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In Chicago, 'The Bean' is perfect interactive public art

It's hard to imagine anyone not smiling when they visit Anish Kapoor's masterpiece, "Cloud Gate," otherwise known as "The Bean." CNET's Daniel Terdiman made a visit on Road Trip 2013.

Daniel Terdiman headshot
Daniel Terdiman
'The Bean,' artist Anish Kapoor's masterpiece in Chicago's Millennium Park. It is actually called 'Cloud Gate,' but everyone refers to the sculpture according to its bean-like look.
Daniel Terdiman/CNET
Daniel Terdiman

More from Road Trip 2013: Midwest tech

Check out the latest form Daniel's trip to discover some of the best tech spots in America's heartland.

CHICAGO -- Said to have been inspired by the metallic and glass-like look of mercury, artist Anish Kapoor's "Cloud Gate," otherwise known as "The Bean," has become one of the most important pieces of public art in the United States.

Opened to the public in 2006, The Bean is a natural gathering spot for thousands of Chicago locals and visitors alike. It is made of seamless stainless steel, and offers terrific, distorted reflections from every angle.

The centerpiece of AT&T Plaza in the city's Millennium Park, The Bean is a must-see. That's why, when I came to Chicago for the first time in more than 10 years, as part of my Road Trip 2013 project, I knew I had to finally go lay my own eyes on The Bean.

The sculpture's perfectly reflective coating makes every and any angle worth looking at, including underneath its belly, where the inward-curved metal makes for extremely surreal visuals.

If you find yourself in Chicago, do yourself a favor and make sure you save time to go see it. You won't regret it.

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

See all photos