The “Cloud Gate” sculpture, better known as “The Bean,” reopened to the public Sunday after being off-limits due to construction at Grainger Plaza in Chicago.
The ABC-TV affiliate in Chicago reported the construction barricades were removed that day after the artwork was closed in August.
Upgrades include new stairs, accessible ramps, paver replacement, a waterproofing system and accessibility improvements, according to the city.
In the coming weeks, more landscaping improvements will be done to the Plaza, however the city said it will not impact access to “Cloud Gate.”
“Cloud Gate,” created by artist Anish Kapoor, was unveiled in 2004 and quickly became a big tourist attraction.
The exterior is made of highly reflective stainless steel, created by computer technology to cut 168 plates that were fitted and welded together for a seamless finish.
The Bean is 33 feet tall and 66 feet long and weighs about 110 tons.
“Cloud Gate,” aka The Bean, isn’t quite on Route 66, but it’s close. It sits about two blocks north of Adams Street, where Route 66 begins its westward trek from downtown Chicago.
(Image of “Cloud Gate,” aka The Bean, in Chicago by Mariano Mantel via Flickr)