“The Bean” at Chicago's Millennium Park reopens to the public after nearly a year of renovation

CHICAGO (CBS) — After months of renovations, Grainger Plaza, the area surrounding Cloud Gate, or “The Bean” in Millennium Park, reopened to the public on Sunday.

Visitors can once again access the iconic Chicago sculpture created by Anish Kapoor.

Construction of the plaza began last August and included a reconstruction of the plaza's podium, including new stairs, accessible ramps, replacement of paving stones, a waterproofing system and accessibility improvements, according to the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events.

Additional landscaping improvements to the Plaza will be completed in the coming weeks, but they will not limit access to Cloud Gate.

The sculpture has attracted millions of visitors every year since its opening in 2004.

The reopening of the square comes ahead of Millennium Park's 20th anniversary celebrations scheduled for July 18-21.

According to the department, the event will take place throughout the park and feature award-winning headliners, family and youth activities, workouts, new public art and much more.

Millennium Park is open daily from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m.