Batcolumn is a nearly 30-metre-tall sculpture shaped like an oversized baseball bat, on the Harold Washington Social Security Administration Building Plaza in Chicago’s Market District. Claes Oldenburg made it from steel and aluminum and coated it with enamel. Its scale and baseball theme make it a distinctive stop, especially if you are exploring the district or heading to a Chicago White Sox game. Visit in daylight to see the structure’s details, and consider pairing the stop with other nearby attractions.
A monumental bat in the Market District
Batcolumn stands on the plaza of the Harold Washington Social Security Administration Building, constructed in 1977. Swedish-American sculptor Claes Oldenburg created the work as an enormous baseball bat. Its height, nearly 30 metres, gives the familiar sporting shape a striking scale in the city.
Materials and setting
The sculpture is made from steel and aluminum and painted with enamel. Visit in daylight to make out its surface and form. Its baseball subject connects naturally with Chicago’s baseball culture, and the nearby Chicago White Sox stadium makes it an easy stop to consider alongside a game.
Perguntas frequentes
Where is Batcolumn in Chicago?
It is on the Harold Washington Social Security Administration Building Plaza at 600 W Madison St in the Market District.
How tall is Batcolumn?
The sculpture is nearly 30 metres, or about 100 feet, tall.
Who made Batcolumn?
Swedish-American sculptor Claes Oldenburg created it.
Is the plaza wheelchair accessible?
Yes. The plaza has a wheelchair-accessible entrance.
