Missouri Official to Challenge Sculpture at Rung for Women
The 18-foot sculpture Witness is scheduled for installation in Fox Park later this week despite growing public pushback.
Updated on Oct. 24, 2026 in Law
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Missouri Attorney General Catherine Hanaway is challenging the upcoming installation of an 18-foot sculpture titled Witness at the Rung for Women facility in St. Louis. The statue, which features a collar resembling late Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, is expected to be installed in Fox Park by late October 2026.
Why it matters
The sculpture has become a flashpoint for critics who view its association with abortion activism as an affront to faith. Proponents argue the work is essential for its artistic merit and its exploration of women's autonomy.
The sculpture stands 18 feet tall and depicts a golden figure with root-like arms and a collar inspired by Ruth Bader Ginsburg. It was previously displayed at the University of Houston in early 2024 and New York's Madison Square Park in 2023.
The players
Catherine Hanaway
Catherine Hanaway is the Attorney General of Missouri who is leading the legal opposition to the public art display.
Gateway Foundation
The Gateway Foundation is a philanthropic organization that loaned the Witness sculpture to Rung for Women.
Rung for Women
Rung for Women is a St. Louis-based organization that provides services to women and is serving as the host site for the sculpture.
The details
The Gateway Foundation loaned the piece to Rung for Women, selecting it to highlight women's rights following the 2022 overturning of Roe v. Wade. The previous installation at the University of Houston resulted in the sculpture being beheaded by an unknown actor in February 2024.
Timeline
The U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in 2022.
The sculpture was installed in Madison Square Park in 2023.
A version was installed and later vandalized at the University of Houston in February 2024.
Rung for Women began preparing the installation site in September 2026.
Installation of the sculpture is scheduled for late October 2026.
Political Context
This installation follows a pattern set by the 2024 beheading of the Witness sculpture at the University of Houston, where intense public disapproval led to physical destruction. Opponents argue the sculpture is an inappropriate political statement, while the Gateway Foundation maintains it is a protected exercise of artistic expression.
Residents in the Fox Park neighborhood may see increased presence from law enforcement or security personnel during the scheduled installation. The ongoing dispute could influence future city permitting processes for public art projects located on private or organization-affiliated grounds.
The takeaway
Public art installations with sociopolitical themes often trigger significant community debate and legal scrutiny. Residents and organizations should prepare for potential protests or safety concerns when displaying controversial pieces in high-traffic urban areas.
Further reading
For more information on legal proceedings in the city, visit the St. Louis Law section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by St. Louis Magazine.
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