Celebrating John Lennon at Strawberry Fields
Strawberry Fields is a 5 acre tribute celebrating John Lennon in Central Park in New York City. Located near Central Park West between 71st and 74th Streets, the memorial is very aptly named after the Beatles’ song “Strawberry Fields Forever,” written by Lennon. The memorial is just off the West 72nd Street entrance and includes the famous mosaic that spells the word “Imagine” in the center of a circular pathway, and is a popular spot for visitors to take photos and leave flowers or other tributes in honor of Lennon’s message of peace and love.
There are 2 days that are special to visit Strawberry Fields – October 9th, which is John Lennon’s birthday, and December 8th, when John Lennon was tragically shot in 1980. On these two days, the Imagine Mosaic at Strawberry Fields is a meeting point for his fans to gather to celebrate his music and his memory. On these to days, more than any other, the Imagine mosaic is covered with very a multitude of offerings made by his fans, and there is a non stop celebration of his music with performers very specifically refusing money unlike other days.
About Strawberry Fields
Strawberry Fields is a 5 acre landscaped section of Central Park in New York City, dedicated to the memory of John Lennon, the famous singer, songwriter, and guitarist of the Beatles. It is located near the Dakota Building, where Lennon lived with his wife, Yoko Ono. The area was officially named “Strawberry Fields” in honor of Lennon after his assassination in 1980.
The idea for the memorial was proposed by Yoko Ono and designed by landscape architect Bruce Kelly. Strawberry Fields opened on October 9, 1985, which would have been Lennon’s 45th birthday.
The name “Strawberry Fields” comes from the Beatles song “Strawberry Fields Forever,” which was written by Lennon and released in 1967. The song was inspired by a real place in Liverpool, England, where Lennon grew up, and its lyrics describe a place where Lennon used to go as a child to escape from the world.
The memorial features a mosaic with the word “Imagine” in the center, which is a reference to Lennon’s famous song of the same name. The location of the mosaic, at the entrance to Central Park near West 72nd Street, is significant because it is close to where Lennon lived and died.
Imagine Central Park Mosaic
The Imagine Mosaic in Central Park is a poignant and iconic tribute to the legendary musician John Lennon. Located in the Strawberry Fields section of the park, this beautiful black-and-white mosaic bears the word “Imagine,” paying homage to Lennon’s timeless and influential song. The mosaic was dedicated on October 9, 1985, which would have been Lennon’s 45th birthday, and has since become a place of pilgrimage for fans and admirers from around the world.
The mosaic serves as a peaceful and reflective spot where visitors can pay their respects to Lennon’s legacy and contemplate the message of hope and unity that “Imagine” embodies. Surrounded by beautiful landscaping and trees, the Imagine Mosaic provides a serene and contemplative atmosphere, allowing visitors to connect with the spirit of Lennon and his vision for a better world.
The site also serves as a gathering place for impromptu musical performances and tributes, further adding to the sense of community and shared appreciation for Lennon’s music and message. Whether it’s adorned with flowers, candles, or simply the heartfelt thoughts of visitors, the Imagine Mosaic continues to be a beloved and meaningful landmark in Central Park, serving as a lasting tribute to John Lennon’s enduring impact on the world.
Celebrating John Lennon
Visitors to Strawberry Fields celebrate John Lennon every day of the year by visiting his memorial, but there are 2 days that are special. Every year, Strawberry Fields is full of his fans celebrating Lennon’s legacy and memory on his birthday on October 9th, as they do on his death anniversary on December 8th every year.
The offerings that his fans leave for him are all of which were thoughtful to say the least.
His music made for a memorable celebration, and it was amazing to see people in the audience singing along with every single word!
The cutest fan was without a doubt this dog, who seemed to be enjoying all the music!
There were lots of vendors selling John Lennon themed stuff that people were interested in buying near the memorial.
The Dakota, which is located very close to Strawberry Fields, has well trained doormen that do a great job of letting people take pictures, but not to congregate or to leave anything in his memory.
Sky by Yoko Ono
There is a subway stop right under the Dakota, which has artwork titled Sky by Yoko Ono that I love. These are all a reflection of John Lennon’s message of Imagine and Peace, and a fitting tribute to the artist that has inspired many generations.
Imagine Peace.
