Robert Burns Statue – Central Park, New York

Central Park in New York pays tribute to a select group of literary greats through its beautifully crafted monuments, particularly along the Literary Walk in The Mall. Among these is the statue of Robert Burns, the national poet of Scotland, whose verses continue to resonate with readers around the world.

The statue was installed in 1880 and was sculpted by Sir John Steell, the same artist responsible for the nearby statue of Walter Scott. Steell’s work brings out the romantic intensity and rustic charm associated with Burns, capturing the poet’s deep emotional connection to nature and the Scottish countryside.

The Statue of Robert Bruns - Central Park, New York
The Statue of Robert Bruns - Central Park, New York


Robert Burns is depicted seated on a rustic boulder, with a quill in his right hand and a notebook or journal in his left. His head is slightly turned, and his eyes gaze forward in quiet contemplation, as though in search of poetic inspiration. His garments — a long coat and knee-length breeches — are sculpted with rich detail, and the folds give a sense of natural movement. At the foot of the statue, a ploughshare, scroll, and thistle are incorporated into the base, symbolizing his agrarian roots and national identity.

The statue rests on a broad granite pedestal inscribed simply with his name: “Robert Burns.” Below it, a bronze relief panel on the front shows a tender scene of Burns parting from Highland Mary, a subject drawn from his own verse and life. The monument’s overall tone is both personal and patriotic.

The Statue of Robert Bruns - Central Park, New York
The Statue of Robert Bruns - Central Park, New York


Robert Burns (1759–1796) is widely considered Scotland’s greatest poet. His works, including Auld Lang Syne, Tam o’ Shanter, and To a Mouse, explore themes of love, liberty, and humanity with lyrical mastery. Known for his use of the Scots dialect and his advocacy for the common man, Burns has long symbolized the spirit of Scottish culture.

This statue, like those of Shakespeare, Scott, and Fitz-Greene Halleck nearby, forms part of Central Park’s tribute to writers who shaped global literary traditions. For visitors strolling along the Literary Walk, the Robert Burns statue offers a moment to reflect on poetry’s power to connect cultures across continents.


How to Reach

The statue of Robert Burns is located on Literary Walk in The Mall, Central Park. The closest entrances are at 66th Street and Fifth Avenue. Walk a short distance along the tree-lined promenade to find the monument on the east side of the path.

Happy travelling.


Other Monuments and Statues in New York


Comments

Popular posts from this blog

A Hidden Shrine in the Heart of Chennai – The Nimishamba Temple of Sowcarpet

A Rare Navapashanam Murugan Temple in Chennai – Hidden Gem of Hastinapuram

The Tallest Murugan of Chennai