Richard J. Daley Plaza

Richard J. Daley Plaza is a major public space in downtown Chicago, designed as a civic center combining government buildings, transportation, and public art. Opened in 1965, it features a striking modernist design with a large open space, tall buildings, and the famous, massive stainless steel sculpture “Cloud Gate,” often called “The Bean.” The plaza serves as a hub for city activity, government offices, and transportation, making it a central gathering point for residents and visitors. Its architectural style reflects the mid-20th-century movement toward functional, integrated urban spaces.