Mary Poppins Statue

A Moment Frozen in Flight

The Mary Poppins statue captures one of cinema's most magical moments—the instant when the world's most practically perfect nanny takes to the London skies with her trusty umbrella. Crafted in bronze, the sculpture depicts Mary Poppins as she appears in the beloved 1964 Disney film, with her characteristic umbrella raised gracefully above her head and her posture suggesting effortless ascent. The attention to detail is remarkable: her formal coat, her distinctive hat, and even the suggestion of her famous carpetbag are rendered with precision. The statue stands on a low plinth positioned among the flower beds of Leicester Square Gardens, making it accessible and inviting for visitors to approach and photograph without barriers.

Part of Leicester Square's Cinematic Legacy

Leicester Square has been the heart of London's film industry for nearly a century, hosting its first film premiere in 1937 and serving as home to cinemas since 1930. The Mary Poppins statue is one of ten sculptures that make up the Scenes in the Square trail, an interactive exhibition launched in February 2020 to celebrate a hundred years of cinema. This film-themed sculpture trail was created by the Heart of London Business Alliance in partnership with Westminster City Council and supported by major movie studios. The collection includes iconic characters spanning multiple decades: Laurel and Hardy, Batman, Bugs Bunny, Gene Kelly as Don Lockwood from Singin' in the Rain, Paddington Bear, Mr. Bean, Wonder Woman, Harry Potter, and the Iron Throne from Game of Thrones. Each sculpture represents a different era of filmmaking, making Leicester Square itself a open-air museum of cinema history.

The Enduring Magic of Mary Poppins

Mary Poppins remains one of the most beloved characters in cinema history, brought to life by Julie Andrews in the 1964 film that won five Academy Awards. The character's influence extends far beyond the original film—a sequel, Mary Poppins Returns, was released in 2018 with Emily Blunt in the lead role, introducing the character to new generations. The stage musical adaptation, created by Disney and producer Cameron Mackintosh, has delighted audiences worldwide. The statue serves as a tribute to this enduring legacy, celebrating not only the character's charm and wit but also her cultural impact on storytelling and cinema. For many visitors, encountering the statue evokes childhood memories and the timeless appeal of a character who has remained relevant across generations.

A Perfect Photo Opportunity

The statue's positioning on a raised plinth in Leicester Square Gardens makes it an ideal spot for photography. Unlike some installations that are cordoned off or difficult to access, the Mary Poppins sculpture sits on a low wall that doubles as a bench, allowing visitors to get close and capture images from various angles. The bronze finish catches light beautifully throughout the day, and the surrounding flower beds provide natural framing. The location's prominence within Leicester Square means it's easy to find, and the proximity to other Scenes in the Square sculptures encourages visitors to explore the entire trail while enjoying the square's vibrant atmosphere.

Discovering Mary Poppins in London

While the statue in Leicester Square is the most visible tribute to Mary Poppins in the capital, the character's presence extends throughout London. The author P.L. Travers, who created Mary Poppins, is commemorated with an English Heritage Blue Plaque at 50 Smith Street in Chelsea, where she lived from 1945 onwards and where she raised her son while negotiating the film adaptation with Disney. Several London landmarks featured in the Mary Poppins films and their sequel, including St. Paul's Cathedral, Buckingham Palace, and the Bank of England, which was used in Mary Poppins Returns to evoke the 1930s setting. These connections weave the character throughout London's geography, making a visit to the statue a natural starting point for exploring the city's film heritage.