Make Way For A New Sculpture — Nancy Schön Unveils A Bronze Version Of 'Myrtle The Turtle'

Nancy Schön, the Newton sculptor behind iconic Boston sculptures like "Make Way for Ducklings" in the Public Garden and the "Tortoise and the Hare" in Copley Square, unveiled her latest contribution to Boston's public art collection on Monday.

"Myrtle the Turtle," situated at the Myrtle Street Playground in Beacon Hill, is a 4-foot long, bronze sea turtle. She's based on the New England Aquarium's popular 550-pound sea turtle. Myrtle has been in the aquarium's Giant Ocean Tank for more than 45 years.

At the Beacon Hill playground, the sculpture version of Myrtle sits close to the ground, so smaller children can climb on her back, and is ringed with seats for the adults keeping watch.

"Everyone likes to sit on them, or pat them," said Schön about her affinity for animal installations. "Whatever I do seems to attract this sort of interaction, which I love."

"Myrtle" is part of a larger effort to refurbish the Myrtle Street Playground and was commissioned by the Beacon Hill Garden Club. Schön said that includes new flowers and fencing — essentially a face-lift for the park.

Schön, now in her 90s, said she's glad to contribute her work.

"What could be better," she said. "I'm just so happy to be able to do this for people. It's very humbling, and I'm very proud of all the work that I've done.

"Myrtle" is Schön's sixth sculpture installation in Boston.