[4] Lying between Lake Michigan to the east and the Loop to the west, Grant Park has been Chicago's front yard since the mid-19th century.

Its northwest corner, north of Monroe Street and the Art Institute, east of Michigan Avenue, south of Randolph Street, and west of Columbus Drive, had been Illinois Central rail yards and parking lots until 1997, when it was made available for development by the city as Millennium Park.

[10] The roof of the Park Grill, upon which Cloud Gate sits, had to be strong enough to bear the weight.

A large retaining wall separating Chicago's Metra train tracks from the North Grant Park garage travels along the back side of the restaurant and supports much of the sculpture's weight.

[10] In June 2004, when construction of the shell began, a large tent (pictured left) was erected around the piece in order to shield it from public view.