Legendary artist-duo Christo, 81, and his late wife, Jeanne-Claude, conceived of The Floating Piers almost 50 years ago. The $17 million project has finally been realized, after other sites fell through, in Italy's Lombardy region. Legions of fans -- about 40,000 are expected over 16 days -- are trekking there to "walk on water."

A two-mile fabric walkway of gold leads visitors from the town of Sulzano to a tiny island in Lake Iseo. Christo describes the experience as "like walking on the back of a whale." The gold color changes hues with fluctuations in temperature and conditions.

The fabric is secured on 220,000 separate polyethylene cubes, which are attached to the lake's bottom by over 190 concrete slabs.

Open through July 3, the project is free and accessible to the public 24/7, weather-permitting. Christo will fund The Floating Piers with the sale of his preparatory sketches and drawings.