Make Way for Ducklings - Nancy Schön

Sculpture · Beacon Hill

Make Way for Ducklings - Nancy Schön

Sculpture · Beacon Hill

3

4 Charles St, Boston, MA 02116

Photos

Make Way for Ducklings - Nancy Schön by null
Make Way for Ducklings - Nancy Schön by presentnow (Atlas Obscura User)
Make Way for Ducklings - Nancy Schön by Charles Hoffman/CC BY-SA 2.0
Make Way for Ducklings - Nancy Schön by davinwhite (Atlas Obscura User)
Make Way for Ducklings - Nancy Schön by bsempowski (Atlas Obscura User)
Make Way for Ducklings - Nancy Schön by Jaszmina Szendrey (Atlas Obscura User)
Make Way for Ducklings - Nancy Schön by bsempowski (Atlas Obscura User)
Make Way for Ducklings - Nancy Schön by Taterchips (Atlas Obscura User)
Make Way for Ducklings - Nancy Schön by Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism/CC BY-ND 2.0
Make Way for Ducklings - Nancy Schön by bsempowski (Atlas Obscura User)
Make Way for Ducklings - Nancy Schön by presentnow (Atlas Obscura User)
Make Way for Ducklings - Nancy Schön by bsempowski (Atlas Obscura User)
Make Way for Ducklings - Nancy Schön by candyschwartz/CC BY 2.0
Make Way for Ducklings - Nancy Schön by KimWhitehead (Atlas Obscura User)
Make Way for Ducklings - Nancy Schön by cait7911 (Atlas Obscura User)
Make Way for Ducklings - Nancy Schön by candyschwartz/CC BY 2.0
Make Way for Ducklings - Nancy Schön by bsempowski (Atlas Obscura User)
Make Way for Ducklings - Nancy Schön by theilr/CC BY-SA 2.0
Make Way for Ducklings - Nancy Schön by presentnow (Atlas Obscura User)
Make Way for Ducklings - Nancy Schön by davinwhite (Atlas Obscura User)
Make Way for Ducklings - Nancy Schön by bsempowski (Atlas Obscura User)
Make Way for Ducklings - Nancy Schön by davinwhite (Atlas Obscura User)
Make Way for Ducklings - Nancy Schön by Jaszmina Szendrey (Atlas Obscura User)
Make Way for Ducklings - Nancy Schön by MizzusK (Atlas Obscura User)
Make Way for Ducklings - Nancy Schön by bsempowski (Atlas Obscura User)
Make Way for Ducklings - Nancy Schön by Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism/CC BY-ND 2.0
Make Way for Ducklings - Nancy Schön by davinwhite (Atlas Obscura User)
Make Way for Ducklings - Nancy Schön by bsempowski (Atlas Obscura User)
Make Way for Ducklings - Nancy Schön by stephaniejones590 (Atlas Obscura User)
Make Way for Ducklings - Nancy Schön by ickaimp (Atlas Obscura User)
Make Way for Ducklings - Nancy Schön by ickaimp (Atlas Obscura User)
Make Way for Ducklings - Nancy Schön by null
Make Way for Ducklings - Nancy Schön by Charles Hoffman/CC BY-SA 2.0
Make Way for Ducklings - Nancy Schön by davinwhite (Atlas Obscura User)
Make Way for Ducklings - Nancy Schön by MizzusK (Atlas Obscura User)
Make Way for Ducklings - Nancy Schön by presentnow (Atlas Obscura User)
Make Way for Ducklings - Nancy Schön by stephaniejones590 (Atlas Obscura User)
Make Way for Ducklings - Nancy Schön by davinwhite (Atlas Obscura User)
Make Way for Ducklings - Nancy Schön by cait7911 (Atlas Obscura User)
Make Way for Ducklings - Nancy Schön by KimWhitehead (Atlas Obscura User)
Make Way for Ducklings - Nancy Schön by davinwhite (Atlas Obscura User)
Make Way for Ducklings - Nancy Schön by davinwhite (Atlas Obscura User)
Make Way for Ducklings - Nancy Schön by davinwhite (Atlas Obscura User)
Make Way for Ducklings - Nancy Schön by Taterchips (Atlas Obscura User)
Make Way for Ducklings - Nancy Schön by theilr/CC BY-SA 2.0
Make Way for Ducklings - Nancy Schön by davinwhite (Atlas Obscura User)
Make Way for Ducklings - Nancy Schön by null
Make Way for Ducklings - Nancy Schön by null
Make Way for Ducklings - Nancy Schön by null
Make Way for Ducklings - Nancy Schön by null
Make Way for Ducklings - Nancy Schön by null
Make Way for Ducklings - Nancy Schön by null
Make Way for Ducklings - Nancy Schön by null
Make Way for Ducklings - Nancy Schön by null
Make Way for Ducklings - Nancy Schön by null
Make Way for Ducklings - Nancy Schön by null
Make Way for Ducklings - Nancy Schön by null
Make Way for Ducklings - Nancy Schön by null
Make Way for Ducklings - Nancy Schön by null
Make Way for Ducklings - Nancy Schön by null
Make Way for Ducklings - Nancy Schön by null
Make Way for Ducklings - Nancy Schön by null
Make Way for Ducklings - Nancy Schön by null
Make Way for Ducklings - Nancy Schön by null
Make Way for Ducklings - Nancy Schön by null

