BP Pedestrian Bridge, Chicago
In addition to his work on the Jay Pritzker Pavilion, Frank Gehry lent his creative touch to the sinuous, stainless-steel BP Bridge, which serves as a link between Millennium Park and Daley Bicentennial Plaza on the eastern side of Columbus Drive, while also acting as an acoustic barrier separating the aforementioned Pritzker Pavilion from the traffic on Columbus. Surprisingly, the "BP" abbreviation doesn't reference "Bicentennial Plaza"; rather, it honors the energy giant British Petroleum, which generously donated $5 million toward the construction of this remarkable 960-foot-long structure.
Gehry was the sole contender considered for this project and agreed to take it on once the Pritzker family had secured the necessary funding. Resembling the sinuous form of a snake, its design inspiration is said to have been derived from the live carp that the architect's Jewish grandmother used to purchase at a Toronto fish market.
Engineered to bear a substantial load without experiencing structural issues due to its own weight, the bridge was lauded for its aesthetics and has received recognition for its innovative use of sheet metal, particularly stainless steel plates. These materials evoke biomorphic references that are characteristic of Gehry's distinctive style.
Why You Should Visit:
On a beautiful day, this bridge offers one of the most picturesque strolls you can experience in Chicago. Its broad, sinuous pathway continually presents opportunities to appreciate the city's skyline and the vistas of Lake Michigan, as well as providing delightful views of both Millennium Park and Maggie Daley Park.
Gehry was the sole contender considered for this project and agreed to take it on once the Pritzker family had secured the necessary funding. Resembling the sinuous form of a snake, its design inspiration is said to have been derived from the live carp that the architect's Jewish grandmother used to purchase at a Toronto fish market.
Engineered to bear a substantial load without experiencing structural issues due to its own weight, the bridge was lauded for its aesthetics and has received recognition for its innovative use of sheet metal, particularly stainless steel plates. These materials evoke biomorphic references that are characteristic of Gehry's distinctive style.
Why You Should Visit:
On a beautiful day, this bridge offers one of the most picturesque strolls you can experience in Chicago. Its broad, sinuous pathway continually presents opportunities to appreciate the city's skyline and the vistas of Lake Michigan, as well as providing delightful views of both Millennium Park and Maggie Daley Park.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Chicago. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
BP Pedestrian Bridge on Map
Sight Name: BP Pedestrian Bridge
Sight Location: Chicago, USA (See walking tours in Chicago)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Chicago, USA (See walking tours in Chicago)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Chicago, Illinois
Create Your Own Walk in Chicago
Creating your own self-guided walk in Chicago is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Chicago Navy Pier Walking Tour
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Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.0 Km or 0.6 Miles
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.0 Km or 0.6 Miles
Frank Lloyd Wright Architecture Tour in Oak Park
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Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.2 Km or 2 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.2 Km or 2 Miles
Chicago Old Town Walking Tour
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Start your Old Town walking... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.6 Km or 1.6 Miles
Start your Old Town walking... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.6 Km or 1.6 Miles
Chicago Chinatown Walking Tour
Tucked away just south of the Loop, the Chinatown of Chicago was established in 1912 and is considered one of the best examples of American Chinatown. While it may be one of Chicago’s smallest neighborhoods geographically, it is big on character, colors, sights, sounds, and flavors. Here, you’ll find a wide range of unique boutiques, specialty shops, religious sights, authentic Chinese... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.7 Km or 1.1 Miles
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.7 Km or 1.1 Miles
The Magnificent Mile Walking Tour
The stretch of Michigan Avenue from the Chicago River to Lake Shore Drive, otherwise known as the Magnificent Mile, is regarded as one of the world’s great avenues – or Chicago’s version of Fifth Avenue. Take this self-guided walk to explore its whole stretch and surrounding area, featuring a wide selection of amazing stores/malls, world-known museums, restaurants and spectacular... view more
Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.0 Km or 2.5 Miles
Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.0 Km or 2.5 Miles
Chicago Introduction Walking Tour
Chicago, perched on the shores of Lake Michigan in Illinois, is a city steeped in history and urban vibrancy. Known by numerous nicknames such as the Windy City and the City of Big Shoulders, it boasts a skyline marked by towering structures. The area of today's Chicago, initially inhabited by Native American tribes, saw its first European-settled reference as "Chicagou" in 1679, a... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.9 Km or 2.4 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.9 Km or 2.4 Miles
Useful Travel Guides for Planning Your Trip
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