Strawberry Fields in Central Park Map it Located near Central Park West between 71st and 74th Streets, Strawberry Fields is a 2.5 acre area of Central Park that pays tribute to the late Beatle, John Lennon, singer, songwriter, musician and peace activist. John Lennon and his wife Yoko Ono lived in the Dakota Apartments adjacently located to this area of the park. It was here, walking into his home, on December 8, 1980, that John Lennon was murdered and shot dead. Strawberry Fields in Central Park by mlattari To commemorate his life, talents and memory, on March 26, 1981, City Council Member Henry J. Stern designated this area, the couple's favorite in Central Park, as Strawberry Fields. Named after the title of the Beatles' song "Strawberry Fields Forever," the teardrop shaped region was re-landscaped by the Central Park Conservancy with the help of landscape architect Bruce Kelley and a generous $1 million donation from Yoko Ono. Visit Strawberry Fields on one of our Central Park horse and carriage tours , bike tours , pedicab tours , or walking tours .

The iconic black and white Imagine mosaic, designed by a team of artists from the Italian city of Naples, lies in the center of Strawberry Fields. Named after another famous song by John Lennon, "Imagine" evokes a vision and hope for a world without strife, war and conflict. Additionally, there is a bronze plaque that lists the more than 120 countries that planted flowers and donated money for the maintenance of the area; they have also endorsed Strawberry Fields as a Garden of Peace. Sponsored Links Designated as a quiet zone in Central Park, Strawberry Fields, fashioned similarly to the original flowing design of the park, is lined with tall elm trees, shrubs, flowers and rocks. Strawberry Fields officially reopened on October 9, 1985, the 45th anniversary of John Lennon's birth. Annually, on this date, as well as on the anniversary of John Lennon's death, visitors and fans from all over the globe flock to Strawberry Fields to pay homage to this Beatles' legacy. Strawberry Fields, John Lennon Memorial, New York City - TripAdvisor Want the lowest hotel prices? You're in the right place. We check 200+ sites for you.

Strawberry Fields, John Lennon Memorial, New York City Strawberry Fields, John Lennon Memorial Write a Review Strawberry Fields, John Lennon Memorial Strawberry Fields, John Lennon Memorial Is this your business? Is this an outdoor attraction or activity? Yes Does this attraction involve animals? Yes Is this attraction popular with tourists? Yes Is this attraction good for couples? Yes Would this be a good cold day activity? Yes Would this be a good sunny day activity? Yes Is this attraction a "must-see" location? Yes Is this attraction suitable for all ages? Yes Is this attraction pet friendly? Yes Does this attraction provide visitors with a taste of the local culture? Yes Map updates are paused. Zoom in to see updated info. Reset zoom Address: W. Park Dr. and W. 72nd St., Central Park, New York City, NY Website Central Park and Harlem Bike Tour More Info Terrible “Nice memorial” This is worth a walk-by while in Central Park. There is a lot of positive energy here and people are genuinely here for the right reasons. A suitable place for a legend. Reviewed 6 days ago 1,315 Reviews from our TripAdvisor Community Which New York City hotels are on sale?

mm/dd/yyyy mm/dd/yyyy See all travel guides Read reviews that mention: All reviews beatles fan dakota building beatles songs imagine mosaic central park yoko ono nice tribute apartment building his life peaceful place fitting tribute worth a visit west side take photos bucket list mosaics benches buskers legend death Review tags are currently only available for English language reviews. Start your review of Strawberry Fields, John Lennon Memorial Click to rate “Nice memorial” Reviewed 6 days ago NEW via mobile This is worth a walk-by while in Central Park. There is a lot of positive energy here and people are genuinely here for the right reasons. A suitable place for a legend. Helpful? Reviewed 1 week ago via mobile New York is amazing!!! We were lucky enough to land on 8th Dec and visited Strawberry Fields for the vigil that evening. Amazing atmosphere RIP John Lennon Helpful? “Favorite Spot in Central Park” Reviewed 1 week ago One of the favorite spot in Central Park. Many tourists queuing for taking the photo on the "imagine" circle. I was in the crowd of course :). There were young people singing Beatles songs so the ambiave was so memorable. Love that evening. Helpful?

