Mary Fitzgerald Square, Central square in Newtown, Johannesburg, South Africa.
Mary Fitzgerald Square is a large public square in the Newtown neighborhood of Johannesburg, South Africa, with paved open ground and an extensive lighting installation across its surface. One edge of the square features one of the largest outdoor LED screens on the continent, used during concerts and public gatherings.
The square takes its name from Mary Fitzgerald, recognized as the first female trade unionist in South Africa. Before that, the same ground was known as Aaron's Ground, where workers gathered during labor protests and strikes in the early 20th century.
The square displays three sky disks showing constellations tied to key moments in South African history. At night, fiber optic lights bring these disks to life, turning a walk across the square into something worth slowing down for.
The square sits in the heart of Newtown and is easy to reach on foot from other spots in the neighborhood, including the Market Theatre and MuseuMAfricA. A daytime visit works well for exploring the artworks and layout, while an evening visit shows the lighting installation at its best.
The lighting installation was designed by French engineer Patrick Rimoux, who created patterns that extend across the square and into the surrounding public spaces. The system was conceived so that the whole area reads as one connected work after dark.
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