Sculptures in Chicago

A composite image showing sketches of sculptures in Chicago, including Cloud Gate, with the original artworks visible in the background.

Everyone always thinks of the Bean (Cloud Gate) when talking about Chicago. But there are so many more cool art installations throughout the city. It is what makes the city so interesting. Almost anywhere you go there is a piece of art waiting to be discovered. These are just a few of the ones I pass by everyday on my commute. Come along as I share them both with photos and a few sketches.

1. The Picasso by Pablo Picasso

This is one of my favorites and I always take people here when showing them Chicago. The photo is of my uncle and I during his first time in Chicago. This is located at the Daley Center and super easy to get to. I love it because you can definitely interpret it many ways, from a person to a dog, everyone has an opinion.

A person holds a sketchbook with a pencil drawing of a seated figure in the foreground, with a large, dark-colored abstract sculpture and a building with American and Chicago flags visible in the background.
A young woman and an older man stand smiling in front of the Picasso sculpture in Chicago, a large, dark, abstract human-like figure, with a modern building behind them.
A large, abstract sculpture with a humanoid form and a trident-like top stands on a pedestal surrounded by construction fencing in front of a building with arched windows.

2. Miró’s Chicago by Joan Miró 

This one is located right across the street from the Daley Center and was actually supposed to be installed at the same time as Picasso’s piece. Sadly when I went to visit it, it was under construction. Shocker! Construction in Chicago! But it was peaking over the fence a little so you can still get a glimpse.

3. Dawn Shadows by Louis Nevelson

Now I’m a little impartial, but I love Louis Nevelson, so this may be the best sculpture in Chicago. This piece is actually located inside an office building on the main floor so you can still check it out. What’s cool is that it’s located inside surrounded by the glass walls of the building. It is definitely more abstract than the others too. 

A large, black abstract sculpture made of various geometric shapes and curves is displayed in the lobby of a modern building with a glass facade and marbled floors.<br />
A large, dark, abstract sculpture is situated in a modern building's lobby, with a glass wall revealing the city outside and two people walking by.<br />
A young woman with glasses takes a selfie in a city plaza, with a large, bright red, arching abstract sculpture visible in the background.<br />
A person holds a sketchbook with a pencil drawing of a simplified arching shape in the foreground, with the bright red "Flamingo" sculpture by Alexander Calder visible in the background.<br />

4. Flamingo by Alexander Calder 

I pass by the Flamingo almost daily during my walk from the train station to DePaul’s Loop campus. I love it. Bright red, very simplistic, but massive. It’s nice as there are places to sit and just admire, plus take a little break.

5. Constellation by Santiago Calatrava

Last, but not least is the Constellation and I have finally made my way to see it. Every time I take the Brown Line into downtown you can see it sitting next to the water. I finally got to get up close to it. It is so pretty, has lots of open seating, and you get a pretty sweet view of the river too.

A large, bright red, spiraling abstract sculpture stands on a manicured lawn with flowers in front of a modern glass skyscraper.<br />
A person holds a sketchbook open to a pencil drawing of a wave-like form, with a large, red, spiraling abstract sculpture in a grassy area behind them.

While the Bean does deserve some admiration, there are a lot of other cool sculptures. Not even just sculpture, Chicago is full of artwork. Did you know Ogilvie Transportation Center has a huge mural on its side? I think exploring the city and finding these slightly less known sculptures can show you a whole different part of Chicago. 

                                    ~Sienna

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