Highlights

Bronze duck family sculpture, a beloved Boston Public Garden landmark  

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4 Charles St, Boston, MA 02116 Get directions

schon.com

Information

Static Map

4 Charles St, Boston, MA 02116 Get directions

+1 617 969 7214
schon.com

Features

wheelchair accessible parking lot
wheelchair accessible entrance

Last updated

Aug 8, 2025

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@atlasobscura

9 Favorite Children's Book Characters, Immortalized in Bronze

"A family of nine—a mother and her eight offspring—have lived in Boston Public Garden for 30 years. They are the bronze statues of the “Mallard” family, from the 1941 classic children’s book Make Way For Ducklings, and they have been a family favorite in the park since their installation in 1987. In the book, Mr. and Mrs. Mallard come to Boston to look for a home, and are excited by the beautiful Public Garden. But after seeing humans walking and cycling around fast, they deem it too dangerous for their soon-to-be-born ducklings. After the ducklings hatch, Mrs Mallard teaches them to swim and watch out for themselves, and the family come back to a tiny island in the garden’s lagoon.  The statues were designed by Nancy Schön and placed there “as a tribute to Robert McCloskey, whose story Make Way For Ducklings has made the Boston Public Garden familiar to children throughout the world,” as the plaque at the site reads. The entire brood—Jack, Kack, Lack, Mack, Nack, Ouack, Pack, and Quack—have taken up 35 feet on old Boston cobblestone in the park. The family is quite fashionable, and is dressed up in seasonal costumes, or sports jerseys, if the local teams are doing well." - ATLAS_OBSCURA

https://www.atlasobscura.com/lists/childrens-book-characters-bronze-states
View Postcard for Make Way for Ducklings
@atlasobscura

The Ultimate Guide to Bird Monuments

"A family of nine—a mother and her eight offspring—have lived in Boston Public Garden for 30 years. They are the bronze statues of the “Mallard” family, from the 1941 classic children’s book Make Way For Ducklings, and they have been a family favorite in the park since their installation in 1987. In the book, Mr. and Mrs. Mallard come to Boston to look for a home, and are excited by the beautiful Public Garden. But after seeing humans walking and cycling around fast, they deem it too dangerous for their soon-to-be-born ducklings. After the ducklings hatch, Mrs Mallard teaches them to swim and watch out for themselves, and the family come back to a tiny island in the garden’s lagoon.  The statues were designed by Nancy Schön and placed there “as a tribute to Robert McCloskey, whose story Make Way For Ducklings has made the Boston Public Garden familiar to children throughout the world,” as the plaque at the site reads. The entire brood—Jack, Kack, Lack, Mack, Nack, Ouack, Pack, and Quack—have taken up 35 feet on old Boston cobblestone in the park. The family is quite fashionable, and is dressed up in seasonal costumes, or sports jerseys, if the local teams are doing well." - ATLAS_OBSCURA

https://www.atlasobscura.com/lists/ultimate-guide-to-bird-monuments
View Postcard for Make Way for Ducklings
@afar

