The sculpture was commissioned by the Boston Globe and the Boston Public Garden Friends to commemorate the city's relationship with the book.
Each of the nine ducks is solid bronze, making the ensemble significantly heavier than its appearance suggests.
The ducks are occasionally dressed in seasonal clothing, such as scarves or hats, by local fans or during specific city events.
In 1991, a replica of this sculpture was gifted to the Soviet Union as a gesture of peace and placed in Moscow's Novodevichy Park.
Nancy Schön created the original models in her studio using clay before casting them in bronze at a foundry.
The ducks are positioned to follow the route the characters took in the story through the Boston Public Garden.
The sculpture is one of the most frequently photographed public art pieces in the city of Boston.
The Make Way for Ducklings sculpture consists of eight bronze figures depicting Mrs. Mallard and her ducklings as they appear in Robert McCloskey’s 1941 children's book. Created by sculptor Nancy Schön in 1987, the work commemorates the 45th anniversary of the book's publication. The installation is located within the Boston Public Garden. It features a mother duck and her eight offspring, Jack, Kack, Lack, Mack, Nack, Ouack, Pack, and Quack, arranged in a line as if crossing the street. The bronze figures are intentionally designed at a height accessible for children to sit on and interact with. The sculpture has become a cultural icon of Boston and a symbol of the city's literary history. Periodic maintenance is performed to ensure the bronze remains in good condition despite constant public contact.
Position your camera low at eye level with the ducklings to capture a perspective that mirrors their height.
Visit during weekday mornings to avoid crowds and have the best chance of taking photos without others in the frame.
Check the sculpture for seasonal outfits, as locals frequently adorn the ducks to celebrate holidays or sports teams.
Bring a book to read to children on the adjacent benches, as the area is designed for family engagement.
Do not expect to have the sculpture to yourself on pleasant weekend afternoons or public holidays.
Respectful interaction is expected; while sitting on the sculptures for photos is common and permitted, climbing or rough play is discouraged to preserve the metal finish.