Reviewed 1 week ago via mobile I've been there a couple of times, different seasons, and still receiving people all around the world and also there are people playing Beatles and Lennon songs. A place to thinks about peace and about Imagine lyrics. Helpful? Reviewed 2 weeks ago via mobile Although it was a very wet day, we still went to see John Lennon's memorial. Its sad to see but still his fans leave flowers etc for him Helpful? “A nice spot” Reviewed 2 weeks ago We planed on walking to Strawberry Fields on our second day in NY. The weather was very cold and a bit drizzly so we thought we might not find crowds. We were wrong. There were many many people yet the space is peaceful. We took photos and there was even a musician playing Imagine among other songs. It was enjoyable... More Helpful? Strawberry Fields - The Official Website of Central Park NYC Strawberry Fields Yoko Ono, Japanese multimedia artist, singer, and peace activist, welcomes guests to Strawberry Fields 's Central Park's living memorial to John Lennon, her husband and world-famous singer, songwriter, and peace activist. Strawberry Fields is a living memorial to the world-famous singer, songwriter and peace activist, John Lennon.

During his career with the Beatles and in his solo work, Lennon's music gave hope and inspiration for world peace and his memory and mission lives on in Strawberry Fields. This tranquil section of Central Park was named after one of Lennon's favorite songs, "Strawberry Fields Forever." Recorded in 1966, the song's title comes from an orphanage in Liverpool, England where Lennon used to go to play with the children. His aunt, who raised him, disapproved but he insisted it was, "nothing to get hung about." Hence, the song's famous lyric. Strawberry Fields was officially dedicated on October 9, 1985, the 45th anniversary of Lennon's birth. Lennon's widow, Yoko Ono Lennon, worked with landscape architect Bruce Kelly and Central Park Conservancy to create a meditative spot. The mosaic was created by Italian craftsmen and given as a gift by the city of Naples. Based on a Greco-Roman design, it bears the word of another of Lennon's songs: Imagine. A designated Quiet Zone in the Park, the memorial is shaded by stately American elms and lined with benches. In the warmer months, flowers bloom all around the area.

Along the path near the mosaic, you'll find a bronze plaque that lists the 121 countries that endorse Strawberry Fields as a Garden of Peace. Additional Information Central Park Monuments - Imagine : NYC Parks Imagine History This text is part of Parks’ Historical Signs Project and can be found posted within the park. Strawberry Fields is a living memorial to the world-famous singer, songwriter, and social activist John Lennon (1940–1980). This area of Central Park was named in 1981, and the re-landscaped Strawberry Fields was dedicated in 1985. John Lennon was born on October 9, 1940 in a working-class neighborhood in Liverpool, England, and raised by his aunt in the suburb of Woolten. In 1956, Lennon took up guitar and formed his first rock group, the Quarrymen. The following year, Lennon met Paul McCartney, another young musician, and he became a fellow band member and Lennon’s main musical collaborator. In 1958, George Harrison (1943-2001) joined the Quarrymen, which evolved into the Beatles.

With the inclusion of Ringo Starr (Richard Starkey), the legendary band debuted in 1960. Over the next decade, the Beatles made history, challenging the boundaries of contemporary music, and in the process became one of the most famous and influential bands in the world. In 1966, Lennon met his second wife, Japanese conceptual artist Yoko Ono, and married Ono, his later collaborator, in 1969. After the Beatles disbanded in 1970, Lennon embarked on a successful solo career. His musical releases from this period include Imagine (1971), Mind Games (1974) and Walls and Bridges (1974). Lennon was also an outspoken pacifist and a champion of a myriad of political causes during this period, which brought him under the scrutiny of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). In the 1970s Lennon and Ono settled in New York, and in 1973 moved into the landmark Dakota Apartments (designed by Henry J. Hardenbergh, 1880-1884).

Lennon and Ono’s son, Sean, was born in 1975 (Lennon had his first son, Julian, with his first wife, Cynthia, in 1963), and after a period of relative domesticity, Lennon’s career resumed in 1980 with the wildly popular release of the single “Starting Over” and the album Double Fantasy. On December 8, 1980, obsessed fan Mark David Chapman fatally shot Lennon in front of his home, an event that shocked the city and was felt around the world. On March 26, 1981, the City Council adopted legislation introduced by then-Council Member Henry J. Stern on December 18, 1980, which designated this tear-shaped Central Park knoll, located on the west side of Central Park near 72nd Street, as Strawberry Fields. “Strawberry Fields,” was one of the Beatles’s best-known songs, written by Lennon and recorded on November 24, 1966. With surreal lyrics and music, the song was inspired by a Salvation Army orphanage, Strawberry Field, near Lennon’s childhood home in Woolton.

