculpture. The public may freely photograph ''Cloud Gate'', but permission from Kapoor or the City of Chicago (which has licensed the art) is required for any commercial reproductions of the photographs. Initially the city charged photographers permit fees of $350 per day for professional still photographers, $1,200 per day for professional [[videographer]]s and $50 per hour for wedding photographers. The policy has been changed so permits are only required for large-scale film, video and photography requiring 10-person crews.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/2005/05/27/millennium-park-loosens-its-photo-rules/ |title=Millennium Park loosens its photo rules |access-date=July 27, 2008 |date=May 27, 2005 |work=Chicago Tribune |author=Storch, Charles |archive-date=May 3, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120503101058/http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2005-05-27/features/0505260318_1_millennium-park-great-park-professional-photographers |url-status=live }}</ref>

[[File:Lurie garden and bridgeway.JPG|thumb|left|Lurie Garden and the Jay Pritzker Pavilion have both been rented for private events.]]

Almost all of Millennium Park was closed for a day for corporate events in 2005 and 2006. Closing a public park partly paid for with taxpayer money was controversial,<ref name=Herrmann/> as was the exclusion of commuters who walk through the park and tourists lured by its attractions.<ref name=NWITP/> On September 8, 2005, [[Toyota Motor Sales USA]] paid $800,000 to rent all park venues from 6&nbsp;a.m. to 11&nbsp;p.m, except Wrigley Square, the Lurie Garden, the McDonald's Cycle Center and the ''Crown Fountain''.<ref name=NWITP>{{cite news |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/2005/09/09/no-walk-in-the-park-6/ |title=No Walk In The Park – Toyota VIPs receive Millennium Park 's red-carpet treatment; everyone else told to just keep on going |access-date=July 26, 2008 |date=September 9, 2005 |work=Chicago Tribune |author=Ahmed-Ullah, Noreen S. |archive-date=May 3, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120503101002/http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2005-09-09/news/0509090139_1_millennium-park-xavier-dominicis-toyota-motor-sales-usa |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=TS8NBFY/> The city said the money was used to fund day-to-day operations, and for free events in the park,<ref name=TS8NBFY>{{cite news |url=http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2005-05-06/news/0505060356_1_millennium-park-toyota-motor-sales-usa-toyota-spokesman-xavier-dominicis |title=This Sept. 8, No Bean For You – Unless you're a Toyota dealer. In that case, feel free to frolic because the carmaker paid $800,000 to own the park for the day |access-date=July 26, 2008 |date=May 6, 2005 |work=Chicago Tribune |author=Dardick, Hal |archive-date=May 3, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120503101107/http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2005-05-06/news/0505060356_1_millennium-park-toyota-motor-sales-usa-toyota-spokesman-xavier-dominicis |url-status=dead }}</ref> including the Lurie Garden Festival, a [[Steppenwolf Theatre Company|Steppenwolf Theater]] production, musical performers along the Chase Promenade all summer long, a jazz series, and children's concerts.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/2005/05/10/a-day-in-the-park-with-toyota/ |title=A day in the park with Toyota |access-date=July 26, 2008 |date=May 10, 2005 |work=Chicago Tribune |archive-date=May 3, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120503101127/http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2005-05-10/news/0505100099_1_millennium-park-cloud-gate-entire-park |url-status=live }}</ref> The name of Toyota, one of the sponsors, was included on Millennium Park brochures, web site, and advertising signage.<ref name=TS8NBFY/> The closure provided a public relations opportunity for [[General Motors]], which shuttled 1,500&nbsp;tourists from the park to see other Chicago attractions.<ref name=NWITP/> Toyota said it considered $300,000 a rental expense and $500,000 a sponsoring donation. On August 7, 2006, [[Allstate]], which paid $200,000 as a rental expense and $500,000 as a sponsoring donation, acquired the visitation rights to a different set of park features (including Lurie Garden), and only had exclusive access to certain features after 4&nbsp;p.m.<ref name=Herrmann>{{cite news |url=http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info:sid/iw.newsbank.com:NewsBank:CSTB&rft_val_format=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:ctx&rft_dat=11167CB33A2C26A0&svc_dat=InfoWeb:aggregated5&req_dat=AA98CDC331574F0ABEAFF732B33DC0B2 |title=Allstate pays $200,000 to book Millennium Park for one day |access-date=July 26, 2008 |date=May 4, 2006 |work=Chicago Sun-Times |author=Herrmann, Andrew |archive-date=December 17, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141217022924/http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info%3Asid%2Fiw.newsbank.com%3ANewsBank%3ACSTB&rft_val_format=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Actx&rft_dat=11167CB33A2C26A0&svc_dat=InfoWeb%3Aaggregated5&req_dat=AA98CDC331574F0ABEAFF732B33DC0B2 |url-status=live }}</ref>

