Previously known as Aaron's Ground, the square was named for Fitzgerald in 1939 as it was an often-used location for strikers' meetings in the early part of the 20th century.[1]
The square features lighting designed by French lighting engineer Patrick Rimoux and an installation of carved wooden heads.[2]
The square is the centerpiece of the Newtown urban renewal project and is surrounded by structures significant to the city, including the Market Theatre — which played host to much of the 1980s 'struggle theatre' opposing the apartheid regime's discriminatory policies; MuseuMAfricA; the old Turbine Hall, and the Worker's Library.
On 2 July 2005, Mary Fitzgerald Square hosted the Johannesburg leg of the Live 8 series of concerts organised by Bob Geldof.
Since 2012, In The City has been hosted in the square on the first Friday of every October.[3]
