In Boston’s Public Garden, Nancy Schön’s bronze duck family brings Robert McCloskey’s children’s book Make Way for Ducklings to life. Mrs. Mallard leads her eight ducklings along a garden path, with the park’s greenery and small lake nearby. Children can get close to the sculptures, and the ducks sometimes wear outfits for special occasions. It’s an easy stop to pair with a walk through the garden or a visit to nearby Beacon Hill.
A book brought into the garden
Nancy Schön’s bronze sculpture depicts Mrs. Mallard leading her eight ducklings. The figures are based on Robert McCloskey’s children’s book Make Way for Ducklings, first published in 1941. The sculpture was installed in the Public Garden in 1987.
The duck family has become a familiar stop for families exploring the garden. Children can look closely at the figures and follow the line of ducklings along the path. The sculpture gives young readers a chance to see characters from the book in a real Boston setting.
A stop among the trees and water
The sculpture sits within the Public Garden, where weeping willows and a small lake add to the setting. A bridge and the city buildings beyond the park offer more to see as you walk around. Beacon Hill is nearby, so the ducklings can fit naturally into a garden stroll through this part of Boston.
The figures are sometimes dressed for special occasions. The annual Duckling Day parade takes place on Mother’s Day, and the sculptures may also wear outfits for other events. If you are visiting with children, a photo beside the duck family can make a simple record to revisit as they grow.
Preguntas frecuentes
Where is the Make Way for Ducklings Statue?
It is in Boston’s Public Garden, near the Beacon Hill area.
Which book inspired the sculpture?
The bronze figures depict characters from Robert McCloskey’s Make Way for Ducklings, published in 1941.
When might the duck sculptures be dressed up?
They are sometimes dressed for special occasions. Mother’s Day is also the date of the annual Duckling Day parade.
