Strawberry Fields

Pay Tribute to John Lennon in Central Park at Strawberry Fields

Strawberry Fields is a section of Central Park set aside to honor musician John Lennon and the ideals he believed in. Lennon was an advocate for world peace, and today, you can visit this peaceful section of the park to reflect on his life and legacy or the state of the world around us. Strawberry Fields is an attraction well worth visiting, and it’s near the Dakota Building stop on our Uptown & Harlem Tour, so it’s easy to take in while you’re sightseeing.

A Legacy of Peace at Strawberry Fields

Central Park visitors might hear the name and think of strawberries, but you’ll find something quite different at Strawberry Fields. Central Park, New York, is home to a wide range of interesting sights and fun things to do, but here, you’re invited to slow down and enjoy the peace and quiet. This 2.5-acre section of the park is dedicated to the memory of John Lennon, the late singer, songwriter, and peace activist of Beatles fame. Lennon and wife Yoko Ono lived at the Dakota, right across the street from what would become Strawberry Fields. On Dec. 9, 1980, John Lennon was shot and killed outside the Dakota; the Strawberry Fields memorial was built to honor his life, talent, and memory.

The area was landscaped under the supervision of the Central Park Conservancy in a teardrop shape. Landscape architect Bruce Kelley assisted with the project, and Ono contributed $1 million to cover the costs of creating Strawberry Fields. Central Park’s John Lennon memorial is situated in an area where Lennon and Ono walked together frequently before his death.

A central focus here is the Central Park Strawberry Fields Imagine mosaic. This black and white mosaic forms the word “Imagine,” a reference to one of John Lennon’s songs that brings to mind hope and a vision of a world without war and violence. To further emphasize the message of peace, there’s a bronze plaque listing the dozens of countries that contributed flowers or financial donations for the maintenance of Strawberry Fields. Central Park is often a busy place, but this area is a designated quiet zone where visitors can enjoy a sense of calm beneath the shade of American elms, surrounded by blooming flowers in the spring. Visitors from around the world come to pay their respects here: Strawberry Fields is a true pilgrimage site for Beatles and John Lennon fans.

Where Is Strawberry Fields Located in Central Park?

Strawberry Fields is on the west side of the park near West 72nd Street. To get to Strawberry Fields, New York tourists can take the subway to 72nd Street Station or hop off the bus during our Uptown & Harlem Tour at the Dakota Building stop.

Visiting the Strawberry Fields Memorial

If you’re a fan of John Lennon and the Beatles, you don’t want to miss a chance to pay your respects at Strawberry Fields, New York visitors often find the experience to be moving and uplifting, and it’s a must-see location for music-lovers who visit Central Park. Many choose to bring flowers, candles, or other offerings to leave behind at the memorial.

To explore this and dozens of other sights around the city, book one of our economical, informative, hop-on hop-off bus tours. All of our tours are guided by a local expert who can help you find where you want to go and teach you more about the history of the sites visited. Book online now to lock in the best price, then use your pass anytime in the next six months. Sightseeing in New York City is simple with TopView!