Paul McCartney later recalled, “we related it to youth, golden summers, and fields of strawberry.” Though intended originally for the watershed 1967 album Sergeant Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band, the song was instead released prior to the album on February 13, 1967. Appearing as a double A-side single with Penny Lane, the song was issued again late in 1967 on the album, Magical Mystery Tour. On the recording, an electronic instrument called a Mellotron was used to simulate other instruments (an innovation in popular song), and the final single was stitched together from two different versions. In 1984, Yoko Ono contributed $500,000 to redesign and renovate Strawberry Fields, and an equivalent amount for an ongoing maintenance endowment. Landscape architect Bruce Kelly designed a meditative Garden of Peace, rich in trees, shrubs and flowers, which was integrated with the historic landscape of Frederick Law Olmsted (1822–1903) and Calvert Vaux (1824–1895).

At the western apex of the garden, Neopolitan artisans crafted a circular black and white mosaic emblem into the pavement, containing a starburst pattern and the solitary word, “Imagine,” the title of one of Lennon’s most famous songs. 150 nations were enlisted to contribute plants to the garden, thus embodying the principle of world peace for which Lennon was such an influential advocate. On October 9, 1985, on the 45th anniversary of Lennon’s birth, Strawberry Fields was dedicated, and has become a pilgrimage site for visitors to New York from around the world.

Click image for larger view Imagine Details Location: Strawberry Fields, Central Park West and 72nd Street Architect: Bruce Kelly Description: Mosaic roundel with starburst design set in pavement, plaque set in rock outcropping about a hundred yards east of roundel Materials: Neapolitan black and white marble, bronze Dimensions: Circumference: 34'3" (approximate) Donor: Gift of the city of Naples, Italy Inscription: 1) Mosaic: IMAGINE 2) Plaque: IMAGINE ALL THE PEOPLE LIVING LIFE IN PEACE /---/ JOHN LENNON / [names of 118 countries arranged in vertical columns] / THE TREES AND STONES IN THIS GARDEN OF PEACE WERE DEDICATED / BY THE ABOVE COUNTRIES IN HONOR OF JOHN LENNON / Please note, the NAME field includes a primary designation as well as alternate namings often in common or popular usage. The DEDICATED field refers to the most recent dedication, most often, but not necessarily the original dedication date. If the monument did not have a formal dedication, the year listed reflects the date of installation.

For more information, please contact Art & Antiquities at (212) 360-8143 Park Information Strawberry Fields Central Park | John Lennon Memorial Please activate some Widgets. Strawberry Fields Central Park | John Lennon Memorial This post will help you located Strawberry Fields in Central Park. Situated at the West 72nd Street entrance to Central Park, Strawberry Fields in New York has become a “must-see” for many tourists visiting New York City. This small, 2.5 acre section of the park draws millions of visitors annually and is a living memorial to singer, songwriter and peace activist John Lennon. It was dedicated on October 9, 1985 in honor of what would have been John Lennon’s 45th birthday. The location was chosen due to its proximity to Lennon’s NYC home, The Dakota Apartments, which are just across Central Park West. Related Posts: The Dakota Apartments After Lennon’s murder (outside of The Dakota) his widow, Yoko Ono, worked with landscape architect Bruce Kelly and the Central Park Conservancy to create a quiet, peaceful and meditative spot in honor of her late husband.

The area is shaded by elm trees and is punctuated by outcroppings of Manhattan schist. Yoko Ono, in addition to helping with the plans, donated over a million dollars for the landscaping and maintenance of the area. Strawberry Fields in New York City was named for the popular Beatles song “Strawberry Fields Forever.” The song was inspired by the childhood memories of John Lennon, who used to play in the garden of a Salvation Army children’s home called Strawberry Field. There is a plaque embedded in one of the boulders along the pathway leading to the mosaic. It lists the 121 countries who endorse Strawberry Fields as a Garden of Peace. +++We cover Strawberry Fields in our famous pay-what-you-like Central Park walking tours or the Central Park Bike Tours .+++ The “Imagine” Mosaic One of the focal points of this are of the park is the “Imagine” mosaic, another tribute to John Lennon. This mosaic was done by Italian artists and was a gift from the city of Naples. The inscription in the center of the mosaic, “Imagine,” is the title of what is arguably Lennon’s best-known solo work.