The park is closed from 11&nbsp;p.m. to 6&nbsp;a.m. daily.<ref name="MPgeninfo"/> Chicago is a dog-friendly city with a half dozen dog beaches,<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/entertainment/chi-090723-dog-beaches-pictures,0,4852267.photogallery |title=Chicago's dog beaches vary in breed |access-date=June 23, 2010 |date=July 23, 2009 |work=Chicago Tribune |author=Stambor, Zak |archive-date=May 26, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100526191102/http://www.chicagotribune.com/entertainment/chi-090723-dog-beaches-pictures,0,4852267.photogallery |url-status=live }}</ref> however the city does not permit dogs in the park. Only on-duty [[service dog]]s for the disabled or visually impaired are permitted.<ref name="Frequently Asked Questions"/>

===Surveillance cameras===
In November 2006, the ''Crown Fountain'' became the focus of a public controversy when the city added [[surveillance camera]]s atop each tower. Purchased with a $52&nbsp;million [[Department of Homeland Security]] grant, the cameras augmented eight others covering all of Millennium Park.<ref name=Asaaclp/> City officials had consulted the architects who collaborated with Plensa on the tower designs, but not Plensa himself.<ref name=Janega/> Public reaction was negative, as bloggers and the artistic community decried the cameras as inappropriate and a blight on the towers.<ref name=ATWABS/><ref name=Janega/> The city said that the cameras would be replaced with permanent, less intrusive models in several months;<ref name=ATWABS/> it contended that the cameras, similar to those used throughout Chicago in high-crime areas and at traffic intersections, had been added largely for security reasons but also partly to help park officials monitor burnt-out LED lights on the fountain.<ref name=Janega/> The ''Chicago Tribune'' published an article on the cameras and the public reaction; the cameras were removed the next day, with Plensa's support.<ref name=ATWABS/>

