Chicago artwork talks back this summer

ByJesse Kirsch WLS logo
Friday, May 26, 2017
TALKING STATUES
Here in the Windy City, public art comes to life through Statue Stories Chicago.

CHICAGO, Ill. (WLS) -- Here in the Windy City, public art comes to life through Statue Stories Chicago.

With David Schwimmer's voice, Cloudgate helps Chicago visitors explore the iconic sculpture-and look within.

"I'm confused. He just kept saying to come closer to the Bean and to look at it and there's another me somewhere," explains first-time Chicago visitor Jenna Tenenbaum.

She and her brother, Brad, scanned the Cloudgate QR code, and then, Cloudgate called their phones, taking them on a tour!

The Art Institute's sentry lions add personality to the mix.

And for those wandering to the edge of Navy Pier, Mr. Bob Newhart spins a yarn.

"You have people availing themselves of these wonderful stories in Chicago, it engenders civic pride. There are so many pieces that we pass by every day that we know nothing about. And this is a moment to stop, observe, think and learn."

Kim Coventry, executive director of the Richard H. Driehaus Foundation, says the commentaries, which are funded by her office, have been played close to 100,000 times since August 2015. The program wraps this August, so best to act fast if you want Bob Newhart to return your call.