10 Best Destinations For Public Art In Chicago

Around every corner, the streets of Chicago are home to a variety of sculptural art. Here, a sampling of some of the major works that define our downtown.

Art on theMart showcases a wide range of artists, from international stars to Chicago Public School students.

1.“Agora” (2006)

Located in Grant Park, “Agora” by Magdalena Abakanowicz features 106 headless figures. Frozen in time, the figures look as if they are walking in multiple different directions. 1135 S. Michigan Ave.

2.“Monument with Standing Beast” (1984)

This monumental piece by urban artist Jean Dubuffet is said to represent a tree, a portal and an architectural form. James R. Thompson Center Plaza, 100 W. Randolph St.

3.The Untitled Picasso (1967)

This untitled piece by Pablo Picasso, also known as “The Picasso,” was the first modern sculpture to find a home in the Loop. Surrounded by controversy when it was installed in 1967, it has become one of the city’s beloved icons. 50 W. Washington St.

Alexander Calder’s “Flamingo” sculpture is a stunning Loop landmark.

4.“Flamingo” (1974)

Situated among Mies van der Rohe’s iconic dark towers, Alexander Calder’s “Flamingo” adds serious color—his signature Calder Red—and a sinuous form to the wide-open Federal Plaza. 50 W. Adams St.

5.“Cloud Gate” (2006)

Arguably Chicago’s most-recognized landmark, “The Bean” by London artist Anish Kapoor is the centerpiece of Millennium Park and a must-see selfie spot with its smooth, stainless steel surface that distortedly reflects the city’s famous skyline. 201 E. Randolph St.

6.“Freeform” (1993)

Located at the State of Illinois Building, this stainless steel work stands at about two and a half stories tall and weighs about 3 tons. 160 N. LaSalle St.

7.“Crown Fountain” (2004)

Also located in Millennium Park, Jaume Plensa’s interactive sculpture comprises a black granite reflecting pool bookended by two glass-and-brick towers that show a rotation of faces via LEDs. In the summer, water spouts from each tower, turning the space into a popular splash park. 201 E. Randolph St.

“Crown Fountain” is a major draw at Millennium Park.

8.“Four Seasons” (1974)

This surrealist mosaic by Marc Chagall in the Chase Tower Plaza features thousands of colorful tiles that depict the human physical and spiritual life cycle through six scenes of Chicago. 10 S. Dearborn St.

9.“Chicago Fugue” (1987)

At 28 feet, this is one of the largest works made by English abstract sculptor Sir Anthony Caro. Bars, slabs, ovals and cylinders come together to create musical instrumentlike shapes. 190 S. LaSalle St.

10.Art on theMART

One of the city’s newest destinations for impressive public art, theMART features nightly projections on its massive facade in coordination with music taking place at 9 and 9:30PM. This month, catch The Obama Portraits through Sept. 16, plus a variety of other programs (think Frida Kahlo and more). Riverwalk between Orleans and Wells streets, artonthemart.com