Strawberry Fields (John Lennon Memorial)
The Basics
This section of Central Park, near the Dakota Apartments on Central Park West, where Lennon was living when he was killed, was dedicated as a memorial to singer, songwriter, and activist a few years after he died. Today, the site is popular with Beatles fans and is often filled with visitors paying tribute to the artist and buskers singing his songs.
The park was designed by Lennon’s widow, Yoko Ono, the landscape architect Bruce Kelly, and Central Park Conservancy, and is named for Lennon’s song “Strawberry Fields Forever.” The center of the park is marked by a mosaic of the word “Imagine,” the name of Lennon’s best-selling solo single, which meditates on the possibilities of global peace. The plant life and rocks in the garden were donated by 120 countries that recognize the garden as a place of peace.
Things to Know Before You Go
Strawberry Fields and the Imagine memorial are designated quiet spaces, so be mindful of those around you and avoid disruptive activities.
The Strawberry Fields section of Central Park is wheelchair accessible.
The park includes lots of benches for resting and quiet contemplation.
How to Get There
Strawberry Fields is inside Central Park. The closest entrance to the memorial is at Central Park West and 72nd Street. To reach this entrance by subway, take the A, B, C, 1, 2, or 3 trains to 72nd Street. You can also reach the park on a hop-on-hop-off bus or other city tour.
Trip ideas
When to Get There
The park is open every day, all year round. It is especially busy on the anniversaries of Lennon’s birth and death (October 9 and December 8, respectively). Visit early in the morning for a quiet visit.
The Central Park Zoo
For a more rambunctious, kid-friendly activity, head to the small but wonderful Central Park Zoo. Visit a variety of animals, from snow leopards and red pandas to lemurs and penguins, and watch the zoo’s sea lions perform for their trainers during daily feedings. There’s even a special children’s section where kids can see adorable creatures like the Patagonia cavy and climb around on play structures.
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