Skip to main content
Usitour
Square & Landmark

Batcolumn

📍 600 W. Madison St. (beside the Harold Washington Social Security Building), Chicago, IL 60661
No photos yet
3.5/ 5.0
★★★★☆

Introduction

Batcolumn is an outdoor sculpture by Swedish-born American Pop artist Claes Oldenburg, commissioned by the U.S. General Services Administration and unveiled in 1977 beside the Harold Washington Social Security Administration Building in downtown Chicago. About 101 feet (31 m) tall, the gray COR-TEN steel bat is built from roughly 1,608 flat steel plates welded into a diamond-lattice pattern, inspired by the city's towers, chimney stacks, neo-classical columns and construction cranes. Oldenburg first intended to paint it red to distinguish it from Calder's Flamingo but finally chose gray so it would stand out against the sky. As free public art it has become an emblem of Chicago.

✨ Highlights

1
101-ft lattice baseball bat of gray COR-TEN steel, a signature scaled-up Oldenburg work
At Batcolumn, 101-ft lattice baseball bat of gray COR-TEN steel, a signature scaled-up Oldenburg work is one of the most representative experiences of this destination.
2
Commissioned by the U.S. GSA in 1977; a landmark of Chicago public art
At Batcolumn, Commissioned by the U.S. GSA in 1977; a landmark of Chicago public art is one of the most representative experiences of this destination.
3
Contrasts with the skyscrapers and Calder's red Flamingo nearby
At Batcolumn, Contrasts with the skyscrapers and Calder's red Flamingo nearby is one of the most representative experiences of this destination.
4
Open-steel lattice lets light and sky shift across the surface
At Batcolumn, Open-steel lattice lets light and sky shift across the surface is one of the most representative experiences of this destination.

🛈 Practical Info

→Best time to visit：Avoid the midday heat; mornings or late afternoons are more comfortable and better for photos.
→Transport：Arrange via local public transport, driving or a chartered transfer; check latest local transport info.
→Climate & clothing：Prepare for the local climate with sun protection, water and suitable footwear; some outdoor spots can be sunny.
→On-site notes：Follow on-site signs and rules, protect the heritage/environment, and do not climb or touch exhibits.
→Accessibility：Some areas have natural or uneven ground and may be physically demanding.

💡 Tips

• Ticket prices, opening hours and tours may change; confirm on official channels on site. Queried opening hours: Open-air sculpture; visible all year, around the clock; admission: Free (outdoor public artwork).
• Prepare for the local climate (sun, hydration) and pace your visit accordingly.
• Respect local culture, customs and any religious norms; dress and behave accordingly.
• Combine with nearby sights and plan around local transport and accommodation.

FAQ

Any practical tips for visiting Batcolumn?

Ticket prices, opening hours and tours may change; confirm on official channels on site. Queried opening hours: Open-air sculpture; visible all year, around the clock; admission: Free (outdoor public artwork). Prepare for the local climate (sun, hydration) and pace your visit accordingly.

Information on this page is compiled from public sources. Opening hours, ticket prices and other details may change — please verify with official sources before your visit.