People often gather at the mosaic in honor of both Lennon’s birthday (October 9) and the anniversary of his death (December 8.) There is often singing until well into the night on these days. The mosaic is decorated many days out of the year, with flowers, candles and other items. Gary dos Santos was known for many years as The Mayor of Strawberry Fields. For almost twenty years he decorated the mosaic daily, usually using flowers to form a peace symbol. His income came from visitor’s tips, and he greeted people with a monologue about who he was and some information on John Lennon. He was often accompanied by both his girlfriend and his dog, Mary Jane. Dos Santos passed away on November 25th, 2013, and while many musicians gather at the memorial to play and entertain visitors, no one has become a permanent fixture the way Dos Santos was. Just So You Know: Strawberry Fields is a designated Quiet Zone of Central Park. That means that rollerblading and biking are prohibited, along with dogs (on the lawns), and music may only be listened to with headphones. No sports may be played on the lawns.

Hours: Central Park (and Strawberry Fields) is open from 6 am to 1 am daily. How To Get to Strawberry Fields Central Park: The nearest subway stations are the B and C trains at 72nd Street. The station exit is directly across the street from the entrance to Strawberry Fields and Central Park. You could also arrive via the 1, 2 or 3 trains at 72nd Street, which is approximately a 7 minute walk. Please use this Google map link for directions to Strawberry Fields from anywhere in the NYC region. When you exit the subway station at 72nd and Central Park West, you just need to cross the street. The entrance to Strawberry Fields is just off to the left (see the yellow arrow in image below). You will also be exiting this subway station directly across the street from the Dakota Apartment Building , where John Lennon was gunned down. Click on the link to read more.

Strawberry Fields - Visit Central Park Strawberry Fields Posted by admin on January 30, 2013 in Place To See No comments ‘Strawberry Fields Forever’ – the iconic Beatles song is associated with peace and love during the height of the 1960/70’s ‘flower power’ era. John Lennon, a founder member of the band, and arguably its most famous, is remembered for his work as a peace activist through the songs he wrote and co-wrote during his life time. His life was suddenly cut short at 40 years of age. On 8 December 1980 he was brutally gunned down in the evening, as he walked towards his New York flat next to Central Park, and the world woke up to horror of his untimely death. The inspiration and love that emanated through his songs have been immortalized in a living memorial garden in New York’s Central Park. The garden’s name – Strawberry Fields. The commemorative garden is named for the song which symbolizes the life of John Lennon, and is the name of an orphanage in an area of Liverpool where John, as a youngster, used to play with the poor children from the home.

At that time, John was living with his aunt who disapproved – his response “nothing to get hung up about” famously forms part of the lyrics. As John became older, his rebellious nature and sharp wit came to the fore, which was increasingly being revealed throughout his song-writing, films, drawings and interviews. His later outspoken and controversial thoughts on peace activism and anti-Vietnam war views resulted in the United States administration of Richard Nixon attempting to deport him. However, undeterred, he continued with his inspirational views of peace and love, giving hope the world over during that time of global political fear and civil unrest. The beautiful memorial garden Strawberry Fields, dedicated on John Lennon’s would-be 45th birthday, is situated in Central Park West (West 72nd Street), directly opposite the Dakota Apartments where John Lennon was murdered, and where his widow Yoko Ono still lives. Strawberry Fields is in a tranquil area known as the Quiet Zone, a triangular shaped region of the park. A walk winds throughout this heavily wooded area among its open and secret sections, and there are three large Dawn Redwood trees at the northern point of the lawns. Their needle leaves drop each fall, symbolizing eternal growth.