==Reception and recognition==
The ''[[Financial Times]]'' describes Millennium Park as "an extraordinary public park that is set to create new iconic images of the city", and further notes that it is "a genuinely 21st-century interactive park [that] could trigger a new way of thinking about public outdoor spaces".<ref name=HasbgCfp>{{cite news |title=How a steel bean gave Chicago fresh pride |date=July 20, 2004 |work=The Financial Times |author=Daniel, Caroline }}</ref> ''Time'' magazine views both ''Cloud Gate'' and the Jay Pritzker Pavilion as part of a well-planned visit to Chicago.<ref>{{cite magazine |url=http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,995369,00.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090909135523/http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,995369,00.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=September 9, 2009 |title=Windy City Redux |access-date=July 7, 2008 |date=October 11, 2004 |author=Roston, Eric |magazine=Time }}</ref> [[Frommer's]] lists exploring Millennium Park as one of the four best free things to do in the city,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.frommers.com/destinations/chicago/0006020765.html |title=Best Free Things to Do |access-date=July 7, 2008 |publisher=[[Wiley Publishing, Inc.]] |work=[[Frommer's]] |archive-date=May 30, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080530162113/http://www.frommers.com/destinations/chicago/0006020765.html |url-status=live }}</ref> and it commends the park for its various artistic offerings.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.frommers.com/destinations/chicago/0006021128.html |title=In & Around the Loop |access-date=July 7, 2008 |publisher=[[Wiley Publishing, Inc.]] |work=[[Frommer's]] |archive-date=May 26, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080526055026/http://www.frommers.com/destinations/chicago/0006021128.html |url-status=live }}</ref> ''[[Lonely Planet]]'' recommends an hour-long stroll to see the park's playful art.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.lonelyplanet.com/worldguide/usa/chicago/sights/1000317530?list=true |title=Millennium Park |access-date=July 7, 2008 |publisher=Lonely Planet Publications |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120906010803/http://www.lonelyplanet.com/worldguide/usa/chicago/sights/1000317530?list=true |archive-date=September 6, 2012 }}</ref> The park is praised as a "showcase of art and urban design" by the ''[[San Francisco Chronicle]]'',<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2004/07/18/TRGCH7KPME1.DTL |title=Travelers' Checks |access-date=July 31, 2008 |date=July 18, 2004 |work=San Francisco Chronicle |author=Cooper, Jeanne |archive-date=September 3, 2004 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040903014550/http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=%2Fc%2Fa%2F2004%2F07%2F18%2FTRGCH7KPME1.DTL |url-status=live }}</ref> while ''Time'' refers to it as an "artfully re-arranged ... civic phantasmagoria like [[Antonio Gaudí]]'s [[Park Güell]] in Barcelona, with the difference that this one is the product of an ensemble of creative spirits".<ref name="TBA"/> The book ''1,000 Places to See in the U.S.A. & Canada Before You Die'' describes Millennium Park as a renowned attraction.<ref name=1PtSitU&CBYD>{{cite book |title=1,000 Places to See in the U.S.A. & Canada Before You Die |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=SCq3kk_aHoUC&pg=PA490 |pages=490–491 |isbn=978-0-7611-3691-0 |author=Schultz, Patricia |publisher=Workman Publishing |date=June 7, 2007 |access-date=October 20, 2020 |archive-date=April 17, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210417013814/https://books.google.com/books?id=SCq3kk_aHoUC&pg=PA490 |url-status=live }}</ref><!-- In 2006, Timothy J. Gilfoyle's ''Millennium Park: Creating a Chicago Landmark'' was an editor's choice of the ''[[New York Times Book Review]]'',<ref>{{cite news |url=https://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9D06E3D6103FF930A2575BC0A9609C8B63&scp=3&sq=%22Millennium+Park%22+Chicago&st=nyt |title=Best Sellers: August 13, 2006 |access-date=July 9, 2008 |date=August 13, 2006 |work=The New York Times }}</ref> and the ''San Francisco Chronicle''.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2006/11/19/RVGP7MEODU1.DTL |title=Holiday Goodies Between Covers: Our reviewers' picks of the best books of the season for the readers on your list |access-date=July 31, 2008 |date=November 19, 2006 |publisher=Hearst Communications Inc. |work=San Francisco Chronicle |author=King, John }}</ref>-->

{{Quote box
 | quote = This is not simply a background park, where a series of individual objects exist in a field. The objects here have become the field. It is densely packed like the city itself. This is a different idea of an exterior experience than in most parks. It is closer to a theme park or a shopping mall.
 | source = —Richard Solomon, Director of [[Graham Foundation for Advanced Studies in the Fine Arts]]<ref name=HasbgCfp/>
 | width = 30%
 | align = right
}}

