The Rookery & The Bean

Two Chicago landmarks we visited today have more formal names but are locally known by their nick-names: the Rookery and the Bean.

Atrium of the Rookery

The Rookery (named for the crows and corrupt politicians that occupied the old City Hall that formerly stood here) was, at 11 stories, the tallest building in Chicago in the late 1880s.  Frank Lloyd Wright remodeled the light and airy atrium in 1907 and it remains one of the few public spaces still in existence that he had a hand in designing. The free tours given by knowledgeable docents are well-worth the time.

Cloud Gate, aka The Bean

The Bean is a mesmerizing work of art in Millenium Park. Created by British artist Anish Kapoor, it is made of highly polished stainless steel. Like all the other visitors, we were drawn to stand beneath the structure and smile, laugh and gaze at the multiple reflections of ourselves on the interior surfaces.