Hinçman's Bench
park
Jamaica Pond
address
42.316832, -71.117204
Neighborhood
Jamaica Plain
Hours
Dawn to dusk
Accessibility
The bench can be accessed by level, paved pathways. Sitting in the bench requires a small amount of climbing or scrambling.
Discover a New Way to Sit
About
A piece of "guerilla public art," Hinçman's Bench has confused passersby since 2006. This unlikely sculpture, with no discernible front, was created by Massachusetts College of Art & Design professor Matthew Hinçman. Hinçman combined two benches—of the same model installed and enjoyed around Jamaica Pond—and installed his creation in the dead of night, without approval from the Boston Parks & Recreation Department.
According to Hinçman, it took approximately a week for the Boston Parks Department to discover the bench and another four days to discover that it was not one of their projects. The bench was removed, but not without the admiration and good humor of the Parks Commissioner.
Encouraged by the Commissioner's reaction and strong public support, Hinçman successfully petitioned the Boston Arts Commission to reinstall the bench. It continues to bemuse and amuse to this day.
explore for
A Conversation Starter
Making Your Own Rules
An Uncomfortable Seat
did you know?
Hincman intentionally left the bench without a plaque explaining what it means or how it should be used. He wanted visitors to decide for themselves what the unusual form meant—and how they wanted to interact with it.
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