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Famous Five Statue: A Tribute to Canadian Women's Rights

A tribute to Nellie McClung, Emily Murphy, Louise McKinney, Irene Parlby, and Henrietta Muir Edwards, champions of women's rights in Canada.

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The Famous Five Statue in Ottawa commemorates the five Canadian women who fought for women to be recognized as 'persons' under the law. The bronze sculpture, located near Parliament Hill and the ByWard Market, is a powerful symbol of the struggle for gender equality in Canada.

A brief summary to Famous Five Statue

  • 2 Rideau St, Ottawa, Byward Market - Parliament Hill, Ontario, K1N 8X5, CA

Local tips

  • Visit during the early morning or late afternoon for the best lighting for photographs.
  • Take time to read the nearby plaques to fully appreciate the historical significance of the statue.
  • Combine your visit with a stroll through the ByWard Market for a taste of local culture and cuisine.
  • Consider joining a guided tour for a deeper understanding of the women's contributions to Canadian society.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    If you're in the ByWard Market area, the Famous Five Statue is within walking distance. Head southwest on George Street, then turn left onto Rideau Street. The statue is located on your right at 2 Rideau St.

  • Public Transport

    Take OC Transpo bus routes that service downtown Ottawa. Routes 1, 5, and 14 go through the central area. Get off at the Rideau Centre stop. From there, head east on Rideau Street toward the intersection with Dalhousie Street. The Famous Five Statue is located at 2 Rideau St. A single ride on OC Transpo costs CAD 3.75.

  • Car

    If driving, head towards Ottawa city center and follow signs for ByWard Market. Take Rideau Street east. The Famous Five Statue is at 2 Rideau St. There are several public parking lots nearby, such as the Rideau Centre parking or the ByWard Market parking, which charge approximately CAD 3-4 per hour.

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Discover more about Famous Five Statue

The Famous Five Statue, situated in downtown Ottawa, is a monument honoring the five women who played a crucial role in the fight for women's rights in Canada. These women, known as the Famous Five, were Nellie McClung, Emily Murphy, Louise McKinney, Irene Parlby, and Henrietta Muir Edwards. They challenged the legal and social barriers that restricted women's roles in Canadian society. Their most significant achievement was the Persons Case in 1929, when the Privy Council of England declared that women were eligible to be appointed to the Senate and recognized as 'persons' under the law. The statue depicts the five women in a celebratory pose, marking their historic victory. The monument serves as a reminder of the progress made in the pursuit of gender equality and the ongoing efforts needed to achieve full equality. The Famous Five Statue is more than just a monument; it is a symbol of progress and a reminder of the courage and vision of these remarkable women. The Famous Five Foundation commissioned the larger-than-life bronze monuments in both Calgary and Ottawa. Barbara Paterson was the artist selected to create the statues. The Ottawa statue was unveiled on Parliament Hill on October 18, 2001.

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