Chicago would be thrilled to have some L.A. weather on July 16th and 17th when Millennium Park opens. Bounded by Michigan Avenue, Columbus Drive, Randolph Drive and Monroe Street, the 24.5acre park is expected to become one of Chicago's main focal points. Four years overdue and well over budget, the park promises to change the face of the city. Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley noted, "This civic project is unprecedented in its size and scale and has taken the commitment of many individuals and organizations to make Millennium Park a reality".
Chicagoans are invited to a series of free concerts at the Music Pavilion and Great Lawn designed by world-renowned architect, Frank Gehry. Fixed seating for 4.000 and 95,000-square-foot lawn area will serve more than 11,000 people. A state-of-the-art sound system is expected to delight audiences. The stage can be enclosed, allowing for year-round use.
Other attractions include the Harris Theater for Music and Dance, the Ice Rink at McCormick Tribune Plaza, Millennium Monument in Wrigley Square, the Millennium Fountain, SBC Plaza and Sculpture, Bank One Promenade, Monroe Garden and BP Pedestrian Bridge over Columbus Drive, also designed by Frank Gehry. A 300-seat restaurant is located near Michigan Avenue, overlooking the sights of the park.
On a clear, bright, summer day, about two weeks before the scheduled opening, the "Cloud Gate" sculpture, better known as The Bean, reflected the beautiful Chicago skyline. Although most of the park was barred by chain link fencing, the large brick walls projecting faces from which a fountain will shoot water every 20 minutes, and the ribbons of the Music Pavilion were visible. Men were working busily on fountains, gardens and other structures in preparation for the big event. Here's hoping the clear, bright L.A. weather graces the opening, so that Chicagoans can enjoy this spectacular moment.
Chicago would be thrilled to have some L.A. weather on July 16th and 17th when Millennium Park opens. Bounded by Michigan Avenue, Columbus Drive, Randolph Drive and Monroe Street, the 24.5acre park is expected to become one of Chicago's main focal points. Four years overdue and well over budget, the park promises to change the face of the city. Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley noted, "This civic project is unprecedented in its size and scale and has taken the commitment of many individuals and organizations to make Millennium Park a reality".
Chicagoans are invited to a series of free concerts at the Music Pavilion and Great Lawn designed by world-renowned architect, Frank Gehry. Fixed seating for 4.000 and 95,000-square-foot lawn area will serve more than 11,000 people. A state-of-the-art sound system is expected to delight audiences. The stage can be enclosed, allowing for year-round use.
On a clear, bright, summer day, about two weeks before the scheduled opening, the "Cloud Gate" sculpture, better known as The Bean, reflected the beautiful Chicago skyline. Although most of the park was barred by chain link fencing, the large brick walls projecting faces from which a fountain will shoot water every 20 minutes, and the ribbons of the Music Pavilion were visible. Men were working busily on fountains, gardens and other structures in preparation for the big event. Here's hoping the clear, bright L.A. weather graces the opening, so that Chicagoans can enjoy this spectacular moment.
