Chicago, IL, November 12, 2026 —

A public campaign has been initiated with the goal of erecting a bronze statue to commemorate the acclaimed film critics Roger Ebert and Gene Siskel. The proposed memorial is slated for installation in downtown Chicago, the city where the influential duo rose to national prominence.

Roger Ebert and Gene Siskel were widely recognized for their television show, “Siskel & Ebert at the Movies,” which first aired in the 1970s. Their distinct personalities and straightforward “thumbs up, thumbs down” rating system became a staple for film enthusiasts and casual moviegoers alike, shaping public perception of films for decades. The show garnered significant popularity and was syndicated internationally, making Ebert and Siskel household names.

The campaign aims to honor their legacy and their significant contributions to film criticism and popular culture. While the initiative is currently underway, specific details regarding the organizers of the campaign, the projected timeline for the statue’s creation and installation, and the exact proposed location within downtown Chicago were not immediately available. Information concerning fundraising goals or methods has also not been publicly disclosed at this time. The artist selected to design and sculpt the bronze statue, if chosen, has not been announced.

Ebert, a Pulitzer Prize winner, was associated with the Chicago Sun-Times for many years, while Siskel was a longtime critic for the Chicago Tribune. Their critical analyses and debates offered audiences a deeper engagement with cinema beyond simple entertainment. The prospect of a permanent public art piece dedicated to them in Chicago reflects the enduring impact of their work on the city’s cultural landscape and the broader media industry.


Story summarized from the original created by Google News on news.google.com, see more information here.

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