Chicago's Free Art: Sculpture in the City

Picasso, Miro, Chagall and Others

The sculpture collection Chicago has acquired adds to its uniqueness and charm. Many of the newest additions are a direct result of the Percent for Art Program in Chicago where one percent of new constructions costs must go to acquiring art. The following sculptures are in the heart of the city and easily found and accessible to all for free.

Probably one of the most famous and well known sculptures in Chicago is Picasso's Untitled piece. Picasso designed the sculpture for the City of Chicago in the early 60's and the gift was set up in Daley Center Plaza in 1967. I like this piece the most because everyone you ask has a different opinion on what the sculpture is, Some of the more popular responses include a cubist rendition of a dog, a woman’s head, and the head of a baboon. I think this sculpture gets the most exposure, especially around the holiday, since Daley Plaza is the site of seasonal markets and concerts. No matter what time of year you see it though you will undoubtedly find lots of children climbing up the sculpture and sliding back down the side.

Right across from Picasso’s piece is another famous Chicago Sculpture by Joan Miro titled Chicago. Done in 1981 this piece is a representation of a woman standing with her arms outstretched. Originally this piece was titled The Sun, The Moon, and One Star and a representation of each is placed towards the bottom of the sculpture.

Next on the tour of Chicago sculpture is The Flamingo by Calder. This huge sculpture consists of a red colored steel 53 foot structure that appears to be a huge flamingo, as its name implies. Calder’s sculpture is on display in the Federal Center Plaza on the corner of Dearborn and Adams. Also on Dearborn is Mark Chagall’s Four Seasons. This sculpture is really different from all the others in Chicago as it is a four sided standing mosaic. Built in 1974 this sculpture is a tiled mosaic with swirling images and characters all around the wall.