In time, these giant trees are expected to reach a height of over 100ft and will be seen from great distances. The walk gravitates towards to a focal point – a large black and white circular mosaic walkway. It was designed and built in the style of a Portuguese pavement by Italian craftsmen and given as a gift by the city of Naples. Set in the middle is a large inscription; one word – ‘Imagine’ – another of John Lennon’s famous songs. This circular mosaic shaded by mature stately American elms is lined with memorial seats not only in remembrance of John Lennon, but commemorating many other people. Along the path from the mosaic there is a bronze plaque listing 121 countries sanctioning Strawberry Fields as a Garden of Peace. Today, thousands of visitors worldwide visit the Strawberry Fields. It offers a time for quiet reflection and remembrance of the once ordinary lad from Liverpool, who grew up to become the extraordinary, talented person rising to fame through his voice for peace and love. Strawberry Fields - New York City Tours Strawberry Fields Strawberry Fields Strawberry Fields – Memorial to John Lennon Strawberry Fields is located in New York City, west of Central Park at West 72nd Street.

This area that takes up 2.5 acres of Central Park pays tribute to John Lennon a peace activist, musician and member of the famous band The Beatles. Adjacent to Strawberry Fields is a co-op residential complex called The Dakota. The Dakota apartments were home to Lennon and his wife Yoko Ono. Tragically, Mr. Lennon was murder is the vicinity as he was walking into his home in 1980. He was shot and left dead leaving behind his wife and his legacy. Beatles singer, John Lennon life was commemorated by a New York City Council Member, Henry J. Stern. Mr. Stern motioned to designate the area to the memory of John Lennon because it was Lennon and his wife’s favorite spot in Central Park. The area which is now Strawberry Fields name originated from the title of a Beatles’ song “Strawberry Fields Forever.” Together with a generous donation from Yoko Ono, help from a landscape architect by the name of Brice Kelley and the Central Park Conservancy the area was reformed. Strawberry Fields features a symbolic black & white Imagine mosaic that was designed by a group of artist from Naples, Italy. The Imagine mosaic was inspired by lyrics from a song written by John Lennon.

The term, “Imagine” educes an idea and hopefulness for a world without dissention, combat and conflict. The inspirational area has been endorsed as a Garden of Peace by 121 countries that have planted flowers and donated money for the sake of preserving Strawberry Fields. The 121 countries are listed on a bronze plaque that is a part of the memorial. When visiting New York City throughout the year visitors of Central Park may run into Strawberry Fields which is regularly decorated with flowers, candles, and other symbolic items dedicated to the life of Lennon. On October 9th, Lennon’s birthday and on December 8th, the anniversary of Lennon’s death many people come together to pay tribute. Although Strawberry Fields is a quiet zone for the sake of reflection, patrons pay tribute by singing songs and praying together. Gary dos Santos, a frequent visitor of Strawberry Fields is best known for covering the memorial with various types of flowers that create a peace sign over the Imagine mosaic. In addition to celebrating on Lennon’s birthday and the anniversary of his passing, celebratory gathering remembering other members of The Beatles also take place at Strawberry Fields.

Strawberry Fields in Central Park : NYC Parks Subscribe to the Parks History email newsletter to receive notification of new thematic pages as they are published. Bringing to Life "Strawberry Fields Forever" A Communal Place of Peace An essential pilgrimage for Beatles fans since John Lennon's death in 1980, Strawberry Fields, located in Central Park, is a living tribute to the man who inspired myriad of people through his music and social activism. While Strawberry Fields is a popular spot for Beatles fans to gather year–round and for City residents to find solace, it is especially cherished and meaningful on the anniversary of John Lennon's death, December 8. Selecting & Naming Strawberry Fields Four months after his tragic murder on December 8, 1980, the City Council designated a 2.5 acre landscape in Central Park "Strawberry Fields," named such after the popular 1967 Beatles song "Strawberry Fields Forever." Strawberry Fields is located just yards away from John Lennon and Yoko Ono's home, the Dakota Apartments, where Lennon was shot.

