Calder’s Flamingo
A monumental, vibrant red stabile sculpture by Alexander Calder, inviting exploration and admiration in Chicago's Federal Plaza.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better photos
Calder’s Flamingo
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better photos

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A monumental, vibrant red stabile sculpture by Alexander Calder, inviting exploration and admiration in Chicago's Federal Plaza.
"It's a classic! You can walk through/underneath.
"📸 Perfect Photo Spot
Walk around and under for unique angles. Great for elopement photos!
📍 Find the History
A plaque on the south side shares the sculpture's story.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Vermillion Flamingo
Federal Plaza
Alexander Calder's iconic, towering red stabile sculpture. A must-see abstract masterpiece.

Walk-Through Wonder
Underneath the sculpture
Experience the scale and design by walking beneath the soaring arch. Offers unique photo ops.

Plaza Pause
Federal Plaza benches
Relax on the marble benches surrounding the sculpture. A perfect spot for a break or meeting friends.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Red Giant
Plaza Perks & Pondering
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📸 Perfect Photo Spot
Walk around and under for unique angles. Great for elopement photos!
📍 Find the History
A plaque on the south side shares the sculpture's story.
🤝 Great Meeting Point
Easy to find and hard to miss, ideal for meetups.
🚶♀️ Explore the Loop
Part of a larger art tour of downtown Chicago.
Tips
from all over the internet
📸 Perfect Photo Spot
Walk around and under for unique angles. Great for elopement photos!
📍 Find the History
A plaque on the south side shares the sculpture's story.
🤝 Great Meeting Point
Easy to find and hard to miss, ideal for meetups.
🚶♀️ Explore the Loop
Part of a larger art tour of downtown Chicago.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Calder's Flamingo for its striking visual appeal and its integration into the urban landscape. Many appreciate the opportunity to walk beneath the sculpture and relax on the surrounding benches. While it's a popular tourist spot, its free access and iconic status make it a must-see in Chicago's Loop.
"A really nice spot in the Loop to take a break and enjoy the surroundings. There are several marble benches that make it easy to sit down, relax, and even meet up with friends. The sculpture here is fun and eye-catching, and if you take a closer look, there’s a plaque on the south side that shares a bit of history and background about it, which adds to the experience. What’s interesting is that you’ll find several of these statues spread throughout the Loop, almost like a small outdoor gallery. They bring some character and variety to an area that might otherwise feel dominated by tall, plain high-rises. It’s a good mix of art, history, and a comfortable place to pause in the middle of the busy city."
Jacob Thompson
"Caldera’s 1974 iconic sculpture perfectly complements the Mies van der Rohe Modernist Federal Plaza. Its soaring arch and vermillion red make an impressive image. I love that you can walk through/underneath. It’s a classic!"
cliffb1930
"Very interesting experience. At the moment there was a peaceful and anemic protest against the United States war move on Iran."
Leonardo Lombard
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Calder's Flamingo is located in Federal Plaza in the Loop. It's easily accessible via public transportation. Several CTA 'L' train lines stop nearby, including the Washington/Wells (Brown, Orange, Pink, Purple lines) and Clark/Lake (Blue, Green, Orange, Pink, Purple lines) stations. Many bus routes also serve the downtown area. Parking in the Loop can be expensive, so public transit is often recommended.
Federal Plaza is a public space in the heart of downtown Chicago and is generally considered safe. Like any urban area, it's wise to be aware of your surroundings. It's a popular spot for both tourists and locals, and often has a visible presence of people.
Yes, you can drive to Federal Plaza, but parking can be challenging and costly in the Loop. There are several parking garages in the vicinity. Consider using a parking app to find available spots and compare rates.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there are no tickets or admission fees required to see Calder's Flamingo. It is an outdoor public sculpture located in Federal Plaza, which is freely accessible to everyone.
Federal Plaza is a public space and is generally accessible during daylight hours. While there are no official posted hours for the plaza itself, it's a space that's open for public enjoyment. The surrounding federal buildings have their own operating hours.
Absolutely not! Calder's Flamingo is a public art installation, and viewing it is completely free. You can admire it and take photos any time you're in Federal Plaza.
📸 📸 Photography
For the best lighting and fewer crowds, aim for weekday mornings. Late afternoons can also offer beautiful light as the sun begins to set, creating a warm glow on the red sculpture.
Generally, photography for personal use is allowed and encouraged. However, professional or commercial photography might require permits, especially if it involves extensive equipment or blocking public access. It's always a good idea to check with local authorities if you plan a large-scale shoot.
Experiment with different perspectives! Get low to emphasize its height, stand far back to capture its scale against the city skyline, or walk underneath to play with the arching forms. Reflections in nearby windows can also add an interesting element.
🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience
Federal Plaza offers marble benches for relaxation and people-watching. It's a great spot to take a break, enjoy the urban environment, and appreciate the surrounding architecture. It also serves as a meeting point for many.
Yes, absolutely! One of the most engaging aspects of Calder's Flamingo is that you can walk directly underneath its massive arch. This provides a unique perspective on its scale and design.
Yes, there is a plaque located on the south side of the sculpture that provides historical context and information about Alexander Calder and his creation.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
📸 Photographers & Art Enthusiasts
🚶♀️ Solo Travelers & Day-Trippers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Art of Alexander Calder
Calder's Flamingo, unveiled in 1974, is a prime example of his stabile work. Its immense scale and vibrant vermillion red hue make it a striking landmark in the otherwise modernist Federal Plaza. The sculpture's curves and open structure were intentionally designed to interact with its environment, inviting viewers to walk around and beneath it, experiencing its form from multiple viewpoints. The artist intended for his stabiles to be integrated into the urban landscape, adding a dynamic visual element to city life.
The creation of Calder's Flamingo involved complex engineering and fabrication. The large steel plates were cut, bent, and welded together to achieve the final form. Its placement in Federal Plaza, designed by architect Mies van der Rohe, creates a fascinating dialogue between different modernist aesthetics. The organic, playful curves of the Flamingo contrast with the rigid, geometric lines of the surrounding buildings, offering a dynamic visual experience for visitors.
Calder's Flamingo in Chicago's Urban Fabric
Many visitors and locals alike use Federal Plaza and the Flamingo as a meeting point or a place to take a break. The surrounding marble benches provide a comfortable spot to sit, relax, and admire the artwork. Its accessibility and striking visual presence make it a popular backdrop for photographs, from casual tourist snapshots to more professional shoots like elopements.
The presence of Calder's Flamingo contributes to Chicago's reputation as a city with a rich public art scene. It's often mentioned alongside other iconic Chicago artworks like 'The Bean' (Cloud Gate) and the Picasso sculpture, highlighting the city's commitment to integrating art into public spaces. The sculpture's enduring appeal lies in its ability to spark joy and curiosity, making art an accessible part of daily life for Chicagoans and visitors alike.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit