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The amazing facets of Chicago's incredible 'Bean' (pictures)

In Chicago for Road Trip 2013, CNET's Daniel Terdiman went to visit Anish Kapoor's masterpiece, 'Cloud Gate,' known to all as 'The Bean.'

Daniel Terdiman
Daniel Terdiman is a senior writer at CNET News covering Twitter, Net culture, and everything in between.
Daniel Terdiman
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1 of 13 Daniel Terdiman/CNET

The Bean

CHICAGO -- If you've traveled to many cities around the world, you've no doubt seen a lot of public art. But there are few pieces in the world that can outshine "The Bean," as internationally renowned artist Anish Kapoor's wonderful "Cloud Gate" is affectionately called.

On a swing through the Windy City as part of Road Trip 2013, CNET reporter Daniel Terdiman got to check out The Bean after long wanting to see it. Here are some photographs that show just how terrific it is, and why it's a magnet for thousands of people, locals and tourists alike.

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2 of 13 Daniel Terdiman/CNET

At sunset

The Bean is entirely reflective, and distorts what it reflects, so the incredible skies of a perfect July 4th are stunning when seen alongside Kapoor's masterpiece.

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3 of 13 Daniel Terdiman/CNET

Everyone visits

Located in the heart of AT&T Plaza in Chicago's terrific Millennium Park, The Bean is easy to see, and has something for everyone.

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4 of 13 Daniel Terdiman/CNET

The belly of The Bean

The visuals underneath The Bean are unexpected and arresting.

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5 of 13 Daniel Terdiman/CNET

From all sides

There's no right way to look at The Bean. It is meant to be looked at from any and every angle.

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6 of 13 Daniel Terdiman/CNET

Reflecting the skyline

The Chicago skyline fills the reflection from The Bean's outside, while dozens of people inspect the view under its belly.

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7 of 13 Daniel Terdiman/CNET

Off the side

A look at one edge of The Bean, with some of Chicago's tall buildings off to the side.

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8 of 13 Daniel Terdiman/CNET

Fisheye

Given its curved shape, and the way it distorts reflections, looking at The Bean through the fisheye lens of an Olloclip for iPhone 5 makes for a very interesting picture.

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9 of 13 Daniel Terdiman/CNET

Side up close

A close-up of one of The Bean's sides.

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10 of 13 Daniel Terdiman/CNET

Spot the photographer

Can you spot CNET reporter Daniel Terdiman is this photo?

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11 of 13 Daniel Terdiman/CNET

Perfect edges

The edge of The Bean, which is metal, is entirely smooth, and almost looks like clear glass.

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12 of 13 Daniel Terdiman/CNET

On the side

A look at The Bean from the side, using the Olloclip fisheye lens.

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13 of 13 Daniel Terdiman/CNET

Holding up a skyscraper

In this photo, The Bean almost looks to be holding up one of Chicago's many skyscrapers.

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