Daley Plaza and Picasso Sculpture

Stop on Historic Chicago Loop Walking Tour, a free self-guided tour.

Walk west to Daley Plaza at 50 West Washington Street, a large public square in the heart of the Loop. The plaza, completed in 1965, was designed by Jacques Brownson and features a distinctive Cor-Ten steel sculpture by Pablo Picasso. The untitled 50-foot-high sculpture, simply known as The Chicago Picasso, was unveiled in 1967, becoming the first major public artwork in downtown Chicago. Picasso donated the design, refusing the 100,000 dollar fee. The abstract sculpture sparked controversy, with some praising its modernism and others finding it incomprehensible. Over time, Chicagoans embraced the work, and it became a beloved landmark. The plaza hosts farmers markets, concerts, and civic gatherings. The Richard J. Daley Center, a 31-story Cor-Ten steel and glass building completed in 1965 by C.F. Murphy Associates, dominates the plaza's west side. The building houses Cook County courts and offices. The plaza represents 1960s urban renewal emphasizing open public space and modern art. It demonstrates Chicago's confidence in contemporary design. The plaza and sculpture mark a shift from Chicago's historic architectural focus toward mid-century modernism, showing the city's continued evolution as an architectural leader.