New York is honoring one of its most iconic legal figures with a public memorial in Brooklyn—and artists are being invited to help shape the tribute.
Governor Kathy Hochul announced the launch of a design competition on September 29 for a permanent memorial dedicated to Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. The memorial will be located at Pier 1 in Brooklyn Bridge Park, not far from where Ginsburg was born and raised. The announcement coincides with the fifth anniversary of her passing.
“Ruth Bader Ginsburg was a daughter of Brooklyn who became a giant of American jurisprudence,” said Governor Hochul. “This memorial will ensure that future generations can visit her home borough and be inspired by her unwavering commitment to equal justice under law.”
The two-phase competition will invite artists and design teams to submit proposals that reflect Justice Ginsburg’s legacy in advancing civil rights, gender equality, and the rule of law. Finalists will be selected in spring 2026, with detailed proposal development taking place in Phase 2.
The project is backed by a $1 million state grant through Empire State Development, and the Ruth Bader Ginsburg Memorial Commission—established in 2020—is raising private funds to further support the effort. The commission includes Ginsburg’s family, former law clerks, and leaders from the arts and advocacy communities.
Jane Ginsburg and Clara Spera, Ginsburg’s daughter and granddaughter, expressed support for the project, saying they were “delighted” that it will be located in Brooklyn.
Officials say the memorial will offer a space for reflection and inspiration in one of the city’s most beloved public parks.
The deadline for Phase 1 submissions is February 2, 2026. Details and application materials are available through the state’s competition portal.
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