Chicago’s Millenium Park: A Masterpiece of Urban Architecture

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There is no city in the Midwest like Chicago. Chicago shines with her hearty down-to-earth values while dazzles as one of the premier urban cities in America. Home to over 9.5 million souls in the metropolitan area, Chicago has an electric vibe like no other Midwestern city in what some refer to as “flyover land“, and is always on the cutting edge of architectural innovation and beauty.

During a long weekend in Chicago, I was able to rediscover her soul as well as foresee her future, all at Chicago’s ultramodern masterpiece Millennium Park. Built to celebrate the millennium, the park was opened in July of 2004 as an urban oasis in the heart of the city. Squeezed into a piece of land between Lake Michigan and Chicago’s business district known as “The Loop“, Millennium Park truly personifies what Chicago is all about:   Modern, gorgeous, innovative and fun.

A stroll through this fabulous park will prove how far Chicago has come to being a world-class, international city. Come take a stroll with me through some of my favorite views.

Jay Pritzker Pavilion

The centerpiece of Millennium Park is the Jay Pritzker Pavilion

Millennium park is a true masterpiece offering a state-of-the-art collection of urban architecture, gardens and landscaping against the sensational urban backdrop of the Chicago loop.   

The Cloud Gate otherwise known as “the bean” is a huge attraction. Its reflections are amazing and offer quite a buzz.

Me in front of the Cloud Gate

The park provides hundreds of cultural and family friendly events throughout the summer including free concerts, exhibits and activities for all ages. It is also located right next to the The Art Institute of Chicago.

If you go

Check out all the details at the City of Chicago’s site: Millennium Park Chicago

This post was inspired by the Weekly Photo Challenge: Masterpiece. To see more entries, click here.

51 thoughts on “Chicago’s Millenium Park: A Masterpiece of Urban Architecture”

    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Yes indeed! 🙂

      Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thanks so much for the reblog! 🙂

      Reply ↓

  3. Haven’t been to Chicago in over a year. Beautiful photos, but must confess they make me a little homesick.

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thanks! I am sure you must be. Are you coming home soon?

      Reply ↓

      • Not likely, we were in the US in mid-June but Chicago unfortunately did not make the itinerary. Maybe Christmas…

      • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
        thirdeyemom on said:

        I thought you were visiting already. The summer has been such a whirlwind I can hardly keep up! 🙂

    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thanks! 🙂 I used to live there before we moved to Minneapolis in 2000. I loved it!

      Reply ↓

  5. Very cool pics. I love how there is natural looking green space in the city too! The “cloud gate” is very cool indeed. I have seen it in photos before, but didn’t realize it was such a huge attraction… The reflection looked like quite the crowd.

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thanks! Yes the park is fabulous and the flowers and prairie grass juxtaposed against the backdrop of the city are awesome.

      Reply ↓

      • Great city planning 😉

    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thanks Angeline!

      Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Yes it is a great city indeed! 🙂

      Reply ↓

  8. I agree with you about Chicago. It was exciting for me because I love plays, and I caught some very good ones while I was there (just for five nights, on two separate visits, but each night I was there, I saw a play).

    GREAT pictures!

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thanks so much! I used to live there before kids and we got married there before moving to Minneapolis. I really miss it! 🙂 Great city!

      Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thanks so much! 🙂

      Reply ↓
  10. anotherjennifer – Brunswick, Maine – Jennifer Iacovelli is an author, blogger and nonprofit unicorn. Based in Brunswick, Maine, she’s a proud single mom of two boys and two Siberian huskies. Her books include The Mother Of All Meltdowns and Simple Giving: Easy Ways to Give Every Day. Her work has been featured on HuffPost Divorce, Maria Shriver, GOOD, BlogHer, ONE, USAID Impact, Feed the Future, PSI Impact blog and more. Her passions are writing, philanthropy, her awesome kids, bacon and lifting heavy objects, though not necessarily in that order.
    another jennifer on said:

    Great pics, Nicole! I had a ball in Chicago with you. Wish I had more time to explore the city.

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thanks Jennifer! It was so much fun! 🙂 hoping to meet up with you again soon! 🙂

      Reply ↓
  11. friendlytm – San Francisco – A blogger, a traveler, a self-learner in technology, writing and appreciation of arts. Complete Profile http://speakingabouttravel2.wordpress.com/about-me/
    friendlytm on said:

    Love Chicago! Your pix are good!

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thanks so much!

