Frequently Asked Questions

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 of Millennium Park and securing the private donations that funded its construction. Approximately $490M was spent to complete Millennium Park in 2004. Of that total, around $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?

Millennium Park was a name that stayed on the mind of John Bryan, one of Millennium Park’s original Founders and Chairman Emeritus of the Foundation. 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?

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 info@mpfdn.org

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

For facility rental inquiries or program scheduling, please email Lara Ziemba at lara.ziemba@transwestern.com.

If you still have questions feel free to email us at info@mpfdn.org or fill out the contact us form below. We’re happy to help!

Contact Us

We would love to hear from you. Whether you have a question about our work, want to get involved, or simply want to learn more about Millennium Park and the Foundation, we are here to help.

Please fill out the form below or reach out using the contact information provided. A member of our team will respond as soon as possible.