The city of Macomb, Illinois is preparing for a special celebration on May 9, marking the 160th birthday of Lizzie Magie - the visionary designer whose work laid the foundation for Monopoly.
To honour the occasion, the city will unveil a brand-new sculpture of Mr. Monopoly in its historic downtown, alongside the seasonal reopening of the interactive Macombopoly experience.
A New Centrepiece
The new sculpture will serve as a focal point in the heart of Macomb’s Courthouse Square, joining an expanding collection of themed installations. These include statues of Lizzie Magie herself, oversized dice, a life-sized jail space, and other large-scale tributes that bring the world of Monopoly to life.
The installation is part of the wider Macombopoly attraction - an ambitious, real-world adaptation of the iconic board game that transforms the town centre into a playable board.
Bringing Monopoly to the Streets
Macombopoly invites visitors to step into a life-sized version of the game using a dedicated mobile app powered by eATLAS. Players navigate a sprawling, city-wide board set around the McDonough County Courthouse, completing challenges, collecting properties, and exploring local landmarks along the way.
Since its launch, the experience has drawn thousands of visitors and earned a strong reputation as a unique tourism offering, combining local history with interactive gameplay.
Celebrating a Lasting Legacy
The project is rooted in celebrating Lizzie Magie’s original creation, The Landlord’s Game, first designed in 1903. Widely recognised as the precursor to Monopoly, her work has gained increasing attention in recent years, with Macomb positioning itself as a key destination for those interested in the game’s true origins.
The May 9 event not only highlights that legacy but also reinforces the town’s growing status as a hub for board game-inspired experiences.
With a new sculpture, an immersive city-wide game, and a historic milestone to celebrate, Macomb’s tribute to one of gaming’s most influential figures continues to evolve in engaging and creative ways.
