SeePublic art

Japanese Lantern

Gifted to the City of Boston by Bunkio Matsuki in 1904

Built 1587

Website: boston.gov (opens in a new tab)

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Updated 29 Sept 2026. Something wrong? Tell us.

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SeeAttraction
Good Will Hunting Bench
Public Garden, 4 Charles St S
Wheelchair accessible
SeeBack Bay-Beacon Hill
The Boston Public Garden
Established in 1837 by Horace Gray, the Boston Public Garden, formerly an enormous swampy salt marsh, is the largest and oldest botanical garden in the United States. The Garden features a plethora of diverse plant life, including a wide variety of native and foreign trees, and a rotating arrangement of flowers that change with the seasons. It also features numerous statues and fountains dedicated to Boston's heroes throughout the ages. The park is centered on a four acre pond, which is crossed by the world's smallest suspension bridge, and teems with wildlife during the warmer months. During this time the Swan Boats are also in operation, a famous Boston Tourist attraction since 1877. In the northeast corner of the park, tourists can view the wildly popular duckling statues, based on Robert McCloskey's famous children's book "Make Way For Ducklings.".
7AM-9PM dailyFree · Heritage listed · Built 1837
SeeAttraction
The Lagoon
DoBoat tourBack Bay-Beacon Hill
Swan Boats
Located in the Lagoon, a 4-acre pond in the center of the Public Garden, the Swan Boats are one of the most famous and traditional icons of the city of Boston. Founded in 1877 by British immigrant and engineer Robert Paget, the boats have been preserved for over the years by the Paget family for tourist pleasure and enjoyment. Each of the six human powered boats is shaped like a white swan and carries around 20 adults. Enjoy a relaxing 15-minute trip around the pond and take in a beautiful tour of the Boston Public Garden.
Spring 10AM-4PM daily, Summer 10AM-5PM daily, Fall Mon-Fri noon-4PM, Sat Sun 10AM-4PM$3.50, seniors $3, children $2, toddlers free · Wheelchair accessible · Built 1877 · Entry 4.00 USD