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In 1963, Richard J. Daley Center architects tried to entice Pablo Picasso to create a sculpture for the plaza in front of their proposed building. They wrote him a poem, calling Chicago ‘a place waiting for a spirit, the spirit in a sculpture,’ and ending with the question ‘will you do it?’

Armed with a scrapbook packed with Chicago photographs and quotations about the city, they flew to France to appeal to Picasso in person. Their efforts paid off. Picasso accepted, refusing the $100,000 he was offered, and assured Chicago that his sculpture was a gift.

Many wonder what the 50-foot tall, 162-ton sculpture is meant to emulate. Some think the figure is a long-necked, high-ponytailed woman inspired by Picasso’s muse Sylvette David. However, the sculpture has also been likened to the jackal-headed god, Anubis, an afghan hound, and even a cow sticking out its tongue. But what actually is it?

Find out more here.

For more about the Goodman Theatre, click here.