Democratic Donkey

The Democratic Donkey is a bronze statue situated in the courtyard of Old City Hall, serving as a symbol of the Democratic Party. Small elephant footprints are embedded in the ground in front of it, creating a visual representation of the opposing Republican Party and marking a political conversation in public space.

Roger Webb purchased the statue from Florence, Italy, and donated it to Boston in 1998. It was then installed in the Old City Hall courtyard, where it has remained a recognizable landmark in the city center.

The donkey serves as the symbol of the Democratic Party, rooted in Andrew Jackson's 1828 campaign when opponents used the term as an insult. This political meaning shapes how visitors interpret the sculpture and understand its placement alongside other party symbols.

The statue is located in the courtyard of Old City Hall at the intersection of School Street and City Hall Avenue. The courtyard is freely accessible, and visitors can view the sculpture from multiple angles throughout the space.

The statue is popular with children who enjoy climbing on the bronze, while the elephant footprints in front are often overlooked by passersby. This miniature political rivalry in public space attracts observant visitors who appreciate the hidden party competition displayed on the ground.