Ive been wanting to see this memorial site for over 25 years now and just a few days ago I finally happened to have the opportunity because I was passing through Boston on a family trip.I was quite disappointed to find the memorial and the land roundabout was completely surrounded by 6ft high chain-link fencing and that fencing was obscured by an admittedly nice vinyl covering. According to the information printed on the vinyl covering they are performing some much needed cleaning and renovations and also adding to the memorial. I walked around the fenced area hoping to capture a glimpse of the memorial but it was mostly obscured. That said, the vinyl covering is printed with a history, complete with pictures, of the 54th and Robert Gould Shaw, the history of the memorial and also the making of the movie Glory. Like I said, the covering is quite nice and you can tell a lot of thought and money was put into it.Ive been told that they covered it up after some graffiti was put there but from what I can find it was already scheduled for the cleaning and renovations before someone defaced the back of the memorial and that the graffiti was already removed.At the end of the day, even though I was actually pretty heartbroken over not being able to see the memorial with my own eyes, I didnt leave entirely disappointed. I was glad to know the city of Boston not only placed the memorial in a premier space in Boston Commons - right across the street from the capital building - but that the city was clearly spending quite a lot of money in order to renovate it. In a time when some memorials are being (understandably) torn down, we absolutely should be taking the time to care for the ones that deserve to stay.Another thing I found pleasure in was the walk my family and I took through Boson Commons. It was on a gorgeous Sunday evening and there were families and groups of friends enjoying their time together in the park. It is such a beautiful and peaceful place and, in my opinion, is the jewel of the city of Boston.

This is a memorial site. And since there are already lots of comments on the historical values, I am going to go us on the artistic details of this memorial site.For example, the eagles (see the photos) are carved from a solid block of rock (? sandstone?) - just think the artistic work to turn a high block of stone into artistic work. You can look closely, and see the beauty on the details - but sadly time & mother nature has taken a toll on the site. But more sadly - people vandalized the artwork (see photos).

Make sure you stop to see this beautiful sculpture. The Memorial to Robert Gould Shaw and the Massachusetts Fifty-Fourth Regiment is a bronze relief sculpture by Augustus Saint-Gaudens at 24 Beacon Street, Boston, depicting Col. Shaw and the 54th Regiment Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, marching down Beacon Street on May 28, 1863. It was unveiled May 31, 1897.

** Under renovation! You can’t get near it or see it, “ but “For me the movie “ Glory” , gave me insight and understanding about this monument.It is dedicated to the men who were fighting for their rights, freedom and dignity during an era of injustice.Note : You will be also standing by the two oldest living tree’s on Boston Commons dating back before the start of the revolutionary war in 1775 at this monument.No one knows exactly when the Elm trees were planted, but were there when the first governor of Massachusetts John Hancock, who sold his cow pasture property for the location of the State House that was built here.*** Just think, “ John Hancock & Paul Revere “ , Revere ,because he had the contract to put the copper on the State House dome roof 215 years ago, most likely leaned up against these Elm tree’s..

Very moving sculpture. This is a stop on the Black Heritage Trail which really provides some interesting information about a time in Boston that I wasn’t too informed about. The stops on the tour can be difficult to find but I found a free app for my iphone, free walking tours presents, which had the locations of the trail including this sculpture which made it much easier to find everything.

One of lovely historical monuments

A good stop on the freedom trail.

This is a late 19th-century monument by Augustus Saint Gaudens. It honours the first African American volunteer unit in the Civil War. Here you see a detailed bas relief that is quite impressive and worth spending a few minutes to enjoy if you find yourself in the area.

A wonderful restoration of this magnificent memorial by the amazing Friends of the Public Garden

Amazing Memorial! No doubt a beautiful piece of American Art

Impressive relief sculpture across the street from the State House

Go watch “Glory “ again. Sculpture is beautiful

Totally inspiring... A must when I stop in beantown.

A monument to those who served the country and fight for its independence. Nicely maintained and very aesthetic.

Fascinating historical memorial, needs a better plaque with explanation

I love this statue ..remembering the first coloured troops that fought in the civil war.

Intereting war memorial

Robert Gould Shaw and the 54th Regiment Memorial, many say one of sculptor Augustus Saint-Gaudens best work, which took him almost 14 years of effort.

I saw this memorial in 2011 and it reminded me of the unity in common cause between Black and White, Native American and other which aided thr victory of President Abraham Lincoln and the Union over the vile forces of slavery and racial prejudice. May we summon the spirit of Colonel Robert Gould Shaw and the brave soldiers of the 54th Massachusetts wherever and whenever the Republic is in peril. By such a virtue we overcome! Let us honor them and remember the cause of freedom and solidarity in that pursuit they epitomized.

Glory is one of my favorite movies and this monument really does the 54th justice. If youre walking the freedom trail or even just visiting Boston, you should make time to see this memorial.

I always wanted to visit this Memorial after watching the Movie Glory. This Memorial is simply fantastic.

Great monument to Robert Gould Shaw and the 54th Massachusetts. Anyone who enjoyed the movie Glory will enjoy this memorial.

A great place to remind us of the people that helped form this country.

Visit. Its worth it. Great park. Enjoy

The joy of living or visiting a big city - amazing art. Here it is.. go see it.

A wonderful tribute to an important historic American event.

A great memorial spot in the commons and offers a great overview look of the park.

This is a gorgeous monument that reveals a lot about race in the military.

OMNIA RELINQVIT / SERVARE REMPVBLICAMGiveem hell, 54!Wonderful tribute to something so great that helped shaped our country. Words cannot describe what the 54th did for the US and you should do yourself a favor and visit this monument and read the inscriptions. The park itself is great.

If you want to visit this I suggest reading about what it is before you get there

It was an honor to finally see it with my own eyes. Ive seen the movie Glory countless of times and had to visit the monument when I was in Boston .

A touching tribute to some inspiring men.

Great memorial, right outside of a great building

Its okay

Beautiful!!

Robert Gould Shaw led the 54th, the first infantry regiment of African-American recruits only.

Worth the visit and taking pictures.

Awesome monument.

A nice monument.

Great monument to a historic group of people

Beautiful building in Latin.

A great tribute to the 54th.