Thanks in part to a donation by Lennon's widow Yoko Ono in 1984, landscape architect Bruce Kelly was able to oversee the area's renovation. Two highlights of the landscape, the Garden of Peace and the Imagine monument, were created during this period of improvement (1984-1985). Garden of Peace: A Meditative Space Using Yoko Ono's 1984 funding for the improvement of Strawberry Fields, Bruce Kelly designed the Garden of Peace. This contemplative space, fashioned in harmony with the original vision of Central Park creators Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux, abounds with shrubs, trees, flowers, and rocks donated by 150 nations around the world. Imagine a Monument As part of the Garden of Peace constructed during the 1984 repairs and developments, Neopolitan artisans crafted a circular black and white marble mosaic impressed with the word "Imagine" at its center and donated it to the park. With its reference to the 1971 hit Beatles song "Imagine," an idealistic song about a better world, and its beautiful starburst pattern, the mosaic provides comfort and inspiration for casual passerby and eager visitor alike.

Visiting Strawberry Fields Strawberry Fields is located on the west side of Central Park between 71st and 74th streets. By subway, take the B or C train to 72nd Street station and enter the park. Historical Event Photos of Strawberry Fields George Harrison Memorial Unveiling of Strawberry Fields Sign More About Strawberry Fields Imagine Nations: 15 Peaceful John Lennon Memorials | Urbanist Imagine Nations: 15 Peaceful John Lennon Memorials Article by Steve , filed under Sculpture & Craft in the Art category Imagine a world without memorials to the late John Lennon, it isn’t hard to do. The fact there ARE commemorative tributes to the former Beatle and peace crusader scattered across the globe in some obvious and unlikely places, however, attests to the enduring popularity of the man, his music and his message. Lennon Wall – Prague, Czech Republic (images via: Globespinners and Prague.net ) The very first memorial to John Lennon is surprising on a number of levels: it appeared spontaneously as soon as word of Lennon’s murder was announced, it’s a constantly evolving project with no set structure, and it’s in Prague, capital city of the Czech Republic.

(image via: Prague.net ) You’ll find the Lennon Wall at 5 Velkoprevorske Nam (Square) near the French Embassy in downtown Prague’s Mala Strana (Lesser Town). (images via: JF Sebastian , Hello! and Mail Online ) Prague was a very different place in 1980 and because John Lennon symbolized freedom of thought to Czechoslovakia’s oppressed youth, the communist authorities strongly discouraged citizens from expressing themselves artistically on the wall – to no avail. Today the Lennon Wall is a popular tourist attraction and although after 30-odd years virtually no bare stone is visible, tour guides advise visitors to “Bring your paints, and imagine world peace.” Imagine Peace Tower – Reykjavik, Iceland (images via: ImaginePeace and Fotomundo/Allan Tannenbaum ) The Imagine Peace Tower , located on Viðey Island in Kollafjörður Bay near Reykjavík, Iceland, is Yoko Ono’s personal memorial to her late husband.

The tower consists of a battery of 15 searchlights fitted with prismatic mirrors that enable the light column to reach heights of up to 4,000 meters (over 13,000 feet). Dedicated in 2006, the geothermic energy-powered Imagine Peace Tower is lit annually from October 9th (Lennon’s birthday) to December 8th and again for one week at the end of December and New Year’s Eve. John Lennon Statue – San Miguel, Lima, Peru (images via: Galileus and One Journey at a Time ) A much more traditional memorial to John Lennon takes the form of a bronze statue situated in Lima, Peru’s district of San Miguel. The statue depicts Lennon in his long-haired, late 1960’s Beatles heyday and is fronted by an “Imagine” mosaic obviously inspired by the memorial circle in New York City’s Central Park. (image via: Beembee ) The San Miguel statue of John Lennon was dedicated in July of 2007 and overlooks the Pacific ocean shore.

Though embraced by Lima’s citizens and often the site of tribute concerts, the statue was actually the pet project of San Miguel’s Mayor Salvador Heresi, an unabashed and devoted Beatles fan. John Lennon Memorial Garden – Durness, Scotland (images via: Nick Bramall and The Family Cat ) The John Lennon Memorial Garden in Durness, Scotland was opened in August of 2002 when local gardeners landscaped a small area around the village hall. The spare and somewhat spooky memorial is free of any Lennon likeness; instead, it displays the restrained serenity of a Japanese zen garden. Durness has a special connection with Lennon, who up until the age of 17 would travel to the isolated village to spend his annual summer holiday. Parque John Lennon – Havana, Cuba (images via: A Cuban Aleph and John-Lennon.com ) A very warm, personal and distinctive memorial statue of John Lennon sculpted by Cuban artist José Villa Soberón was unveiled on December 8th of 2000. The statue, located in “Parque Lennon” in Havana’s Vedado neighborhood, was unveiled at a special ceremony by Cuban President Fidel Castro and singer Silvio Rodriguez.

