Chicago’s Iconic Bean Vandalized with Green Paint

Chicago’s Beloved Bean Vandalized with Green PaintChicago’s Beloved Bean Vandalized with Green Paint The iconic Cloud Gate sculpture, known as “The Bean,” in downtown Chicago’s Millennium Park was vandalized early Thursday morning. Green paint was splashed across the reflective surface, obscuring the mirrored image for which the artwork is renowned. The incident, discovered by park personnel around 6:00 AM, sparked outrage and concern among residents and visitors. The Bean, a landmark attraction created by artist Anish Kapoor in 2006, is considered a symbol of the city. “This is an outrageous act of vandalism that tarnishes our beloved city icon,” said Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot. “We will work tirelessly to bring the perpetrators to justice and restore The Bean to its former glory.” The Chicago Police Department launched an investigation and is reviewing surveillance footage to identify the vandals. The park has since been closed to the public while crews work to clean and repair the sculpture. According to preliminary assessments, the green paint has damaged the Bean’s protective lacquer coating. Experts estimate that the restoration process could take several weeks or even months. “This is a heartbreaking loss for our city,” said Michelle Boone, president of the Millennium Park Foundation. “The Bean brings joy to countless people and serves as a reminder of Chicago’s vibrant arts scene.” Public reaction has been overwhelmingly negative, with many expressing anger and disappointment. Social media has been flooded with images and messages condemning the vandalism. “This is not just an attack on a piece of art but an attack on our community,” said resident Emily Carter. “We must protect our cultural heritage from such senseless acts.” The vandalism has also brought attention to the need for increased security measures at public artworks. The Millennium Park Foundation is considering implementing additional surveillance cameras and security guards in the future. “We are committed to ensuring that our public spaces remain safe and accessible for all,” said Lightfoot. “We will not tolerate such acts of vandalism that damage our city’s beauty and pride.”