The Untitled Picasso in Chicago: A Modern Icon in Daley Plaza

Introduction

In the heart of downtown Chicago, towering over Daley Plaza, stands one of the city’s most intriguing and iconic works of public art: The Untitled Picasso. Unveiled in 1967, this monumental sculpture by Pablo Picasso was a groundbreaking gift to the city and remains a symbol of Chicago’s bold embrace of modern art.

Standing at 50 feet tall and weighing nearly 162 tons, the abstract steel form has fascinated visitors for decades. Some see a bird, others a horse, and still others a woman’s face—its power lies in its ambiguity, inviting each viewer to interpret it in their own way. At the time of its unveiling, it stirred controversy, with some locals dismissing it as odd or even ugly. Yet today, it is cherished as a beloved cultural landmark and a centerpiece of Chicago’s vibrant civic life.

Whether you’re drawn to its artistic significance, its history, or simply its striking presence against the skyline, visiting The Untitled Picasso in Chicago offers a unique chance to encounter a piece of world-class art in a bustling public square.

What is The Untitled Picasso in Chicago famous for?

The Untitled Picasso is famous for being Chicago’s first major piece of public modern art. Its abstract form challenged traditional ideas of civic monuments and helped establish Chicago as a city open to artistic innovation.

Why should you visit The Untitled Picasso?

To see an original work by Pablo Picasso, one of the world’s most influential artists.

To experience public art on a monumental scale in the center of Chicago.

To join generations of visitors who have debated its meaning and posed for photos at its base.

What are the opening hours and best times to visit The Untitled Picasso?

The sculpture is located in Daley Plaza, which is open to the public 24/7.

Best time to visit: Daytime, when the plaza is lively with office workers, markets, or cultural events.

Evening visits offer a different atmosphere, with the Picasso illuminated dramatically against the city lights.

How much does it cost to visit The Untitled Picasso?

It’s completely free to visit. As a public artwork, anyone can admire it at any time without charge.

What can you see or do at The Untitled Picasso in Chicago?

Admire the sculpture up close and from different angles to see how its abstract form changes.

Watch how the piece interacts with the sunlight, casting shifting shadows across the plaza.

Enjoy seasonal events at Daley Plaza, such as farmers’ markets, art fairs, and the beloved Christkindlmarket during the holidays.

Join locals in the Chicago tradition of sliding down the sculpture’s base (though technically not encouraged, it’s been part of its playful legacy).

What is the history behind The Untitled Picasso?

In 1963, the architectural firm Skidmore, Owings & Merrill commissioned Pablo Picasso to design a sculpture for Daley Plaza. Picasso agreed, donating his design to the city rather than selling it. Completed in 1967, the steel sculpture sparked heated debate. Some loved its daring modernism, while others criticized it for being abstract and “un-Chicagoan.”

Over time, however, the sculpture became a beloved symbol of the city’s creative spirit. It paved the way for Chicago’s world-class public art collection, inspiring installations by artists like Alexander Calder and Joan Miró. Today, The Untitled Picasso is both a landmark of artistic history and a defining feature of Chicago’s urban identity.

Where is The Untitled Picasso located and how do you get there?

Address: Daley Plaza, 50 W Washington St, Chicago, IL 60602.

By CTA: Take the Red Line to Lake, Blue Line to Washington, or Brown/Purple/Orange to Washington/Wells—all within walking distance.

By Bus: Several CTA routes stop nearby along Clark, Dearborn, and Washington streets.

By Car: Parking garages are available in the Loop, but public transit is the easiest way to get there.

Insider Tips

Visit during the Christkindlmarket in winter for a magical holiday atmosphere around the Picasso.

Bring a camera—its scale and angles make for striking photos.

Stop by at different times of day; the sculpture’s mood shifts with the light.

Nearby Attractions

Chicago Cultural Center – A stunning landmark with free art exhibits and the world’s largest Tiffany glass dome.

Millennium Park – Home to Cloud Gate (“The Bean”) and other modern public art.

Art Institute of Chicago – One of the world’s top museums, featuring Picasso’s works among countless masterpieces.

Chicago Riverwalk – A scenic promenade with views, dining, and boat tours.

Chicago Theatre – A historic venue with its iconic marquee, just a short walk away.

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Discover the story behind The Untitled Picasso in Chicago with Questo. Turn your visit into an interactive adventure, uncovering the city’s public art treasures, hidden histories, and cultural gems—all while exploring the vibrant streets of the Loop at your own pace.