At first glance, this bench looks identical to the many others scattered throughout Boston Public Garden. Made of wood and set on tiles, it bears a small plaque reading, “A place for Barbara and her pups to pause.” From appearances alone, nothing sets it apart, but sharp-eyed movie buffs may recognize it as the setting of one of the most memorable scenes from Good Will Hunting.
Released in 1997 and starring Robin Williams and Matt Damon, Good Will Hunting was filmed largely around the Boston area. Its most iconic moment, Robin Williams’ heartfelt monologue delivered beside the Charles River, was shot right here in the Public Garden. Since then, the bench has become a quiet pilgrimage spot for film fans, many of whom stop to recreate the famous scene.
After Williams’ passing in 2014, the bench turned into an impromptu memorial, covered in flowers, notes, and tributes from admirers. In 2016, Jimmy Kimmel even visited the spot, humorously reviving his long-running mock feud with Damon.
For fans of the film, it’s a small but touching place to sit, reflect, and remember one of cinema’s most beloved performances.