The statue features a calm and relaxed-looking Lennon sitting at one end of a park bench, seemingly inviting visitors to share his space. The statue’s bronze eyeglasses have been broken off and stolen many times, however, so nowadays a guard places a pair of specs on the statue when tourists want to have their pictures taken with it. (image via: Teresa Bevin ) Inlaid into the tiles at the foot of the installation is an inscription that reads “Dirás que soy un soñador pero no soy el único, John Lennon”, which is a Spanish translation from Lennon’s song “Imagine.” The English lyrics are “You may say I’m a dreamer, but I’m not the only one.” It’s startling, to say the least, that Fidel Castro would not only allow both the memorial and inscription, but give them his public approval. “I am a dreamer,” said Castro at the ceremony, “who has seen some of his dreams become reality.” John Lennon Bronze Statue, 1979 Artist Brett Livingston-Strong sculpted between 1979 and 1980 what may be the only statue of John Lennon created during his lifetime.

As of April 2010, the statue (which was appraised at over $12 million) was for sale. John Lennon Peace Monument – Liverpool (images via: Liverpool Echo and Art In Liverpool ) The John Lennon Peace Monument (also known as the European Peace Monument) is an 18-foot tall multimedia sculpture created by American artist Lauren Voiers. The sculpture was unveiled on Saturday, October 9th of 2010 (which would have been Lennon’s 70th birthday) by Julian and Cynthia Lennon. Originally placed at Chavasse Park in Liverpool, the sculpture was subsequently moved to a more accessible area on the Liverpool Waterfront adjacent to ACC Liverpool at Kings Dock.

(image via: Wikipedia ) Voiers describes the sculpture entitled “Peace & Harmony” as “a beacon of light, in memory of John Lennon who devoted the later part of his life to a worldwide peace movement.” When asked about the significance of the white feather on the top of the sculpture, Julian Lennon explained that “Dad once said to me that should he pass away, if there was some way of letting me know he was going to be OK – that we were all going to be OK – the message would come to me in the form of a white feather.” John Lennon Memorial – Sofia, Bulgaria (image via: ABC ) It’s been said that people in countries formerly ruled by totalitarian regimes have a special feeling for John Lennon and what he stood for: freedom and peace. So it is in Bulgaria where a new memorial honoring Lennon was opened in the capital, Sofia, in 2010 on the thirtieth anniversary of his death.

John Lennon Statue – Matthew St., Liverpool (images via: NYTimes , ClickLiverpool and Wikipedia ) As might be expected, the city of Liverpool is chock-a-block with tributes to John Lennon but one of the most arresting is the sculpture of Lennon just outside the original location of the Cavern Club on Mathew Street. The statue was unveiled on January 16th of 1997 and is strikingly reminiscent of the cover photo gracing Lennon’s 1974 oldies album, Rock’n’Roll . By the way, the trio of blurry figures walking past Lennon in the photo are Paul McCartney, George Harrison and Stu Sutcliffe. (image via: Alancookson ) The Beatles played a total of 292 appearances at the Cavern Club between February of 1961 and August of 1963 though Lennon had played there as early as 1957 with The Quarrymen. The 1,801 inscribed bricks of The Cavern Wall of Fame behind Lennon’s statue are engraved with the names of every artist who performed at the original Cavern Club from 1957 through 1973. Worst. Lennon Statue.

Ever (image via: Ultimate Classic Rock ) Before Carlos Lehder began serving a 135-year (later reduced to 55-year) sentence for drug trafficking, he was living the high life (literally) as a Colombian drug lord. When he wasn’t drug-lording, however, Lehder was running a German-themed resort in Pereira, Colombia. Being both a Nazi sympathizer and a Beatles fan, Lehder decided his resort needed a statue of a nude John Lennon, clutching a guitar and wearing a Wehrmacht helmet at a jaunty angle. The finishing touch was a hole in his back. This is what your brain does on drugs, it would seem. Lennon at Large – Hard Days Night Hotel, Liverpool (images via: The Orthodoxford , Telegraph Media Group ltd. and The Vibes ) The four-star Hard Days Night Hotel at the corner of Mathew and John Streets in Liverpool opened in February of 2008 and is the world’s only Beatles-themed hotel. While the wealth of Lennon statuary and sculpture in and on the hotel isn’t meant to be a memorial per se, visitors and guests are free to experience their own interpretation.

