Millenium Park
Your visit in chicago will not be complete without visiting Millenium Park. Chicago’s popular new civic center has already received landmark status. Additionally, its location on Chicago’s lakefront adds to its popularity. Millennium Park is actually a redeveloped section of Grant Park.

Construction on Grant Park was initiated in 1917. Years later, in 1977 four Chicago civic groups proposed the “Lakefront Gardens for the Performing Arts.”

From the 1850s through the late 20th century, the Illinois Central Railroad controlled the site that is currently occupied by Millennium Park. In Daniel Burnham’s 1909 Plan of Chicago, the railroad property was considered off limits. As a result, much to the dismay of Chicago’s residents, the Grant Park portion of the plan was developed around it.

The proposed park would include a performing arts pavilion. Unfortunately, the plan lacked two important requirements: a funding strategy and significant government support. However, the groups were somewhat successful, in that the Petrillo Music Shell was built as a compromise between the civic groups and the Chicago Park District.

Did you know? That Grant Park Orchestra and Chorus opened Millennium Park in a ceremony on July 16, 2004 as part of a three-day celebration that included an inaugural concert. 300,000 people attended the grand opening festivities, which surpassed the 50,000 people that were expected.

Popularity: 2% [?]