The park was designed to be [[accessible]]; it only needs a single [[wheelchair lift]] and its accessibility won its project director the 2005 Barrier-Free America Award.<ref name=PVA/> The McCormick Tribune Plaza & Ice Rink and the Jay Pritzker Pavilion both provide accessible restrooms.<ref name="Frequently Asked Questions"/> The park opened with 78 women's toilet fixtures and 45 for men, with heated facilities on the east side of the Pritzker Pavilion. It also had about six dozen park benches designed by GGN (Gustafson Guthrie Nichol), the [[landscape architect]] responsible for the Lurie Garden.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/2004/07/18/creature-comforts-16/ |title=Creature comforts |access-date=June 23, 2010 |date=July 18, 2004 |work=Chicago Tribune |first=Blair |last=Kamin |archive-date=May 3, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120503101630/http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2004-07-18/news/0407180367_1_creature-comforts-park-planners-millennium-park |url-status=live }}</ref> In 2005, the park won the Green Roof Award of Excellence in the Intensive Industrial/Commercial category from Green Roofs for Healthy Cities (GRHC).<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.greenroofs.org/washington/index.php?page=awards |title=Awards |access-date=May 31, 2008 |year=2005 |publisher=Green Roofs for Healthy Cities |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071123085945/http://www.greenroofs.org/washington/index.php?page=awards |archive-date=November 23, 2007 }}</ref> GRHC considers the park to be one of the largest [[green roof]]s in the world; it covers "a structural deck supported by two reinforced concrete cast-in-place garages and steel structures that span over the remaining railroad tracks".<ref>{{cite web |url=http://web.mit.edu/fmr/www/11.308/project_cases_lurie.html |title=Contemporary Urban Waterscapes: designing public spaces in concert with nature |publisher=[[Massachusetts Institute of Technology]] |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080517105545/http://web.mit.edu/fmr/www/11.308/project_cases_lurie.html |archive-date=May 17, 2008 |access-date=June 1, 2008 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9901E2D61F3BF93BA25754C0A9629C8B63 |title=Art/Architecture; Big Shoulders, Big Donors, Big Art |access-date=June 1, 2008 |date=July 18, 2004 |author=Bernstein, Fred A. |work=The New York Times |archive-date=June 8, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080608215203/http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9901E2D61F3BF93BA25754C0A9629C8B63 |url-status=live }}</ref> In 2005 the park also received ''[[Travel + Leisure]]'''s Design Award for "Best Public Space", and the American Public Works Association's "Project of the Year" Award. In its first year, the park, its features and associated people received over 30 awards.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.millenniumpark.org/newsandmedia/pdfs/4.1%20millennium%20park%20awards.pdf |title=Chicago's New Millennium Park Wins Travel & Leisure Design Award For "Best Public Space", And The American Public Works Association "Project Of The Year" Award |publisher=Millennium Park, Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs |author=Ryan, Karen |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100612233532/http://millenniumpark.org/newsandmedia/pdfs/4.1%20Millennium%20Park%20Awards.pdf |archive-date=June 12, 2010 |access-date=August 11, 2010 }}</ref>

Some mayors from other cities have admired the park as an example of successful [[urban planning]]. The mayor of [[Shanghai]] enjoyed his visit to the park,<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.economist.com/world/unitedstates/displaystory.cfm?story_id=E1_PJSQSRR |title=China's image in the heartland |access-date=July 31, 2008 |date=May 12, 2005 |newspaper=[[The Economist]] |archive-date=October 19, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211019212458/https://www.economist.com/united-states?story_id=E1_PJSQSRR |url-status=live }}</ref> and San Francisco Mayor [[Gavin Newsom]] wished his city could create a similar type of civic amenity.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2005/12/09/BAGR9G55831.DTL |title=San Francisco: Mayor widens vision to urban architecture. He doesn't want a 'dumbing down of quality' in design |access-date=July 31, 2008 |date=December 9, 2005 |work=San Francisco Chronicle |author=King, John |archive-date=August 18, 2006 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060818081651/http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=%2Fc%2Fa%2F2005%2F12%2F09%2FBAGR9G55831.DTL |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/c/a/2006/08/12/MNGBUKHEOQ1.DTL |title=Mayor of S.F. Looks Eastward For Urban Inspiration: Winds of change blow from Chicago |access-date=July 31, 2008 |date=August 12, 2006 |work=San Francisco Chronicle |author=King, John |archive-date=June 22, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080622115937/http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=%2Fc%2Fa%2F2006%2F08%2F12%2FMNGBUKHEOQ1.DTL |url-status=live }}</ref> Closer to home, [[Blair Kamin]], the [[Pulitzer Prize]]-winning architecture critic for the ''Chicago Tribune'', concluded his 2004 review of Millennium Park with the following: "...a park provides a respite from the city, yet it also reflects the city. In that sense, all of Millennium Park mirrors the rebirth of Chicago ... the ambition of its patrons, the creativity of its artists and architects, and the ongoing miracle of its ability to transform a no place into a someplace that's extraordinary."<ref name=Anptiags/> In 2009, Millennium Park won the [[Rudy Bruner Award for Urban Excellence]] silver medal.<ref name="Bruner Foundation">{{cite web |title=Rudy Bruner Award for Urban Excellence |url=http://www.brunerfoundation.org/rba |publisher=Bruner Foundation |access-date=September 3, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130914092210/http://www.brunerfoundation.org/rba/ |archive-date=September 14, 2013 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

