Chicago's Free Art: Sculpture in the City

The sculpture collection Chicago has acquired adds to its uniqueness and charm. Many of the newest additions are a direct result of the Percent for Art Program in Chicago where one percent of new constructions costs must go to acquiring art. The following sculptures are in the heart of the city and easily found and accessible to all for free.

Probably one of the most famous and well known sculptures in Chicago is Picasso's Untitled piece. Picasso designed the sculpture for the City of Chicago in the early 60's and the gift was set up in Daley Center Plaza in 1967. I like this piece the most because everyone you ask has a different opinion on what the sculpture is, Some of the more popular responses include a cubist rendition of a dog, a woman's head, and the head of a baboon. I think this sculpture gets the most exposure, especially around the holiday, since Daley Plaza is the site of seasonal markets and concerts. No matter what time of year you see it though you will undoubtedly find lots of children climbing up the sculpture and sliding back down the side.

Right across from Picasso's piece is another famous Chicago Sculpture by Joan Miro titled Chicago. Done in 1981 this piece is a representation of a woman standing with her arms outstretched. Originally this piece was titled The Sun, The Moon, and One Star and a representation of each is placed towards the bottom of the sculpture.

Next on the tour of Chicago sculpture is The Flamingo by Calder. This huge sculpture consists of a red colored steel 53 foot structure that appears to be a huge flamingo, as its name implies. Calder's sculpture is on display in the Federal Center Plaza on the corner of Dearborn and Adams. Also on Dearborn is Mark Chagall's Four Seasons. This sculpture is really different from all the others in Chicago as it is a four sided standing mosaic. Built in 1974 this sculpture is a tiled mosaic with swirling images and characters all around the wall.

Standing in the James R. Thompson Center is a sculpture done by Jean Dubuffet. Dubuffet created the Monument With Standing Beast in 1984. The sculpture is a huge white and black fiberglass carved creation.

Last but definitely not least is the newest addition to Chicago's collection of sculptures is Anish Kapoor's Cloud Gate. This new sculpture in the AT&T Plaza at Millennium Park has quickly become a favorite of the city and everyone who visit's the city. Chicagoans quickly began referring to the sculpture as The Bean since its shape does resemble a very large shiny kidney bean. The 110 ton sculpture is composed of seamless stainless steel that beautifully reflects the Chicago skyline, the clouds, the lake and you looking at it. This sculpture is definitely my personal favorite.