      Reply ↓
  12. alhondiga24 Sevilla Hostel – Seville, Spain – Alhondiga 24 Alhondiga24 is a hostel located in the heart of Sevilla (Spain), just a stone's throw from the main monuments. Here you can experience living in an original 1920's Andalusian house. Our aim is to make you feel at home and enjoy this place that we have created just for you. All rooms have private bathrooms and lovely views to the Andalusian patio. We offer an economic but quality accomodation: three patios, large roof terrace, recycled furniture and lots of very special corners to enjoy with other backpackers from around the world. Simply the best backpackers' hotel in Seville... Join Us!! Alhóndiga24 Sevilla Hostel está situado en el centro de Sevilla, junto a la Alfalfa y a unos pasos de los principales monumentos. Podrás sentir la experiencia de vivir en una casa sevillana de 1920 del arquitecto Anibal González. Nuestro compromiso es que te sientas como en casa y que disfrutes de este lugar que hemos preparado especialmente para ti. Todas las habitaciones tienen baño privado y dan a un patio sevillano. Ponemos a tu disposición un hostel low cost pero sin dejar atrás la calidad. Tres patios y una amplia azotea, muebles reciclados y muchos rincones especiales pensados para que disfrutes y compartas tus momentos con viajeros de otras culturas!. Todo en pleno centro de Sevilla, el mejor Hostel de la ciudad... vente con nosotros!
    alhondiga24 Sevilla Hostel on said:

    thank you for this post, it is wonderful to see Chicago from this point of view!

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thanks! It is indeed a wonderful city! 🙂

      Reply ↓

  13. I love the photos!
    I’ve never been to Chicago, but you have definitely made me consider it – thank you for sharing 🙂

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thanks! It is a fabulous city! I lived there for five years before moving to Minneapolis. So vibrant and fun! 🙂

      Reply ↓

      • From your post, I wouldn’t doubt that it truly is vibrant and fun!
        I love reading about your travels – thank you, again, for sharing.
        😀
        Lyann

      • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
        thirdeyemom on said:

        So glad you enjoy Lyann! 🙂

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  15. Lauren @ Peaks and Passports – I’m Lauren, a 28-year-old living in the mountain paradise that is the Vail Valley. I’m a firm believer in being a tourist in your own town and seizing every opportunity to explore new places. I hope to become your go-to for insight on the best my hometown has to offer and an outlet to escape somewhere beautiful while sitting at your computer. Please join me on my adventures at home and abroad!
    Lauren @ Peaks and Passports on said:

    Gorgeous! I love Chicago too. During my visit this spring it rained almost the whole time, including our visit to Millenium Park, but I still managed to capture some fun photos at The Bean (http://peaksandpassports.com/2013/06/07/i-heart-chicago/) – yours make me so jealous that I haven’t seen it on a sunny day!

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      That is too bad about the weather but then again spring can be iffy. Gorgeous pics especially of the bean! Glad you enjoyed it. It is such a great city and I had the honor of living there for five years.

      Reply ↓
      • Lauren @ Peaks and Passports – I’m Lauren, a 28-year-old living in the mountain paradise that is the Vail Valley. I’m a firm believer in being a tourist in your own town and seizing every opportunity to explore new places. I hope to become your go-to for insight on the best my hometown has to offer and an outlet to escape somewhere beautiful while sitting at your computer. Please join me on my adventures at home and abroad!
        Lauren @ Peaks and Passports on said:

        Thank you! It truly is a great city – one of the few I could imagine living in if I ever have to give up the mountain lifestyle.

      • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
        thirdeyemom on said:

        I don’t know if I could give up mountains though! 🙂 I lived in Chicago in my early 20s with my boyfriend now husband. We had so much fun. Great place to live before kids but I really love the outdoors and Chicago has the parks and waterfront for running/biking but I missed nature there.

  16. it looks like fun playing with the bean and taking pictures and reflections from it, love it
    I would like to invite you to join us for Travel Photo Mondays, the link runs the whole week so I hope you can join us?

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thanks! I will definitely try once my life calms down. Both kids home for the summer and once fall starts will have more time to enjoy photo challenges! 🙂

      Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thanks! I had such a great time there! BlogHer was crazy with over 5,000 women but it was really cool to see Jennifer James. I used to live in Chicago before we had kids and my husband and I got married there. I miss it dearly but Minneapolis is an easier city to raise kids. 🙂

      Reply ↓
  18. Madhu – Madhu is an Interior designer turned travel blogger on a long sabbatical to explore the world. When not crafting stories on The Urge To Wander, she's probably Tweeting @theurgetowander or sharing special moments on instagram.com/theurgetowander
    Madhu on said:

    Stunning shots Nicole! Can imagine why the ‘Bean’ is such a magnet 🙂

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thanks Madhu! I love Chicago!

      Reply ↓

  19. I do love Cloud Gate. I think there are free yoga classes on Saturday mornings at the park. There were last year. Did you get to Crowne Fountain? When it’s hot, it’s a great place to people watch.

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Yes I’m pretty sure there are as some of my friends went. I was too tired from the conference! I haven’t been to the Crowne Fountain but will definitely check it out next time! 🙂 I love to people watch too!

      Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thanks so much. It is really a gorgeous city with also a nice backdrop of Lake Michigan. The city has done so much to beautify it too with gardens, flowers and architecture all around. Lovely place and lots of fun!

      Reply ↓

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