Strawberry Fields: John Lennon’s Central Park Memorial

If you're a Beatles fan, you have to visit Strawberry Fields, the garden in Central Park dedicated to the memory of John Lennon, who was murdered in 1980 just steps away, right in front of the entrance to his home at the Dakota Building.

The name of this memorial, donated to the park by Yoko Ono, obviously comes from the Beatles song Strawberry Fields Forever. According to Ono, it was placed in the part of Central Park that John Lennon loved most.

What to see at Strawberry Fields

I'd suggest heading to the Dakota first, so you can picture John Lennon walking the streets of the Upper West Side. Then you'll be emotionally ready to cross over to his favorite corner of Central Park, Strawberry Fields, named in his memory.

More than a garden, what you'll find is a plaza that draws plenty of tourists, and where you'll often hear street musicians singing Lennon's lyrics for tips.

Garden of Peace

The space opened in 1985 as a «Garden of Peace.» Diplomats from around the world attended the ceremony, bringing native species from their countries as gifts.

That's why you'll see Canadian maples and birches from the USSR, among others, all grown strong and beautiful as a monument to John Lennon and to peace (a bronze plaque lists the more than 120 countries that donated flowers and trees).

The Imagine mosaic at Strawberry Fields

The most photographed sight at Strawberry Fields is the black and white mosaic with the word «Imagine» set into the ground at the center of the plaza.

It was a gift from the city of Naples for the memorial, built in the tradition of the mosaics of Pompeii.

A gathering place for fans

On October 9 and December 8, the days of Lennon's birth and death, the Strawberry Fields Memorial fills with fans from all over the world who gather to remember him by singing his songs. If you love the Beatles, this is a must, especially on those dates.

-o-

Address

Central Park, at Central Park West and 72nd Street

How to get to Strawberry Fields

Subway lines B, C. 72 St station.

Map

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