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Millennium Park facts for kids

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View of the Chicago skyline from 340 on the Park
Millennium Park

Millennium Park is a large public park in the Loop area of Chicago, Illinois. It's a popular spot for both locals and visitors. The park opened in 2004 and is known for its cool art, beautiful gardens, and fun events.

What is Millennium Park?

Millennium Park covers 24.5 acres (about 10 hectares) in downtown Chicago. It was built to celebrate the new millennium. The park is part of a bigger area called Grant Park, which is sometimes called Chicago's "front yard."

Why was the park built?

The idea for Millennium Park started in the late 1990s. City leaders wanted to turn an old railway yard and parking lots into a beautiful green space. This project was a big challenge, costing a lot of money and taking many years to finish.

Who helped build it?

Many people helped make Millennium Park happen. Richard M. Daley, who was the mayor of Chicago at the time, was a big supporter. Famous artists and architects designed different parts of the park. Their goal was to create a place where art, nature, and people could come together.

Cool Things to See and Do

Millennium Park is famous for its unique attractions. Each one offers something special for visitors to enjoy.

Jay Pritzker Pavilion

The Jay Pritzker Pavilion is an outdoor concert venue. It was designed by a famous architect named Frank Gehry. The pavilion has a unique, curvy design made of stainless steel. It can hold thousands of people on its lawn for free concerts and events.

  • Many different types of music concerts happen here.
  • It's a great place to have a picnic while listening to a show.

Cloud Gate (The Bean)

Cloud Gate, often called "The Bean," is one of the most famous sculptures in the park. It was created by artist Anish Kapoor. This giant, shiny bean-shaped sculpture reflects the city skyline and the sky.

  • People love to take photos with its distorted reflections.
  • You can walk under it and see your reflection from different angles.

Crown Fountain

The Crown Fountain is an interactive art piece by Jaume Plensa. It has two tall glass block towers that show videos of different faces. Water seems to pour from the mouths of these faces, creating a fun splash pad in the summer.

  • Kids love to play in the water during warm weather.
  • The faces shown are of real Chicago residents.

Lurie Garden

The Lurie Garden is a beautiful, modern garden within the park. It's designed to look like a natural prairie, even though it's in the middle of a city. The garden changes with the seasons, offering different colors and plants throughout the year.

  • It's a peaceful place to walk and enjoy nature.
  • The garden helps attract birds and butterflies.

BP Pedestrian Bridge

The BP Pedestrian Bridge connects Millennium Park to Daley Bicentennial Plaza. It was also designed by Frank Gehry and has a wavy, snake-like shape. The bridge offers great views of the park and the city.

  • It's a fun bridge to walk or bike across.
  • The design is unique and looks like a piece of art itself.

McCormick Tribune Ice Rink

In the winter, the McCormick Tribune Ice Rink opens up. It's a popular spot for ice skating right in the heart of the city. In the summer, this area becomes an outdoor dining spot.

  • It's a great place to skate with friends and family.
  • You can rent skates if you don't have your own.

Events and Activities

Millennium Park is always busy with events. From music festivals to art exhibits, there's usually something happening.

Summer Activities

During the summer, the park hosts many free events.

  • The Grant Park Music Festival offers classical music concerts at the Pritzker Pavilion.
  • There are often free fitness classes like yoga and tai chi on the lawn.
  • Outdoor movies are shown on the big screen at the pavilion.

Winter Activities

Even in winter, the park is a lively place.

  • Ice skating at the McCormick Tribune Ice Rink is a favorite activity.
  • The park is decorated with lights during the holiday season.

Images for kids

  • Millennium Park from Sears Tower

    Pritzker Pavilion and BP Bridge in Millennium Park, with Daley Bicentennial Plaza behind, seen from Willis Tower in 2007

  • 20090814 Pritzker Pavilion on Beethoven's 9th Day crop

    Concertgoers listen to Beethoven's Ninth Symphony at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion, the centerpiece of Millennium Park.

  • 20070616 Crown Fountain (6)

    Videos are displayed on Crown Fountain. Water falls from the top between videos.

  • Lurie Garden in sun

    Lurie Garden with Pritzker Pavilion and Randolph Street skyscrapers in the background

  • Millennium Park Ice Skating

    The McCormick Tribune Ice Skating Rink is a popular people-watching venue.

  • Bp bridge

    The serpentine BP Pedestrian Bridge is architect Frank Gehry's first bridge.

  • 20071007 Harris Theater and Heritage

    Harris Theater from Randolph Street

  • Millennium Monument in Wrigley Square

    The Millennium Monument in Wrigley Square

  • Front of Mcdonalds Bike Center

    McDonald's Cycle Center was sponsored by McDonald's after the park opened.

  • Northwest Pavilion

    The Northwest Exelon Pavilion is Millennium Park's Welcome Center.

  • In Search of Paradise

    Boeing Galleries during the 2006 In Search of Paradise exhibition

  • Revealing Chicago

    Chase Promenade during the 2005 Revealing Chicago exhibition

  • Nichols Bridgeway South

    The Nichols Bridgeway's design was inspired by the hull of a boat

  • Grant Park Music Festival Pritzker Pavilion Red View

    A 2005 Grant Park Music Festival concert at Jay Pritzker Pavilion

  • Millennium Park Chase Promenade

    Chase Promenade South was the site of the Burnham Pavilions.

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