Cloud Gate "The Bean" in Chicago, Illinois

Standing at the heart of Millennium Park in downtown Chicago, Cloud Gate has become one of the city’s most iconic landmarks and a must-visit attraction for locals and tourists alike. 

Designed by British artist Sir Anish Kapoor and unveiled in 2006, the sculpture is affectionately nicknamed “The Bean” due to its distinctive, elliptical shape. Made from 168 highly polished stainless steel plates welded seamlessly together, Cloud Gate stretches 66 feet long, 33 feet high, and 42 feet wide, creating a reflective surface that mirrors the city’s skyline, the surrounding park, and the visitors who pass beneath it.

The sculpture’s reflective quality is central to its appeal. As people approach, they see distorted, dreamlike versions of themselves set against the backdrop of Chicago’s towering architecture. Its concave underside, known as the “omphalos” or navel, warps reflections in a way that draws visitors to walk beneath it and experience the kaleidoscopic perspectives it produces. This interactive aspect invites engagement, making the sculpture both a work of art and a participatory experience. The mirrored surface changes with the weather and light, offering new visual experiences at different times of day and throughout the seasons.

Cloud Gate also exemplifies a successful blend of art, technology, and engineering. Kapoor’s design required meticulous planning and collaboration with engineers to ensure the sculpture’s structural stability while maintaining its perfectly smooth exterior. The polished stainless steel surface was especially challenging to fabricate, requiring careful alignment and welding of the steel plates. Afterward, it underwent extensive grinding and polishing to achieve the seamless, mirror-like finish that defines the sculpture today. The result is a piece of public art that is both visually striking and technically impressive.

Since its installation, Cloud Gate has become more than just a sculpture; it is a social and cultural phenomenon. It draws millions of visitors annually who come to take photographs, gather with friends, or simply reflect on the city around them. The sculpture has become a symbol of Chicago, appearing in countless postcards, travel guides, films, and social media posts. Its popularity has helped make Millennium Park a hub of public life, hosting festivals, performances, and civic events, with Cloud Gate often serving as a visual centerpiece for these activities.

The artistic impact of Cloud Gate extends beyond aesthetics. It challenges conventional ideas of public sculpture by encouraging interaction and engagement. Unlike traditional statues that are meant to be observed from a distance, Cloud Gate invites visitors to become part of the artwork itself. By reflecting both people and cityscape, the sculpture creates a dynamic interplay between observer and environment, highlighting the connection between individuals and their urban surroundings.

In essence, Cloud Gate represents the perfect marriage of art, architecture, and public space. Its reflective surface not only captures the physical beauty of Chicago’s skyline but also the vitality of its residents and visitors. More than a landmark, it is a living work of art, constantly evolving with the light, weather, and people around it. Its presence in Millennium Park has transformed the area into a cultural and social focal point, establishing Cloud Gate as one of the most beloved and recognizable pieces of public art in the United States.

The Last Bookstore in Los Angeles, California

Located in downtown Los Angeles, California, the Last Bookstore is a giant new and used book store that banked on the idea that book shopping could be instagrammable. From inside a tunnel of vintage books to walls of book-inspired art installations, the Last Bookstore is unique in that it combines the thrill of thrifting with the curated aesthetic of a downtown gallery. Visiting this gem wasn't just fun - it was actually a great place to find some unique local resources.  

California Surf Museum in Oceanside

The California Surf Museum, located at 312 Pier View Way in downtown Oceanside near the pier, celebrates the rich history and culture of surfing through compelling exhibits and memorabilia. Founded in 1986 in Encinitas by passionate surfers, the museum eventually settled into its current 5,100 sq ft purpose-built facility in 2009.

At the heart of its collection is a striking timeline of surfboards—from hefty redwood planks and early sugar‑pine designs to ultra-light fiberglass boards of today. Highlights include Duke Kahanamoku’s 1923 redwood “Makai” board and a 1912 alaia, offering a vivid look at the sport’s evolution. Photography enthusiasts will appreciate original gear used by pioneering shooter John “Doc” Ball, whose waterproof housing helped capture surfing’s early days.

A deeply inspiring exhibit features the board and bathing suit of Bethany Hamilton—the champion surfer who famously lost her arm in a shark attack—preserved as symbols of resilience and courage. Beyond permanent artifacts, the museum hosts rotating exhibitions that explore diverse facets of surf culture—women surfers, adaptive surfing, Vietnam-era surfing, and the intersection of art and science. Recent additions include “The Science of Surfing” and “China Beach: Surfing During the Vietnam War,” blending oceanography with historical narrative.

On-site events enhance the experience with surf film festivals, fundraisers, and concerts, all coordinated by a dedicated volunteer board. The museum's mission is to preserve, chronicle, and share surfing’s artistic, cultural, and historical legacy for future generations. The California Surf Museum offers something for everyone. Whether you’re a history buff, art lover, surfer, or simply curious, the museum is a standout destination on California's coast.

Bethany Hamilton's shark bitten surfboard.