Women Are Persons

Women Are Persons!

The Women Are Persons! monument, also known as the Famous Five monument commemorates the contributions of the Famous Five—Emily Murphy, Nellie McClung, Louise McKinney, Henrietta Muir Edwards, and Irene Parlby—who were pivotal in the fight for women’s rights in Canada. 

Our commitment to public art

The Public Art team plays a crucial role in maintaining Calgary’s artistic and cultural heritage. Our conservation work preserves the physical integrity of artworks like the Women Are Persons! monument, and also safeguards the stories and identities they represent. This ongoing stewardship ensures important cultural symbols remain accessible and meaningful to the public.

Learn more about art conservation

Women Are Persons! relocation

The Women Are Persons! monument is currently located on the site of the future Arts Commons Transformation expansion, a 162,000-square foot centre that includes new 1,000-seat and 200-seat theatres. The monument needs to be relocated to accommodate construction of the new Arts Commons building. A new location that would be able to receive the monument, along with sufficient time to engage with Calgarians about its comprehensive history and consider a response piece, was determined as the best option.

The City’s Arts & Culture Public Art team has been in discussion with the Famous 5 Foundation (the original commissioners of the artwork) over the past two years to find a relocation site for the monument and is committed to continuing this work.

Part of the work we will be undertaking when relocating the monument will involve addressing the fulsome history of these figures and the lessons we might learn from our past to help move toward a more inclusive future. Stay tuned for developments as we engage with the perspectives of voices across our community.

Next steps

The removal of the monument is scheduled to begin Nov. 4, 2024 and is expected to be complete Nov 8, 2024, following the Women are Persons case 95th anniversary at Olympic Plaza on Oct. 18. The monument will be stored until the relocation site can be prepared for installation.

The Public Art team has commissioned a report written by a local historian that explores the lesser-known historical information about the Famous 5 women. This report is a foundational document that will provide a broader understanding of the women and historical facts to inform and guide a response piece that will coincide with the relocation of the monument. The City, as the artwork's steward, will consider what the monument means and how it can be recontextualized within a new place. The Public Art team has also commissioned a document called Additional Voices, which is a compilation of essays written by individuals who share their opinions, research and lived experience in relation to the Famous 5 and Women Are Persons! monument. This will present the reader with different perspectives and information to consider, acting as a complimentary piece to the historical report. Upon completion, the historical report and Additional Voices document will be available to the public and shared on this page.

Learn more about the Famous Five
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