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Millennium Park Is Turning 20 And Mayor Johnson, DCASE, And Notable Chicagoans Are Celebrating

City of Chicago to host a free, 4-day 20th Anniversary Celebration this weekend, July 18–21

CHICAGO—Today, Mayor Brandon Johnson, the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE), and notable Chicagoans are wishing Millennium Park a “Happy 20th Birthday!” Opened on July 16, 2004, Millennium Park is now the #1 attraction in the Midwest and among the top 10 most-visited sites in the United States. To mark this important milestone, the City of Chicago is hosting a free, 4-day Millennium Park 20th Anniversary Celebration presented by Capital One on July 18–21, featuring award-winning headliners, activities for families and youth, workouts, new public art, dance performances, concerts, and fireworks — presented by DCASE with the Grant Park Music Festival, Millennium Park Foundation, and many other partners including the Department of Fleet and Facility Management (2FM). For details, visit MillenniumPark.org.

Mayor Brandon Johnson:

“In Millennium Park, you’ll find a spectacular gathering spot located in the heart of our city, a destination for Chicagoans and visitors alike,” said Mayor Brandon Johnson. “From Colombia’s Fruko y Sus Tesos to the cinematic music of John Williams, and from Chicago’s own Steve “Silk” Hurley to South Side native Common, I look forward to celebrating the Park’s 20th anniversary with dozens of artists and free cultural events this week. Happy 20th Birthday, Millennium Park!”

DCASE Commissioner Clinée Hedspeth:

“Celebrating its milestone 20th anniversary season, Millennium Park delivers a world-class collection of art, architecture, and landscape design that serves as the backdrop for hundreds of free cultural programs this season including concerts, interactive art exhibitions, and family activities,” said DCASE Commissioner Clinée Hedspeth. “I hope you’ll join us this weekend, all summer, and throughout 2024 as Millennium Park turns 20!”

Common, Academy Award, Emmy and Grammy-Winning Artist and South Side Native:

“Having this opportunity to come home to Chicago and present our orchestra performance is such a blessing to me,” said Academy Award, Emmy and Grammy-winning artist and South Side native Common. “And to celebrate the anniversary of Millennium Park and show love to the people of Chicago is truly one of my greatest honors.”

2FM Commissioner Julie Hernandez-Tomlin:

“The Department of Fleet and Facility Management (2FM) is excited to join the 20th anniversary celebration of Millennium Park. Responsible for the stewardship of this cultural amenity since 2022, 2FM recently completed the rehabilitation of Grainger Plaza and is developing a capital plan of improvements for the park," said 2FM Commissioner Julie Hernandez-Tomlin. “We look forward to continuing our partnership with the Millennium Park Foundation for the enjoyment of all Millennium Park visitors.”

Paul Winberg, President and CEO of the Grant Park Music Festival:

“From the Petrillo Music Shell to the Jay Pritzker Pavilion, I've witnessed the Grant Park Music Festival’s dream become reality,” said Paul Winberg, President and CEO of the Grant Park Music Festival. “This magnificent space isn't just beautiful; it immerses audiences in music and Chicago’s spirit. It's been transformational for both the Festival and the neighborhood, a true testament to our city’s excellence.”

Donna LaPietra, Chair and President of the Millennium Park Foundation Board of Directors — representing 123 private founding donors:

“Twenty years after the official opening of Millennium Park, we recognize and continue to marvel at this remarkable achievement — a park, with art at its heart, that has captivated the imagination of our city and enthralled visitors from around the globe,” said Donna LaPietra, Chair and President of the Millennium Park Foundation Board of Directors. “It was created with public and private funds and dedicated to the idea that great cities must have great public spaces; that great art must be accessible to all; and that a great engaged citizenry is built on the diverse coming together of all its people.”

Dave Kucera, Capital One’s Chicago Market President and Head of Financial Institutions Group:

“As a third generation Chicagoan, I have countless memories of time spent in Millennium Park over the past two decades,” said Dave Kucera, Capital One’s Chicago Market President and Head of Financial Institutions Group. “The Capital One team and I are thrilled to celebrate the incredible impact of this iconic landmark on our city, public arts community, and local economy. Capital One’s support of the 20th anniversary celebration builds on our longstanding commitment to Chicago, elevating our region as a vibrant place to live, work, and travel.”

