Its name reveals its origins: the Millennium Park was Chicago’s way of ringing in the new millennium. It was first proposed in 1997 as a major renovation of Grant Park, on site of a former stadium of the Chicago White Stockings, next to a defunct right of way of Illinois Central Railroad. A parking lot stood at one end of of the park, but what was needed, the city decided, was a major attraction, one that could bring in tourists and dollars in a way no parking can. One built by Frank Gehry.

On this day, July 16, 2004, Millennium Park opened in Chicago, only four years after the intended opening day. The delay only built up expectations: some 300,000 people attended three three-day opening ceremonies, which included an inaugural concert by the Grant Park Orchestra and Chorus.

Despite the significant cost and time overruns, the park was widely praised. Gehry’s bandshell over the Great Lawn became a top attraction, as did a bicycle center in the middle of the park, and several functional solar-power generators that doubled as entryways into the underground garage.