In celebration of the 2018 Illinois Bicentennial, Millennium Park was selected as one of the Illinois 200 Great Places<ref>{{cite news |last=Waldinger |first=Mike |title=The proud history of architecture in Illinois |url=https://springfieldbusinessjournal.com/2018/01/the-proud-history-of-architecture-in-illinois/ |access-date=30 January 2018 |newspaper=Springfield Business Journal |date=January 30, 2018 |archive-date=June 13, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180613084700/https://springfieldbusinessjournal.com/2018/01/the-proud-history-of-architecture-in-illinois/ |url-status=live }}</ref> by the [[American Institute of Architects]] Illinois component (AIA Illinois) and was recognized by USA Today Travel magazine, as one of AIA Illinois' selections for Illinois 25 Must See Places.<ref>{{cite news |title=25 Must See Buildings in Illinois |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/destinations/2017/08/09/25-must-see-buildings-illinois/551011001/ |access-date=30 January 2018 |newspaper=USA Today |date=August 9, 2017 |archive-date=July 8, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180708085705/https://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/destinations/2017/08/09/25-must-see-buildings-illinois/551011001/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

{{Panorama
|image = File:Pano-chicago.jpg
|alt = Futuristic view of a green lawn with people scattered on it, beneath a metal trellis supported on shiny metal pillars. The trellis leads to a bandshell surrounded by curved plates of shiny metal, with many tall skyscrapers in the background.
|caption = This panoramic view of the Great Lawn, trellis, and bandshell at Jay Pritzker Pavilion was taken in May 2009. Among the buildings pictured in the background are (left to right) [[The Heritage at Millennium Park|The Heritage]], [[Smurfit-Stone Building]], [[Trump International Hotel and Tower (Chicago)|Trump International Hotel and Tower]], [[One Prudential Plaza]], [[Two Prudential Plaza]], [[Aon Center (Chicago)|Aon Center]], [[Aqua (Chicago)|Aqua]], [[Blue Cross Blue Shield Tower]], [[340 on the Park]], [[The Buckingham (Chicago, Illinois)|The Buckingham]], [[400 East Randolph]], and [[Harbor Point (skyscraper)|Harbor Point]].
|height = 350
}}

==See also==
{{Portal|Chicago|Illinois}}
* [[Architecture of Chicago]]
* [[List of concert halls]]
* [[List of contemporary amphitheatres]]
* [[Park conservancy]]

