The iconic status of the bench in Forrest Gump raises questions about its location in real life. Commonly regarded as One of the movies that helped define Tom Hanks’ career, the 1994 film opens and closes with its titular protagonist sitting on a bench at a bus stop, with a feather drifting away, symbolizing the cyclical nature of life and chance. This bench serves as a pivotal narrative device where Forrest shares his life story with strangers, detailing how, despite being “slow-witted,” he achieves extraordinary feats with the support of his mother (Sally Field).

From serving heroically in the Vietnam War to becoming an entrepreneur, Forrest’s journey is as improbable as it is inspiring. Forrest Gump’s memorable quotes, lessons, earnestness, have left a lasting imprint on popular culture. Its bench scenes, which frame the narrative, highlight themes of destiny, perseverance, and the simplicity of wisdom. Forrest Gump‘s enduring success has made the bench a prominent pop culture symbol, leading people to question its real-life location today.

The Bench Scene From Forrest Gump Was Filmed In Savannah, Georgia

Chippewa Square Has Since Become A Prime Tourist Destination For Fans

The bench scene interspersed with flashbacks throughout Forrest Gump was shot in Savannah, Georgia. Specifically, it was filmed on a park bench in Chippewa Square, where Gump dispenses wisdom about life to perfect strangers. Chippewa Square has thus become a prime tourist destination in Savannah, Georgia, with people thronging to relive the movie’s magic (via Smithsonian Magazine). This location becoming a beloved pilgrimage site for fans symbolizes the film’s lasting impact. However, the actual bench used during filming is no longer in the park.

The Forrest Gump Bench Is Now Kept In A Museum

The Savannah History Museum Houses A Replica Of The Famed Prop

The original bench from Forrest Gump is no longer in Savannah, though a replica can be found at the Savannah History Museum. In reality, there are several versions of the bench. Keen observers might notice that the bench in Chippewa Square differs from the one used in the movie’s publicity and poster art. The Chippewa Square bench is a double-width bench, just under 10 feet wide, whereas the poster bench is a single-width bench, around 7 feet wide. According to Paramount, these were the only two bench props used in the film’s production.

After the movie’s release, the studio created additional replicas to give as gifts to those involved in the making of the film. Several were given to the movie’s Oscar nominees, and another was sent to Savannah. The original, longer bench now resides on the Paramount lot in Los Angeles, where it can be seen on public tours. The shorter bench used in the movie’s publicity was supposed to be auctioned by Christie’s of New York in June 1995, but the sale never happened, and its current whereabouts remain unknown (via Go South! Savannah)

The only time the real bench was in Savannah was during the brief period of filming, after which it was removed. Although city officials had hoped to keep the original prop, they received one of the replicas instead. This replica was unveiled in June 1995 at the Savannah History Museum, where it remains on display to this day.

Why Forrest Gump’s Bench Scenes Are So Important To The Movie

They Are The Beating Heart Of Its Narrative

Forrest Gump‘s bench scenes are central to the film’s narrative structure, providing both a literal and metaphorical anchor for the story. Forrest shares his life story with strangers on the bench, creating a frame for the various flashbacks that constitute the film. These scenes establish a sense of intimacy and continuity, as viewers are drawn into Forrest’s world through his earnest and straightforward storytelling. Lines like “Life is like a box of chocolates; you never know what you’re gonna get,” encapsulate the themes of unpredictability and destiny.

Moreover, the bench scenes underscore Forrest Gump‘s exploration of human connection and the impact of seemingly insignificant moments. Forrest’s interactions with strangers on the bench are a testament to his unassuming, trusting nature and the way he touches the lives of those he meets. Phrases like “stupid is as stupid does” reveal Forrest’s unique perspective on intelligence and character, challenging societal norms and encouraging a more compassionate view of others. The bench itself becomes a symbol of Forrest’s journey, a place where the past and present converge.