Millenium Park History

By aniemi

  • Millenium Park is first conceived

    According to park officials, what is now Millennium Park was first conceived in 1998 with the mission of creating new parkland in Grant Park to transform the unsightly railroad tracks and parking lots that had long dotted the lakefront. Over time, with Mayor Richard M. Daley's vision and Frank Gehry's involvement, the project evolved into the most ambitious public undertaking in Chicago's history.

  • Lurie Gardens completed

    The Lurie Gardens, born of the mind of Kathryn Gustafson, were completed in June 2004.

  • Crown Fountain completed

    The Crown Fountain, which sits on the parks south-west side, was completed by Jaume Plensa.

  • Jay Pritzker Pavilion completed

    The Jay Pritzker Pavilion, home of the Grant Park Music Festival, is completed by architect Frank Gehry.

  • Dedication

    Mayor Richard M. Daley dedicates Millennium Park a gift to the people of Chicago.

  • Cloud Gate

    Cloud Gate by Anish Kapoor, known to locals as "The Bean" was completed in the summer 2005.

  • Election Night

    All eyes of the world were on Barack Obama when he spent election night in Grant Park, with crowds spilling into Millennium Park's 24.5 acres.