Near North Residents Enjoy Final Weeks of Innovative Augmented Reality Art at Millennium Park

By Socialhood News · Il/Chicago/Near North · November 18, 2025

Near North residents have just a few more weeks to experience the groundbreaking "Augmented Chicago: Inaugural Realities" exhibition at Millennium Park before it concludes its impressive run this month. The innovative augmented reality installation, which has transformed the park's landscape since summer 2024, features works by four acclaimed Chicago-based artists: Claire Ashley, Faheem Majeed, Yvette Mayorga, and Carlos Rolón.

The exhibition marks the first time augmented reality technology has been used for public art in Millennium Park, allowing visitors to experience a fusion of technology and creativity through their smartphones. Highlights include Ashley's "NOMADIC FLUROATIC PHYLOSIAN SPAWN," which places colorful amorphous blobs floating above Lurie Garden, and Majeed's "Freedom's Stand: Sentries Beacon," an homage to pioneering Black newspapers. The exhibition has drawn thousands of Near North residents and visitors to experience art in this innovative medium throughout its run.

Near North residents interested in experiencing this unique artistic display before it concludes can download the free HoverLay app and follow the marked signs throughout Millennium Park. The Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events encourages visitors to bring headphones for the complete audio-visual experience and to share their interactions with the installations on social media using #MillenniumPark.

Sources:
1. https://www.wbez.org/arts/2024/07/18/chicago-free-public-art-series-millennium-park-augmented-reality
2. https://loopchicago.com/in-the-loop/enjoy-new-public-art-in-millennium-park-this-summer/
3. https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/dca/provdrs/attractions_eventsandexhibitions/news/2024/july/mp.html