Members of the public will soon have a new way of honoring the legacy of Ruth Bader Ginsburg, the late Supreme Court justice and trailblazing jurist, in the borough where she was born and raised.
Gov. Kathy Hochul is calling on New York artists to submit their ideas for a memorial to the liberal icon — affectionately called “RBG” by fans — that will be installed at Pier 1 in Brooklyn Bridge Park. The announcement marks the fifth anniversary of her death at 87 in September 2020.
“Born and raised in Brooklyn, Justice Ginsburg brought the New York values of grit, tenacity and compassion to everything she did,” Hochul said in a video statement Monday. “This memorial will ensure that future generations can visit her home borough and be inspired by her unwavering commitment to equal justice under law, her brilliant legal mind and her determination to dismantle barriers.”
The memorial will highlight Ginsburg’s contributions to civil rights, gender equality and the rule of law while providing a space for “reflection and inspiration,” according to the governor’s office. The justice became known for her dissents to majority opinions throughout her career, especially after the Supreme Court drifted to the right under President Donald Trump’s first term
The design competition will be conducted in two phases, with phase 1 submissions due Feb. 2, 2026. A committee will review submissions and select a group of finalists to advance to phase 2 for further proposal development.
The Ruth Bader Ginsburg Memorial Commission — which includes her family members, former clerks and leaders from the arts and advocacy communities — will make a recommendation among the finalists to Hochul, who will announce the winner.
The project is being funded by a $1 million state capital grant administered through Empire State Development, New York’s economic development arm, according to the governor’s office. Members of the commission will work to raise additional private funds to support the memorial.
Ginsburg grew up in Midwood and became the second woman ever to serve on the Supreme Court, where she championed gender equality and other progressive issues for 27 years until her death. New York City has already memorialized her in several other locations, including with a mural in the East Village and bronze statue at South Brooklyn’s Ruth Bader Ginsburg Hospital.
Artists and designers interested in participating in the contest can find detailed information and application materials here.