After reopening the Chicago Riverwalk on Friday, Mayor Lori Lightfoot turns her attention south, to Millennium Park, which will partially reopen today, Monday, June 15. The downtown attraction will be open daily from 8am to 9pm to groups of 10 people or fewer to enjoy while practicing social distancing and wearing face coverings.
"Millennium Park is one of Chicago's great attractions and we are tremendously excited to have it take this first step in cautious reopening," Mayor Lightfoot said in a press release. "As we continue to navigate the unprecedented COVID-19 crisis, our hope is to be able to take even further measures over the coming weeks and months to allow residents and visitors alike to enjoy its array of wonderful and iconic features in a way that’s engaging and fun, while also being safe for themselves and the broader public."
In the first phase of its reopening, the following areas will be accessible to the public: Maggie Daley Park, the Chase Promenades, the Boeing Galleries and Lurie Garden. The Crown Fountain and Wrigley Square will also be open, though their water features remain turned off for the time being. A few areas remain closed off to park-goers, including the Great Lawn, the welcome center, McDonald's Cycle Center and the BP Bridge between Millennium Park and Maggie Daley Park. And don't expect to get any face time with the Bean just yet—the sculpture can only be viewed from a distance from Chase Promenade Central, located just east of the attraction.
All guests will be required to enter at Michigan Avenue and Madison Street and exit at Michigan Avenue and Washington Street. If and when capacity is reached within the park, staff will temporarily block off the entrance and ask that folks wait in socially distant lines for entry. Ambassadors will be on hand to monitor capacity and remind guests of the rules, including the fact that masks must be worn at all times within the park. Groups are also asked to put 6 feet of distance between themselves and others.
If you'd still rather enjoy Millennium Park from a distance for the time being, the cultural attraction is offering plenty of virtual programming this summer through its "Millennium Park at Home" series on YouTube, including concerts, fitness classes and more.
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