The 52
Stories of women who transformed Toronto
Did you know that 52% of Torontonians are women? Join Museum of Toronto as we bring their stories to life.
The 52 shines a spotlight on change-makers, rebels, and revolutionaries from Toronto’s past and present. In fact, while some of these women’s stories are well known, many others have remained untold – until now.
Above all, through this exhibition, we honour their legacies, elevate their voices, and challenge the narratives that have excluded them for too long. By highlighting these stories, we celebrate the impact women have made and continue to make in every facet of life.
Plan Your Visit
On now until December 20
The 52: The Exhibition
Discover the stories of 52 women who shaped Toronto through photos, artifacts & monologues. Moreover, the exhibition offers an engaging, accessible space for all visitors to explore these impactful narratives.
- 401 Richmond Street West
Events
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Wednesday, December 17, 2025 | 7:00 PM
In Conversation with Margaret Atwood & Adrienne Clarkson
Presented by TO Live and Museum of Toronto.
Two of Canada’s most influential figures come together for a rare and intimate conversation on women’s histories, literature, and the future of cultural leadership.
- St. Lawrence Centre for the Arts, Jane Mallett Theatre
Watch
Who is Phyllis Bomberry?
A trailblazer for Indigenous women in sports. As a vocal advocate for racial unity within sports, her legacy lives on in Canadian sports today.
Video
Playlist
Watch the Stories Come to Life
Short, powerful videos spotlighting 52 women who transformed Toronto – one video at a time. To illustrate, each video adds another layer to the women’s rich and complex legacies.
The 52: Women Who Transformed Toronto
18:44
Video
Explorer
Read
Jackie Shane’s Story
How a Black, trans woman from the American South took Toronto's local music scene by storm.
Article • 12 min read
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More About the Project
This impact-filled, multi-year project aims to celebrate the myriad ways women have shaped city life. For example, their influence is seen in art, culture, politics, sports, technology, and business. Moreover, the exhibit encourages reflection on Toronto’s evolving identity.
How It Began: The journey officially started with a participatory performance on September 23, 2023, during Nuit Blanche. Since then, the project has grown in scope and reach. Looking ahead, 2025 will mark the launch of both The 52 exhibition and a live theatrical experience, presented in association with Luminato Festival.
Presented in
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Learn More About our Monologues
As part of The 52 exhibit, Canadian playwrights were invited to create original monologues inspired by the lives of the 52 women featured in the project. In conclusion, these powerful works bring voice to personal and political histories that have shaped Toronto. Therefore, we are proud to premiere filmed versions of these monologues, written by 24 award-winning Canadian playwrights.
Meet the Playwrights Behind The 52
Contributors include Aida Jordao, Ali Joy Richardson, Anna Chatterton, Ashley Naomi Skye, Cheri Maracle, Coleen MacPherson, Diane Flacks, Erin Shields, Falen Johnson, Jo SiMalaya Alcampo, Jordi Mand, Julia Hune-Brown, Julie Tepperman, Kanika Ambrose, Keira Loughran, Lisa Ryder, Marcia Johnson, Marjorie Chan, Meghan Swaby, Ophira Calof, Sarena Parmar, Sedina Fiati, Shandra Spears, and Sharada Eswar.
The Stories Come to Life On Stage and Screen
To bring these stories to the screen, a wide network of performers and creatives collaborated from across the country. Among them are:
Aida Jordao, Alexandra Crenian, Ange Loft, Asha Vijayasham, Ashley Naomi Skye, Athena Lemarre, Barbara Gordon, Bryn Kennedy, Cara Rebecca, Carolyn Fe, Cheri Maracle, Danielle Ferrier, Diana Tso, Diane Flacks, Erica Anderson, Gloria Mampuya, Jane Miller, Jessica Greenberg, Krystal Kiran, Krystle Chance, Lara Arabian, Leesa Kopansky, Linda Goranson, Lisa Kovack, Lisa Ryder, Lori Nancy Kalamanski, Lyla Porter Follows, Margaret Evans, Mary Kelly, Mayko Nguyen, Mirabella Sundar Singh, Monica Dotter, Nicole Stamp, Niki Landau, Rebecca De La Cour, Sabrina Friedman, Sachi Lovatt, Sarah Horsman, Sasha Wentges, Sedina Fiati, Shandra Spears, Shira Leuchter, Soo Garay, Steph Jung, Susan Burnett, Teri Lake, Tiffany Claire Martin, Tommie-Amber Pirie, Tonjha Richardson, Tracey Hoyt, Valerie Boyle, and Vicki Kim.
Learn More About our Artifacts
In the space, you can explore films, personal objects, photographs, letters and mementos of the women – as well as material culture from our city. Moreover, we display objects from personal collections, the City of Toronto Archives, and Toronto History Museums’ Fine Art and Artifact Collection.