I travelled 4,000 miles from the UK to see this bench, and I was not disappointed. The authentic wood-effect PVC slats really remind you of the hardships that people had to endure in historic times.

I've been all over the world and let me tell you, the Sistine Chapel, Forbidden City, etc pale in comparison to this bench. I stood there weeping due to its grandeur and beauty. And my god, when I sat on this bench it was like heaven. I highly highly recommend this bench. I only wish the bench could stay open later than 2:15 though so more people could experience it.

What a bench. I was going thru some dark times. But this bench made me realise there still is hope and a place for me in this life. I highly recommend visiting this historic beacon of hope and prosperity. Make sure you get there before it closes or you'll miss out.

My husband and I enjoyed this bench 9 months before our oldest son was born, then another 9 months before our second son. It's amazing how time flies, yet the comfort of this historic bench remains steadfast. The streetlights can be off-putting, so evening visits must be properly timed with bulb replacements to fully embrace the ambiance.

Was disappointed to see that even in the face of a global pandemic, they EXTENDED the hours. Can’t keep 6 feet of distance from other visitors to the bench. Also no informational materials to explain the historic-ness of the site. 1 star. Stay home and #closehistoricbench! EDIT: upon discussion with the owners, the hours were amended to avoid unnecessary risk to COVID exposure for the bench’s patrons (i.e. nobody can remember when it’s open so might as well stay home!!) 5 stars.

We visited the bench when we flew into Chicago area to visit a close relative in the hospital in Oak Park. Kids loved it so much we ran out of time to go to the hospital and had to go straight back to the airport. So fun! Will be back for the funeral.

I have sat on many benches. But this bench, man. Nothing else like it. I could feel the whole entirety of the human races history flash before me in a glorious light. However, there was pigeon poop on it. So, 3/5 stars. The caretakers of this profound bench need to do some serious maintenance. Maybe install one of those annoying screeching owl audios. I don’t want to see pigeons pooping all of this benches legacy.

I went to visit this historical bench for the first time thinking “could there be a better place to sit for a while and read the book I just bought on historical benches?!” and I can only describe what happened as the most ethereal and enlightening experience of my life. I was reading the book, the book was reading me, I was reading the bench through the book, the bench was reading the book through me, and the bench was reading me as such a historic bench inherently does; it was one of those precious moments where the realness of history can really be felt. The present and the past and the knowledge of both were all one through the connection felt between myself and the bench and the book. Do yourself a favor and pick yourself up a copy of a good historical bench book and visit here to learn what I’m talking about.

I came all the way from Charleston for this bench. Why? I can’t say. I was drawn here. Destiny. Are there benches in South Carolina? Some might call them that, but they simply can’t compare. This bench is Just. So. Historic.

My wife immigrated from India just to be closer to this bench. Without you, bench, I would truly be alone. You are the best and most benchy of all the benches.

When you have visitors from Europe, this bench is a must see! Rick Steves can drone on about the cathedrals of Europe, but has he seen this bench?!?

Love this bench, soaked up all its history in comfort and style

My dad was a photographer and he made a whole series of photos of benches from around the world. Photography was one of his passions, and we had photos of benches all over my house. He passed away in 2022, and it was very hard for my family at the time. We all moved to Chicago this year, and when I saw the bench, we knew what we had to do. We all got together and went to the bench, and talked about what a great dad he was. All the memories were coming back. We left in tears. Thank you for maintaining this bench for all these years, so that we could have this moment

We arrived 30 minutes before the historic bench opened and, unfortunately, the staff had not yet dried it off for visitors to enjoy sitting on it. But the trip was well worth it and we hope to make this an annual holiday tradition!

One of us traveled from Buffalo NY and the other from High Point NC in order to spend 120 seconds experiencing the history firsthand. Amazing to see the preservation of this incredible landmark, and an honor to grace its slats with our behinds. Well worth the trip. If only there were a plaque to commemorate its significance to global culture.

I have not personally visited or sat upon this bench. However it is unquestionably my favorite bench of all time. The benchiness was just so, well, benchy. Really first class. If you have the means I highly recommend a dedicated trip to this bench.