Bill Russell Legacy Project -

Category: Collaboration, Community, Public Art

Bill Russell Legacy Project

City Hall Plaza, Phase I+II, Boston, MA, 2012 – 2015
Ann Hirsch Sculpture Studio

Description

The artwork honors the remarkable contributions of Bill Russell, a legendary Celtics champion, human rights advocate, and national leader in mentorship. A central theme is Russell’s ability to translate lessons learned on the basketball court into a philosophy that emphasizes civic engagement, mentorship, and compassion. The project embodies these concepts through a unique artistic structure that invites physical exploration and interaction.

At the heart of the artwork are ten granite plinths, each inscribed with a key term and a corresponding quote by Bill Russell that highlights his thinking and diverse achievements both on and off the court.

The centerpiece of the installation is a sculpture of Bill Russell captured in a moment of game action, which symbolizes his commitment to teamwork. Surrounding this figure are 11 granite plinths, each representing one of the championships he helped the Boston Celtics secure. Additionally, two sculptures of a boy and a girl embody the potential for success inherent in every child, emphasizing that achievement is attainable through individual merit. The sculptures of children are the result of collaborations with teenager mentorship groups from Roxbury, Dorchester and Somerville.

Media

You can see the Bill Russell Legacy project books here (for Phase I) and here (for Phase II).

Video

ESPN with Wright Thompson, 5.15.2025

WGBH Morning Edition with Jeremy Siegel, 8.7.23

The Boston Globe with Baxter Holmes, 10.23.13

United Press International with Gabrielle Levy, 10.30.13

The Christian Science Monitor with Ross Atkin, 11.2.13