"In Boston with the kids? Nancy Schon's famous sculpture is loved by everyone familiar with Make Way for Ducklings. Mrs. Mallard and her 8 ducklings lead you into the Public Garden at the Beacon/Charles St. entrance. Follow the path to a ride on the swan boats and take advantage of a green space enjoyable any time of the year."

The Best Things for Families to Do in Boston
View Postcard for Make Way for Ducklings

Patrick Cody

Google
Every visit to the Boston Public Garden is a special one for our family, and one of the highlights is always our tradition of seeing the Make Way for Ducklings statues. It’s become a cherished routine—riding the swan boats, enjoying the peaceful paths of the Garden, and then walking over to visit the ducklings. Our daughter absolutely lights up every time she sees them. It’s a simple but magical part of the park that brings joy not only to kids but to anyone familiar with the beloved story. The statues are beautifully done and nestled in such a scenic spot—it’s hard not to smile when you’re there. If you’re visiting the Boston Public Garden, make sure to stop by. It’s a perfect little piece of charm, especially for families.

Michael A.

Google
What a delightful and fun attraction in the Boston Public garden . We sat on a bench close by on a beautiful summer day and watched allot of people take photos of this almost iconic landmark . Fun fact : I overheard a tour guide say that a replica of the statues were given by the USA to then Russia First Lady Raisa as a gift .

Alana Lipkin

Google
A classic sculpture from a classic children’s book is a must see on any Boston visit. The Boston Public Gardens is a magical place where nice weather becomes glorious. Bring the kids along for a photo shoot. Leave time for a ride on the swan boats. The area is both stroller and dog friendly. On street arking can be a challenge so take public transportation if at all possible.

Christian Duarte, PhD, MSc

Google
It's a charming stop full of nostalgia and whimsy... Stumbling upon the Make Way for Ducklings sculpture in Boston Public Garden felt like walking into the pages of a childhood storybook. It’s simple, yes—but incredibly moving in its quiet charm. Each little duckling, lined up behind Mrs. Mallard, seems to have a personality of its own. Children were climbing on them, families were taking photos, and everyone who passed by seemed to slow down and smile. There’s something beautifully human about this spot, it’s not just about bronze statues, it’s about shared memories, literary heritage, and a sense of wonder that invites both kids and adults to pause. The sculpture is small and unassuming, but that’s part of its magic. It doesn't demand your attention, it gently earns it. If you're in Boston, don’t skip this. It won’t take long to visit, but it may stay with you much longer than expected.

Catherine P

Google
We love seeing this sculpture, which is a recreation on the classic Make Way for Ducklings. The ducklings are often in outfits repping the Boston sports teams or dressed for other holidays. The sculpture is made of bronze and is a a must-see if you are in Boston. It is located at the Public Gardens, which is adjacent to Boston Commons. It is known as the first botanical garden in the country.

Theresa St. John

Google
Anytime I'm in Boston I try to visit these little ducklings. They are super cute year round and everyone loves to have their picture taken with them. They bring joy to visitors - who come to Boston from all over the world.

Steve

Google
Who doesn't love ducks? You're never too old to sit on them as well, apparently.

Mark Taylor

Google
I love the book by Robert McCloskey Make Way for the Ducklings and I think it’s awesome that they have the statues of the famous ducklings and Mrs Mallard in the Public Gardens. Make sure to stop here and get a picture of your child sitting on one of the ducks.