==Notes==
{{Reflist|colwidth=30em}}

==References==
*{{cite book |title=Anish Kapoor: Past Present Future |last=Baume |first=Nicholas |publisher=The MIT Press |year=2008 |isbn=978-0-262-02659-8}}
*{{cite book |title=Millennium Park: Creating a Chicago Landmark |last=Gilfoyle |first=Timothy J. |publisher=University of Chicago Press |year=2006 |isbn=978-0-226-29349-3 |url=https://archive.org/details/millenniumparkcr00gilf}}
*{{cite book |title=Architecture: Art |url=https://archive.org/details/architectureart0000jodi |url-access=registration |last1=Jodidio |first1=Philip |publisher=Prestel |year=2005 |isbn=3-7913-3279-1}}
*{{cite book |title=Then & Now: Chicago's Loop |last1=Knox |first1=Janice A. |last2=Belcher |first2=Heather Olivia |name-list-style=amp |publisher=Arcadia Publishing |year=2002 |isbn=0-7385-1968-5 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=wjBh6CmPU9YC&pg=PA14}}
*{{cite book |title=Sounds of Chicago's Lakefront: A Celebration Of The Grant Park Music Festival |last1=Macaluso |first1=Tony |last2=Bachrach |first2=Julia S. |last3=Samors |first3=Neal |publisher=Chicago's Book Press |year=2009 |isbn=978-0-9797892-6-7}}
*{{cite book |title=Two tales of a city: rebuilding Chicago's architectural and social landscape |last=Satler |first=Gail |publisher=Northern Illinois University Press |year=2006 |isbn=0-87580-357-1}}
*{{cite book |title=Better than Perfect: The Making of Chicago's Millennium Park |last=Sharoff |first=Robert |publisher=Walsh Construction Company |year=2004}}
*{{cite book |title=AIA Guide To Chicago |editor-last=Sinkevitch |editor-first=Alice |edition=2nd |publisher=[[Harcourt Books]] |isbn=0-15-602908-1 |chapter=Central City |year=2004}}
*{{cite book |title=Frommer's Chicago with Kids |last=Tiebert |first=Laura |edition=3rd |year=2007 |publisher=Wiley Publishing, Inc. |isbn=978-0-470-12481-9}}

==External links==
{{Commons category}}
*{{official website}}
*[https://millenniumparkfoundation.org/ Millennium Park Foundation]
*[http://www.cityofchicago.org/content/dam/city/depts/dca/Millennium%20Park/MPMap1000.png Millennium Park map] {{Webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170711033448/https://www.cityofchicago.org/content/dam/city/depts/dca/Millennium%20Park/MPMap1000.png |date=July 11, 2017 }}
*[http://www.cityofchicago.org/content/dam/city/depts/doit/general/GIS/Chicago_Maps/Community_Areas/CA_LOOP.pdf City of Chicago Loop Community Map]
*[https://archive.today/20130119054512/http://articles.chicagotribune.com/keyword/millennium-park Archive] at ''[[Chicago Tribune]]''
*[http://www.chicagoreader.com/chicago/ArticleArchives?tag=Millennium%20Park Archive] {{Webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110609020128/http://www.chicagoreader.com/chicago/ArticleArchives?tag=Millennium%20Park |date=June 9, 2011 }} at ''[[Chicago Reader]]''
*[http://www.chipublib.org/images/millennium-park/index.php Millennium Park digital photographs at Chicago Public Library]
*[http://www.stratocam.com/s/68017 Millennium Park from satellite] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120427012920/http://www.stratocam.com/s/68017 |date=April 27, 2012 }}
*[http://www.illinoisgreatplaces.com/#detail/millennium_park-030/decade=1990/city=chicago Millennium Park] at Illinois Great Places
*[http://sah-archipedia.org/buildings/IL-01-031-9029 Society of Architectural Historians SAH ARCHIPEDIA entry on Millennium Park]

{{Geographic Location
 | Center    = Millennium Park
 | North     = [[Aon Center (Chicago)]]
 | Northeast = [[Blue Cross Blue Shield Tower]]
 | Northwest = [[Two Prudential Plaza]]
 | East      = [[Maggie Daley Park]]
 | South     = [[Art Institute of Chicago]]
 | Southeast = [[Grant Park (Chicago)|Grant Park]]
 | Southwest = [[Chicago Loop]]/[[Historic Michigan Boulevard District]]
 | West      = [[Chicago Loop]]/[[Historic Michigan Boulevard District]]
}}
{{Millennium Park}}
{{Grant Park}}
{{Chicago Loop}}
{{Chicago Parks}}
{{Chicago}}
{{authority control}}
{{featured article}}

[[Category:Millennium Park| ]]
[[Category:2004 establishments in Illinois]]
[[Category:Buildings and structures celebrating the 3rd millennium]]
[[Category:Central Chicago]]
[[Category:Parks in Chicago]]
[[Category:Richard M. Daley]]
[[Category:Urban public parks]]
[[Category:Protected areas established in 2004]]