Cloud Gate is a public sculpture, by Indian-born British sculptor Anish Kapoor, that is in Chicago, Illinois. Constructed between 2004 and 2006, the sculpture is nicknamed The Bean because of its shape. Made of 168 stainless steel plates welded together, it is highly polished and has no visible seams. It measures 33 by 66 by 42 feet and weighs 110 tons. The sculpture cost $23 million dollars and no public funds were involved; all funding came from private donors.
Kapoor's design was inspired by liquid mercury and reflects and distorts the city's skyline. Visitors are able to walk around and under Cloud Gate's 12 ft. high arch. The sculpture is a popular photo-taking opportunity. Click the link to read more about Cloud Gate: http://www.chicagoarchitecture.info/Building/636/Cloud-Gate.php