Mr Bean Statue

A Century of Cinema Immortalised in Bronze

The Mr Bean statue stands as a testament to one of the world's most recognisable comedic characters and British cultural icons. Created by Rowan Atkinson, Mr Bean has transcended television and film to become a global phenomenon, with his sitcom broadcast in over 200 countries. The character's silent, physical comedy style—relying on facial expressions and slapstick humour rather than dialogue—has made him universally beloved across all age groups and cultures. The statue's placement in Leicester Square, the epicentre of London's cinema world, celebrates not only the character's cinematic legacy but also the square's historic role as the prime location in the United Kingdom for film premieres and cinematic culture.

Part of the Scenes in the Square Trail

Installed in February 2020, the Mr Bean statue forms part of the 'Scenes in the Square' sculpture trail, an ambitious project organised by the Heart of London Business Alliance in partnership with Westminster City Council. This film-themed exhibition features ten iconic characters from the last 100 years of cinema, including Mary Poppins, Batman, Paddington Bear, Harry Potter, Wonder Woman, Laurel and Hardy, Bugs Bunny, Gene Kelly as Don Lockwood, and the Iron Throne from Game of Thrones. The Mr Bean sculpture specifically commemorates 30 years since the character's first appearance, positioning the statue as a landmark tribute to a character who achieved unprecedented global recognition and became a symbol of British comedy and culture.

The Statue's Design and Location

The bronze sculpture depicts Mr Bean seated on a bench within Leicester Square Gardens, wearing his characteristic suit and displaying his signature quizzical, gormless expression. The figure's posture and facial features capture the essence of the character—perpetually bemused, slightly bewildered, yet endearing. Positioned centrally within the gardens, the statue sits among other historic monuments including the Grade II listed marble figure of William Shakespeare, which stands at the centre of a fountain with water jets shooting 2 metres into the air. The surrounding gardens were extensively redeveloped in 2012 as part of a £15.3 million refurbishment project that transformed Leicester Square into a modern, pedestrian-friendly space while preserving its cultural heritage.

A Photo Opportunity Like No Other

The Mr Bean statue has become the most popular attraction within the Scenes in the Square trail, consistently drawing queues of tourists and locals eager to photograph themselves alongside the beloved character. Early morning visits between 7:00 am and 11:00 am offer the best opportunity for unobstructed photos, though visitors arriving later in the day should expect civilised queues. The statue's bench design encourages interaction, allowing visitors to sit beside Mr Bean and recreate iconic poses. The sculpture's lifelike quality and accurate portrayal of Atkinson's famous expression create an almost uncanny sense of meeting the real character, generating genuine smiles and laughter from visitors of all ages.

Leicester Square's Entertainment Legacy

Leicester Square has served as London's entertainment epicentre since the 1670s, when it was originally laid out as Leicester Fields. By the 20th century, the square evolved into the heart of the West End theatre district, hosting world-class theatrical productions and becoming the prime location for major film premieres. The Odeon Leicester Square, which dominates the east side of the square, opened in 1937 on the site of the historic Alhambra Theatre and remains the cinema with the most seats in a single screen in the United Kingdom. The square hosts more than 52 star-studded red-carpet premieres annually, cementing its status as a global centre for cinematic culture and making it the perfect setting for a statue celebrating a character who has achieved worldwide fame through film and television.

Accessibility and Visitor Experience

The Mr Bean statue is located within Leicester Square Gardens, a public park accessible to all visitors free of charge. The gardens are open during daylight hours, typically from 7:00 am to 7:00 pm, making it an ideal stop for tourists exploring London's West End. The statue's proximity to Leicester Square Underground Station—just a one-minute walk away—ensures easy access via public transport. The surrounding area offers abundant amenities, including restaurants, cafés, shops, and entertainment venues, allowing visitors to combine their statue visit with broader exploration of Leicester Square's vibrant atmosphere. The pedestrian-only nature of the square creates a safe, welcoming environment for visitors to move freely and enjoy the various attractions, from the Swiss Glockenspiel to the Shakespeare Monument.