The Stories Behind These Nine Sculptures In Boston Are Fascinating

Hundreds of statues are sprinkled over parks, sidewalks, and squares all around the Boston area. Many of these pay tribute to notable Revolutionary War figures such as Samuel Adams and Paul Revere, but there are also many other tributes to authors, sports heroes, historical figures, and even some famous food and drinks. Behind every statue is a great story and I’m here to tell you about a few of these.

Bobby Orr Statue, 110 Causeway St, Boston, MA 02114, USA

John Tammaro/flickr

If you are a sports fan, you will definitely recognize the man who inspired the statue located outside of the TD Garden. Bobby Orr was a legendary athlete who played for the Boston Bruins hockey team for 10 seasons. The statue, designed by Harry Weber in 2010, depicts Orr scoring the winning goal in the 1970 Stanley Cup playoff game. The most fascinating thing about this sculpture is the detailed look on Orr’s face as he flies through the air.

Democracy Donkey Statue, Boston, MA 02108, USA

Wally Gobetz/flickr

Just outside Boston’s Old City Hall is a bronze statue of an adorable donkey. Now referred to as Democratic Donkey, this symbol of an American political party actually came from Italy. A man named Roger Webb purchased it from a store in Florence and had it shipped back to Boston with the intention that it would be placed along the Freedom Trail. His initial attempts at securing a proper place along the trail were denied. It was only when Webb argued that the donkey could be seen as a representation of the city’s dominating Democratic Party that he was granted permission to install the sculpture. A set of “Republican footprints” face the donkey in opposition.

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Make Way for Ducklings, 4 Charles St, Boston, MA 02116, USA

Katarina/flickr

One of the most well-known statues in the city is Nancy Schön’s Make Way For Ducklings sculpture, located in the Boston Public Garden. This one is also one of my favorites! Based on Robert McCloskey’s children’s picture book by the same name, this statue of the local Mallard family has been delighting tourists and locals since 1987. You will often find the ducks dressed up for the holidays or celebrating notable sports events. A picture of your children riding on their backs is always a treasured Boston memento.

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The Embrace, 139 Tremont St, Boston, MA 02108, USA

Wally Gobetz/flickr

In the nearby Boston Common lies one of Boston’s newest statues. The Embrace was installed in late 2022. The statue by Hank Willis Thomas depicts the hands of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Coretta Scott King as they hug. The couple met while attending school in Boston. Since its installation, the statue's appearance has been a subject of controversy. A second statue dedicated to King is located at Boston University where he attended theology school.

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Edgar Allan Poe Statue, Boylston St & Charles St, Boston, MA 02116, USA

Brad S./Foursquare

Just off the Common, at the corner of Charles and Boylston Streets, is a statue that pays tribute to author and poet Edgar Allan Poe. Poe was born in Boston in 1809 but did not have a favorable view of its citizens. The bronze statue, which was created by Stephanie Rocknak and installed in 2014 in Edgar Allan Poe Square, depicts Poe quickly walking down the street as though trying to get away hastily. Poe carries an open briefcase and next to him flies a large raven.

Tortoise and Hare, Boylston St & Clarendon St, Boston, MA 02116, USA

Wally Gobetz/flickr

Another set of statues that pay tribute to an important piece of literature and sports history can be found in Copley Square just outside the Trinity Church. The turtle and the rabbit sculptures represent the tortoise and the hare from Aesop’s fable. The sculpture’s creator, Nancy Schön (who also designed the Make Way for Duckling statue), wished to dedicate a statue to the athletes who participated in the Boston Marathon. The tortoise and the hare represent the slow, the fast, and everyone in between. The statue was installed in 1994 an is located a short distance from the marathon finish line.

Red Auerbach Statue, 8 S Market St, Boston, MA 02109, USA

WBUR Boston's NPR News Station/flickr

A statue that certainly gets quite a bit of attention is located in Boston’s Faneuil Hall Marketplace. Celtics coach Red Auerbach sits on a bench, smoking a cigar, and watching as shoppers and tourists pass by. Many stop and have their picture taken with him. The statue of Auerbach by artist Lloyd Lillie was installed in 1985 on the coach’s 68th birthday.

Steaming Kettle, 63-65 Court St, Boston, MA 02108, USA

Ezio Armando/flickr

For a good cup of joe and an interesting piece of local history, head to the Starbucks in Government Center. Outside the building hangs a gigantic golden tea kettle that blows steam from its spout. The kettle dates back to 1873 and has a very interesting backstory!

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Public Art "Clapp's Favorite Pear", 695 Columbia Rd, Boston, MA 02125, USA

Adam Pieniazek/flickr

This list of unique statues would not be complete without mentioning the Clapp Pear Statue. This 12-foot pear rests just outside the city in Edwards Everett Square in Dorchester. Way back in 1830, a man named Thaddeus Clapp crossed a Flemish Beauty Pear and a Bartlett Pear and in doing so, created a brand new variety, which he named the Clapp’s Favorite Pear. The enormous statue acknowledges his delicious accomplishment. The pear, which has been a symbol of the neighborhood since 2007, was designed by Laura Baring-Gould.

There are many other fascinating statues to discover within the city and beyond. If you have a statue that you think is of particular interest, please tell us all about it. If you would like to purchase prints of the Make Way For Duckling Statue or the Bobby Orr statue, you can do so on Etsy.