The Boston Public Garden Bench from "Good Will Hunting"

Apr 28

Apr 28 The Boston Public Garden Bench from "Good Will Hunting"

Christina

Filming Locations, Movies

LOCATION

The park bench where Robin Williams delivers his memorable monologue in "Good Will Hunting".

ADDRESS

Boston Public Garden
Boston, MA

STORY & PHOTOS

1997's "Good Will Hunting" showcased not only newcomers Matt Damon and Ben Affleck (who co-wrote and co-starred in the acclaimed film) but also veteran actor Robin Williams in an Oscar-winning performance as therapist Sean Maguire. One of his best scenes takes place on a park bench; watch it here:

That much-loved scene takes place in Boston's Public Garden:

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The bench is a little tough to find, since there's weirdly nothing marking it as "the Good Will Hunting bench". I'm surprised there wasn't a plaque or something added after Robin Williams' death. (There were, however, touching tributes there in the days following his passing.) But anyway, here are my best tips. First, take a look at the AudessyGuides.com park map; the bench is #5. Use this to orient yourself. The four key things to look for behind the bench are the crossing paths, the lamppost, the statue, and the tree with the branch that makes a "V". My friend Brian and I finally found it during our trip to Boston and (after waiting for some loungers to clear out) snapped our photos:

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It's a lovely little area and it's nice to see the bench in person. Enjoy! And before you visit, take a peek at this snippet of Matt Damon talking about that scene and revisiting the bench in Boston:

STORY & PHOTO CREDITS

Written by Christina LeBlanc
Location photos by Christina LeBlanc and Brian Lepine