Statue of Josiah Quincy III

The Statue of Josiah Quincy III stands in front of Old City Hall in Boston and depicts the figure in formal dress upon a granite base. The bronze work, over nine feet tall, shows the subject wearing a long coat and includes inscriptions on the base that commemorate his accomplishments.

The monument was created in 1879 by sculptor Thomas Ball and honors Josiah Quincy III, who led Boston as mayor from 1823 to 1828. After his time in city government, he went on to lead Harvard University.

The statue depicts the former mayor in formal attire and often goes unnoticed by visitors despite standing directly in front of the old city hall. It reflects how Boston once chose to honor those who shaped its institutions.

The monument sits in downtown Boston in front of the city hall and remains accessible throughout the year with no admission fee. The best time to visit is during daytime with good weather, when the details of the bronze figure are visible in favorable light.

The artwork was cast in Munich by Ferdinand von Miller & Sons, a renowned foundry at the time. This cross-Atlantic partnership shows how European craftsmen played an important role in shaping American public monuments.

Location: Boston

Inception: 1879

Creator: Thomas Ball

Made from material: bronze

GPS coordinates: 42.35786,-71.05933

Latest update: December 13, 2025 17:06