Monument
«Make way for the Ducklings!»
The sculpture “Make way for the Ducklings” is one of Moscow’s most famous landmarks, located in a park near the Novodevichy Convent. The monument, which was erected in 1991, is a replica of an original sculpture created in Boston, Massachusetts in 1987. This sculpture was inspired by Robert McCloskey’s children’s book “Mrs. Mallard and Her Eight Ducklings”, published in 1941. The story follows the adventures of Mrs. Mallard, a duck mother, and her eight adorable ducklings as they navigate their way through the city in search of safety. The story of this brave mother duck and her little ones gained immense popularity, inspiring the creation of the sculpture. The sculpture in Boston is a symbol of love, care, and respect for families and nature. Nancy Shen, an admirer of McCloskey’s work, designed the sculpture, which was first installed in a public garden in Boston. The sculpture quickly became a beloved part of the city’s culture. Based on the success of the original monument, the Boston authorities proposed creating a replica for Moscow. Barbara Bush, on an official visit to Boston, was impressed and offered to donate the original to Moscow. In 1991, on her initiative, a copy was donated to the Soviet Union. It was erected in a park near the Novodevichy Convent in Moscow, becoming a symbol of friendship between Russia and the US in the post-Soviet period. The sculpture consists of nine bronze figures of Mrs. Mallard’s family, including the mother duck and eight ducklings. Each duckling has its own unique name: Jack, Kak, Lak, Mack, Nek, Kwak, Paek, and Kwek. The figures are placed on a stone path, creating the illusion of movement and symbolizing the ducklings’ search for safety.
Address: Moscow, Novodevichy ponds
