FAQs

1. How is Millennium Park funded?

Millennium Park is owned and operated by the City of Chicago and programmed by the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE). Millennium Park Foundation assisted the City in the design and construction of the Park, securing the private donations that funded its construction. Approximately $490M was spent to finalize Millennium Park at its completion in 2004. Of that total, approximately $220M in private donations were used to construct the primary artistic and architectural elements of the Park. Millennium Park Foundation continues to secure private donations to fund additional programs and further enhance Millennium Park.

2. How did Millennium Park get its name?

“A park to celebrate the new millennium”, Millennium Park was a name that stayed on the mind of Mr. John Bryan, one of the Park’s original Founders and former CEO of Sara Lee Corporation. Many suggestions were made, and the name “Garden of the Arts” was formally proposed, but this was later rejected in favor of the current name.

3. How is the art and architecture curated?

Works of public art and architecture in Millennium Park, including the permanent collection and temporary exhibitions, are curated by Millennium Park Foundation and the City of Chicago Public Art Team. The Foundation engages a curatorial advisory group to assist in this process. This group is comprised of representatives from The Art Institute of Chicago, Museum of Contemporary Art, Chicago Transit Authority (CTA), City of Chicago Public Art Program, and other subject matter experts as needed.

4. What is the cost of entrance?

Millennium Park is FREE and open to the general public. Tours offered by the Chicago Cultural Center’s Greeter Service are also free, as well as guided tours of Lurie Garden. Information on either of these can be found on their respective websites. For more information about specific events and programs please visit the City of Chicago’s Millennium Park website.

5. Are animals allowed in Millennium Park?

No. Only service animals are allowed in Millennium Park.

6. How do I contact the Millennium Park Foundation for further information?

For general requests or questions, please email [email protected]

7. Who do I contact for facility rental inquiries or program scheduling?

For facility rental inquiries or program scheduling, please email Lara Ziemba [email protected].