CHICAGO (AP) — One of Chicago's most popular tourist attractions known as “The Bean” reopened to the public Sunday after nearly a year of renovations and construction.
Construction started in August last year, and fencing around the iconic sculpture limited closeup access to visitors. The work on the plaza surrounding the sculpture included new stairs, accessible ramps and a waterproofing system, according to the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events.
The bean-shaped sculpture by artist Anish Kapoor is formally known as “Cloud Gate” and weighs 110 tons (99.8 metric tons).
It’s a busy tourist hub near Michigan Avenue, particularly for selfies with its reflective surface inspired by liquid mercury. Views of skyscrapers and crowds are reflected on the Millenium Park sculpture.
“Visitors can once again have full access to Chicago’s iconic Cloud Gate by Anish Kapoor,” city officials said in a Sunday statement. “Come back and get your #selfie!”
FILE - In this Jan. 31, 2008, file photo, a couple is seen on the underside of the 110-ton stainless steel Anish Kapoor sculpture called "Cloud Gate" and nicknamed "The Bean" at Millennium Park in Chicago. One of Chicago's most popular tourist attractions reopened to the public Sunday, June 23, 2024 after nearly a year of renovations and construction. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh, file)
LA PAZ, Bolivia (AP) — Bolivian government officials said Friday they arrested four more people in connection with Wednesday's failed coup attempt against President Luis Arce, bringing the total detained to 21.
Government Minister Eduardo del Castillo said that among those arrested were military officers, including the driver of an armored vehicle that rammed into the government palace.
“He had the audacity to use an armored vehicle against the patrimony and put the life of the president at risk,” del Castillo said.
Previous arrests included a man who officials say was conducting intelligence in the plaza outside the palace with a bullet proof vest, and another military sergeant who was communicating through the app FaceTime and other social media.
The government claims the coup attempt was headed by Juan José Zúñiga, a top general, who alleged without providing evidence that the president had ordered him to carry out the mutiny in a ruse to boost his flagging popularity.
That fueled speculation about what really happened among Bolivians, already disillusioned with their government as ongoing political spats between Arce and his one-time political ally Evo Morales have exacerbated the economic crisis in the country.
Arce on Thursday night declared accusations that he had carried out a “self-coup” to garner political support “lies.” He vowed Zúñiga and those involved would face justice.
Police hold the detained Juan Arnez Salvador, ex-commander general of the Bolivian Navy, in La Paz, Bolivia, Wednesday, June 26, 2024. An apparent failed coup attempt erupted Wednesday in Bolivia. (AP Photo/Juan Karita)
Anibal Aguilar Gomez, arrested for his alleged involvement in what President Luis Arce called a coup attempt, is presented to the press in La Paz, Bolivia, Thursday, June 27, 2024. Senior Cabinet member Eduardo del Castillo identified Aguilar Gomez, a civilian, as a key “ideologue” in what Bolivian authorities said was a failed coup attempt. (AP Photo/Juan Karita)
People arrested in connection with the previous day's uprising are presented by police to the press in La Paz, Bolivia, Thursday, June 27, 2024. The government announced more arrests over their alleged involvement in what President Luis Arce called a coup attempt. (AP Photo/Juan Karita)
Bolivian police hold the detained Juan Jose Zuniga, former general commander of the Army, in La Paz, Bolivia, Wednesday, June 26, 2024. An apparent failed coup attempt erupted Wednesday in the country, and Zuniga appeared to be leading the rebellion. (AP Photo/Juan Karita)
Police guard the government palace the day after an attempted government take-over in La Paz, Bolivia, Thursday, June 27, 2024. The government announced more arrests over their alleged involvement in what President Luis Arce called a coup attempt. (AP Photo/Carlos Sanchez)
Sergeant Demetrio Mamani is presented to the press in handcuffs by police after his arrest in La Paz, Bolivia, Friday, June 28, 2024. Bolivian government officials said Friday they arrested four more people in connection with Wednesday's failed coup attempt against President Luis Arce, bringing the total detained to 21. (AP Photo/Juan Karita)
Men talk in front of a newspaper kiosk in La Paz, Bolivia, Thursday, June 27, 2024, a day after Army troops stormed the government palace in what President Luis Arce called a coup attempt. (AP Photo/Carlos Sanchez)
Miguel Angel Burgos is presented to the press in handcuffs by police after his arrest in La Paz, Bolivia, Friday, June 28, 2024. Bolivian government officials said Friday they arrested four more people in connection with Wednesday's failed coup attempt against President Luis Arce, bringing the total detained to 21. (AP Photo/Juan Karita)
Bolivian President Luis Arce speaks during a press conference the day after troops stormed the presidential palace in what he called a coup attempt, in La Paz, Bolivia, Thursday, June 27, 2024. (AP Photo/Juan Karita)
Sergeant Alan Condori is presented to the press in handcuffs by police after his arrest in La Paz, Bolivia, Friday, June 28, 2024. Bolivian government officials said Friday they arrested four more people in connection with Wednesday's failed coup attempt against President Luis Arce, bringing the total detained to 21. (AP Photo/Juan Karita)
Bolivian President Luis Arce speaks during a press conference the day after troops stormed the presidential palace in what he called a coup attempt, in La Paz, Bolivia, Thursday, June 27, 2024. (AP Photo/Juan Karita)