(image via: Ronramstew ) John the Beatle or John the Baptist? This spectacular shot highlights the John Lennon statue situated in the front facade of the hotel. The conjunction of the modern statue with the hotel’s 19th century florid stone architectural detailing comes off better than one might think while solidly anchoring Lennon in Liverpool’s long and illustrious history. Oh, and he’s actually flashing a peace sign with his upraised hand, not pointing the way to heaven. Hard Rock Lennon – Washington DC Originally displayed at the 1984 Liverpool International Garden Festival, this statue of John Lennon by sculptor Allen Curran now stands atop the stairwell to the restroom at the Hard Rock Cafe in Washington DC. Give pee’s a chance? John Lennon Statue – Almeria, Spain (images via: W-e-b-s-p-o-r-t-s and Gigwise ) How the mighty have fallen: this charming, life-sized bronze statue of a relaxed, guitar-playing John Lennon once sat on a tiled portico outside the town hall in sunny Almeria, Spain.

Sadly, vandals have repeatedly defaced and disfigured the statue for reasons unknown, to the point that city authorities ordered it be removed, repaired, and moved to a more secure location. (images via: I Need Spain , Sights of Seville and Wiki Voyage ) The statue was designed by artist Carmen Mudarra and commemorates Lennon’s stay in the beach town of El Zapillo while filming the 1967 movie “How I Won The War” . In his spare time, Lennon began composing the song “Strawberry Fields Forever”. Mudarra may have been inspired by a photograph of Lennon sitting on his bed, composing the song and recording it on a tape recorder. John Lennon Statue – Liverpool Airport (images via: Stuck at the Airport , Gifts Infoniac and FOLA ) Liverpool John Lennon Airport was officially renamed in John Lennon’s honor on July 25th of 2002, with Her Majesty the Queen Elizabeth II on hand to unveil a commemorative plaque. Several months before, however, Yoko Ono and Cherie Booth QC (former UK PM Tony Blair’s wife) jointly unveiled a 7ft (2.1m) tall bronze statue of Lennon designed by Liverpool sculptor Tom Murphy.

(image via: Cinekg ) The statue depicts Lennon in his New York days, wearing a t-shirt and sport jacket. His iconic circular-lensed eyeglasses were stolen in 2007 but have since been repaired. You can find the statue situated on a marble plinth just off the Level 2 walkway overlooking the passenger check-in area. Strawberry Fields Memorial – Central Park, New York (images via: Imagine Peace ) Known chiefly for its central mosaic of inlaid stones, Strawberry Fields actually encompasses a teardrop-shaped, 2.5-acre (10,000 m2) landscaped section of Central Park dedicated to the memory of John Lennon. The entrance to the memorial is located on Central Park West at West 72nd Street, just across the street from the Dakota Apartments and the spot where Lennon was shot and killed. Yoko Ono donated over $1 million to fund both the landscaping and an endowment to maintain the memorial. (images via: Skaines and UPI ) The central mosaic was was gifted to the memorial by the City of Naples and it was designed by a team of craftsmen from that city.

The memorial at the site of what had been John & Yoko’s favorite part of Central Park was dedicated on October 9th, 1985 (Lennon’s 45th birthday), by Yoko Ono and Mayor Ed Koch of New York City. (image via: Elsa11 ) Strawberry Fields is the most popular place for fans of the late artist/philosopher to express their feelings on the anniversaries of his birth and death. On those occasions, visitors may find the central mosaic lovingly decorated with flowers, personal mementos and, of course, strawberries. (image via: Reuters/FaithWorld ) John Lennon left our world long before his time and the violent nature of his passing has left an ugly scar on societies the world over. The bespectacled Liverpudlian would have been a septuagenarian today had his life not been suddenly cut short back then. With the benefit of three additional decades, would John Lennon have had the same, lesser or greater impact upon society? One can only imagine.

Question: What is the name of the John Lennon memorial garden in Central Park, New York?
Answer: Strawberry Fields