Marc Schulman, President of Eli’s Cheesecake Company:

“Millennium Park is truly a love letter to Chicago. From the whimsical Cloud Gate (better known as ‘The Bean’) to the magnificent gardens and state-of-the-art Pritzker Pavilion and Harris Theater, Millenium Park has been so important to so many over the past 20 years,” said Marc Schulman, President of Eli’s Cheesecake Company. “On behalf of everyone at Eli's Cheesecake, we are thrilled to be making a giant 20th anniversary cheesecake to mark this momentous occasion.” [Saturday, July 20 at 3pm; see MillenniumPark.org for details]

Rich Gamble, Interim President and CEO of Choose Chicago:

“Over the last 20 years, Millennium Park has become an iconic symbol of Chicago and one of our most awe-inspiring attractions,” said Rich Gamble, Interim President and CEO of Choose Chicago. “As the city’s official destination marketing organization, we at Choose Chicago see firsthand the enduring appeal of Millennium Park and appreciate the park’s ongoing impact on our city’s status as a global destination. On behalf of the city’s entire tourism industry, we are proud to celebrate Millennium Park’s 20th birthday – here’s to many more!”

Phil Clement, President and CEO of World Business Chicago:

“I remember when the park was just an ambitious idea,” said Phil Clement, President and CEO of World Business Chicago. “Everyone stepped in and lent a hand. We owe a debt of gratitude to John Bryan, Pat Ryan, the Crown Foundation, and others who united to bring this visionary project to life. Happy Birthday, Millennium Park! We honor your role in driving tourism, fostering community, and economic development that enhance life today and will inspire future generations."

James Rondeau, President and Director of the Art Institute of Chicago:

“There could not be a better neighbor to the Art Institute than Millennium Park, which has energized downtown Chicago for 20 years,” said James Rondeau, President and Director of the Art Institute of Chicago. “United in our efforts to welcome both Chicagoans and visitors from around the world and directly connected by the museum’s Nichols Bridgeway, we are privileged to work with the park to create opportunities for visitors to enjoy and to engage with our dynamic city.”

Sandra Delgado, Actor, Writer, and Producer:

“Happy Birthday to Millennium Park! Thank you for 20 years of memories made with families, music, and epic performances,” said Actor, Writer, and Producer Sandra Delgado. “I am honored and thrilled to create magic with my theatre homes Collaboraction and Teatro Vista through ‘La Havana Madrid,’ my musical love letter to Chicago inspired by the legendary 1960's Latine nightclub, this August at the Pritzker Pavilion — one of the most beautiful venues in the world. For this lifelong Chicagoan, it’s a dream come true!” [Friday, August 23 at 6pm; see MillenniumPark.org for details]

Vivian Teng, Managing Director of Cinema/Chicago and the Chicago International Film Festival:

“Millennium Park is a beloved haven for locals and visitors, offering cultural activities, stunning art installations, and vibrant social events. This cultural oasis brings people together with free programming like films, concerts, and festivals, enriching our community,” said Vivian Teng, Managing Director of Cinema/Chicago. “As the Chicago International Film Festival celebrates our 60th anniversary, we are proud to honor the park’s 20 years with a double-feature of films by Steven Spielberg, inviting audiences to experience his magical storytelling in this iconic setting.” [Tuesday, July 16 at 6pm; see MillenniumPark.org for details]

The City of Chicago is celebrating the 20th Anniversary of Millennium Park all summer and throughout 2024—including the Millennium Park Summer Film Series presented by Pluto TV kicking off Tuesday, July 16 at 6pm; new public art installations recently announced by the Millennium Park Foundation and DCASE featuring sculptures by Franz West and augmented reality works by Chicago-based artists Claire Ashley, Faheem Majeed, Yvette Mayorga, and Carlos Rolón; plus Summer Music Series, Summer Workouts, Millennium Park Residency Partners, and more. Plan your visit at MillenniumPark.org.

Millennium Park

Millennium Park is the #1 attraction in the Midwest and among the top 10 most-visited sites in the U.S. It is also the anchor of an urban cultural campus (Millennium Park Campus) that includes the Chicago Cultural Center, Maggie Daley Park and The Art Institute of Chicago. Millennium Park is located on Michigan Avenue, bordered by Randolph St. to the north, Columbus Dr. to the east and Monroe St. to the south. The Park is open daily from 6am to 11pm. Plan your visit at MillenniumPark.org; follow us on Facebook (@MillenniumParkChicago), Twitter and Instagram (@Millennium_Park); and join the conversation on social media using #MillenniumPark.

Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events
The City of Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) supports artists and cultural organizations, invests in the creative economy, and expands access and participation in the arts throughout Chicago’s 77 neighborhoods. As a collaborative cultural presenter, arts funder, and advocate for creative workers, our programs and events serve Chicagoans and visitors of all ages and backgrounds, downtown and in diverse communities across our city — to strengthen and celebrate Chicago. DCASE produces some of the city’s most iconic festivals, markets, events, and exhibitions at the Chicago Cultural Center, Millennium Park, and in communities across the city — serving a local and global audience of 25 million people. The Department offers cultural grants and resources, manages public art, supports TV and film production and other creative industries, and permits special events throughout Chicago. For details, visit Chicago.gov/DCASE and stay connected via our newsletters and social media.

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