Statue of Robert Burns

The Statue of Robert Burns is a bronze sculpture depicting the Scottish poet walking alongside his dog, standing on a granite pedestal in the Back Bay Fens area. The composition rises approximately 9 feet tall and presents a naturalistic scene capturing the poet in an everyday moment.

The memorial was initiated in 1910 through a competition by the Burns Memorial Association of Boston and created by sculptor Henry Hudson Kitson. Governor Calvin Coolidge dedicated the bronze work in 1920, though it was relocated decades later before returning to its original location in the early 2020s.

The statue draws visitors who appreciate Scottish literature and poetry, particularly during annual celebrations honoring the poet's life and work. Passersby often pause to examine the details of the figures and their connection to the surrounding landscape.

The monument sits in a public park and remains freely accessible, allowing visitors to walk by and view it at any time. The location is easy to reach and offers a pleasant spot to linger, especially if you want to explore the surrounding pathways.

While displayed at a different location for several decades, many passersby mistakenly believed it depicted a different historical figure from local history. This confusion highlights how location and context shape how people understand and remember public artworks.

Location: Fenway–Kenmore

Location: Boston

Creator: Henry Hudson Kitson

Made from material: bronze

GPS coordinates: 42.24858,-71.00431

Latest update: December 13, 2025 17:04