Best Street Art In Chicago

Chicago is a city of creativity, and art can be viewed all around the Windy City; some of the most interesting and fascinating creations come from street art. There are many well-known and beloved sculptures in the city of Chicago. Here are some of the most famous pieces of art in Chicago which also make for outstanding photo backdrops. The sculptures are located throughout the city, so taking a walk will allow visitors to see creativity at every corner.

The Picasso
Daley Plaza
50 W. Washington St.
Chicago, IL 60602

The Picasso is one of Chicago's most famous pieces of artworks and it is also a much-loved piece in Chicago as it is an icon in the city. It sits at the Richard J. Daley Center and was commissioned in 1963; it took two years to complete. Picasso never explained the meaning of his impressive 50-foot-tall sculpture, but you can stop by and try and figure it out for yourself. The original sketches and maquette can be viewed at the Art Institute of Chicago.

Cloud Gate Or "The Bean"
Millennium Park
201 E. Randolph St.
Chicago, IL 60602
www.millenniumpark.org

One of the most famous sculptures to take photos near is the Cloud Gate, or as Chicago residents affectionately called it, "The Bean." Located in Millennium Park, this massive piece of art was unveiled in 2004 and has been in photos from individuals from all over the world. Cloud Gate is made from stainless steel and is 33 feet high and 42 feet wide. Its reflective nature make it a creative photo backdrop.

The Lions
Art Institute of Chicago
111 S Michigan Ave.
Chicago, IL 60603
(312) 443-3600
www.artic.edu

The bronze Lions are much loved in the windy city and not only do they guard the Art Institute of Chicago, but they also dress up, such as wearing Chicago bears helmets on game day and hats for the holidays. The Lions are considered a symbol of Chicago and, although many would like to get up close and personal with them, they are considered part of the Art Institute's permanent collection — so no climbing on the lions.

Related: Best Abstract Art Exhibits In Chicago

Algora
Grant Park
S. Michigan Ave. (100 E) & E. Roosevelt Dr. (1200 S.)
Chicago, IL 60605

Algora is one of Chicago's most recent street art sculptures; the name comes from the Greek word which means meeting place. The cast iron, headless torsos are nine feet tall and there are 106 sculptures. The world famous artist, Magdalena Abakanowicz donated the sculptures in addition to the Polish Ministry of Culture and other private donors.

Thaddeus Kosciuszko Monument
Museum Campus

In the median of E. Solidarity Drive southeast of Shedd AquariumThadeus Kosciuszko was a Polish hero of the American Revolution and Chicagoans who were of Polish decent raised money for this statue in the late 1800s and it was installed in 1904. The bronze equestrian sculpture is well known to Chicago residents and visitors; those walking to the Shedd Aquarium will be able to view this historic statue along with the famous hero it represents. Many-a-visitor has struck a pose in front of this famous and iconic statue, which was relocated to the Museum Campus in 1978.

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Michelle Guilbeau is a writer, reviewer, teacher and business owner. She also has experience in school administration, literacy coaching and is proud founder of CraftKitsForKids.com and MichelleGuilbeau.com Michelle enjoys sharing her knowledge of cities, food, travel, education and parenting issues with her readers. Her work can be found on Examiner.com.