FX Excursions

FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.

Cloud Gate

by John Wroblewski

Nov 29, 2020

Photo 23462359 © Songquan Deng | Dreamstime.com

As evidenced by my several blogs featuring public art and sculptures, I am a fan of such beautiful creations. I am not a fan of Cloud Gate, however. Specifically, I do not like Cloud Gate representing Chicago.

Photo 23462359 © Songquan Deng | Dreamstime.com

Located in Millennium Park in downtown Chicago, Cloud Gate was completed in 2006. It is a stainless steel structure reflecting the city skyline, measuring 33 feet by 42 feet by 66 feet. Inspired by liquid mercury, it is nicknamed “The Bean” because of its shape. I didn’t like it from the start, and I like it even less now.

Photo 62478930 © Demerzel21 | Dreamstime.com

I grew up with The Picasso as the sculpture representing Chicago. Technically unnamed, The Picasso is a Cubist sculpture by Picasso located in front of Daley Plaza. It was the first such major public artwork in Chicago and started a movement of public art being more than simply commemorative.

The Picasso is interesting. It has character. At first it faced a little criticism, though, but that mostly stemmed from traditionalists who didn’t appreciate such artistic displays. The criticism soon faded, and The Picasso was embraced as a beautiful, soulful representative of Chicago.

Photo 49482848 © Jim Roberts | Dreamstime.com

Chicago’s next well-known sculpture was Monument with Standing Beast, a sculpture by Jean Dubuffet, unveiled in 1984 in front of the Thompson Center. Based on Dubuffet’s 1960 painting series Hourloupe, it has been called “Snoopy in a blender” or “crumbled paper” by Chicagoans. Not as locally popular as The Picasso, I don’t really mind it taking a secondary role.

Admittedly, Cloud Gate is one of the most touristy spots in Chicago as folks snap endless photos with it. It is also one of the many stock shots used to represent Chicago during televised events here.

Therein lies the crux of my dissatisfaction. It doesn’t represent Chicago. It is soulless and generic. It has become a gimmicky caricature of Chicago. Television directors use it, much like they use deep-dish pizza and the very tired “da Bears” references. Chicago is so much more than these retreads; I could find more unique beauty in hundreds of other Chicago locations.

You’ll notice I did not include a picture of me at Cloud Gate. I refuse to join the masses in doing so. I will not acknowledge Cloud Gate as representative of my Chicago.

— John Wroblewski, online writer

Introducing

FX Excursions

FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.

Explore Excursions

#globility

Insta Feed
Daily
Dec 23, 2024

Fontainebleau Las Vegas Welcomes Bottega Veneta, Gucci

Fontainebleau Las Vegas welcomes two world-renowned fashion brands to its luxury resort and casino: Bottega Veneta and Gucci.

Pick Your Paradise: Experience Bali at 3 Incredible Hotels

Bali is a name synonymous with island bliss. But there is more than just one side to this incredible place. Get a sense for the variety of experiences Bali offers by learning about three hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy® with distinctive opportunities for adventure and relaxation. With the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Card, earn points for free nights at each of these properties.

Daily
Dec 23, 2024

New 19-Story, Dual-Branded Moxy/AC Hotel Comes to Dallas in 2026

A new 19-story, dual-branded hotel development featuring Marriott brands AC Hotel and Moxy Hotel is expected to open in summer 2026 in the heart of Uptown Dallas. The Peachtree Group project will bring 264 upscale hotel rooms; modern amenities; and unique food, beverage and retail venues to the bustling McKinney Avenue corridor. The much-anticipated project promises to elevate the city's hospitality scene.

Daily
Dec 23, 2024

Perfect Moment, Goldener Hirsch Launch Après Pop-Up in Park City, Utah

Goldener Hirsh, Auberge Resorts Collection, a mid-mountain resort in Deer Valley, recently announced a winter collaboration with Perfect Moment Ltd., the high-performance, luxury skiwear and lifestyle brand. Through this partnership, these two brands create a new winter experience to take over Goldener Hirsch’s seasonal Après Chalet.

A Word with Nat Pieper, oneworld CEO

Name: Nat Pieper Title: CEO at oneworld City: Dallas, Texas First job: Stadium vendor

Slideshow
Dec 23, 2024

6 North American Ski Destinations to Add to Your Travel List

It’s time to start dreaming of your next trip. Here’s some destination inspiration for you. Take a visual journey through these North American ski destinations with us.

Daily
Dec 19, 2024

Toronto’s Bentway Islands to Transform into Unique Public Spaces

When you think of the word “islands” in a travel context, you likely automatically think of a large or small land area surrounded by water, perhaps with palm trees on land and a bridge connecting the island with a larger land mass.

United Airlines First to Purchase Sustainable Aviation Fuel for ORD

Chicago O’Hare International Airport will soon receive sustainable aviation fuel, all thanks to United Airlines, which became the first airline to purchase SAF for use at the airport, one of the largest in the United States. Neste, a producer of SAF, will provide up to 1 million gallons of its Neste MY Sustainable Aviation Fuel. The first supply arrived in August.

Daily
Dec 19, 2024

Oetker Collection to Open Hotel in St. Tropez in 2027

Oetker Collection recently announced the brand’s upcoming debut in St. Tropez, France. The yet-unnamed property will open in 2027. This news follows the recent opening of Hotel La Palma in Capri, Italy, and the imminent debut of The Vineta Hotel in Palm Beach, Florida.