John Lennon made no secret of his love for New York. Now, long after his life was tragically brought to an end, New Yorkers are making no secret of their love for him.
For a Beatles fan, Strawberry Fields is the title of a song, to a New Yorker Beatles Fan, Strawberry Fields is a tribute to a long-lost, but not forgotten, Beatle.
Strawberry Fields
Built and dedicated as a tribute to John Lennon, Strawberry Fields is a 2.5 acre memorial to Lennon on the western border of Central Park. Less that a year after his death on December 8th of 1980, the land was dedicated to his honor and re-landscaped using a $1 million donation to the park from his widow, Yoko Ono.
Probably the most prolific monument at the site is the large mosaic art in the sidewalk with the word “imagine” written in tile. The mosaic often has flowers strewn across it or in the shape of a peace sign. When construction was completed, the memorial opened on what would have been Lennon’s 45th birthday, October 9th 1985.
Each year, on Lennon’s birthday, loyal fans gather in Strawberry Fields to pay tribute to their beloved Beatle. The site has transformed into somewhat of a vigil for various solemn events that have occurred whether to the music world or to New York itself. When fellow-Beatle George Harrison died, loyal fans gathered in Strawberry Fields to commemorate his life. As well, in the days following the September 11th terrorist attacks, some New Yorkers gathered here to remember the lives of those that were lost.
The Dakota Apartments
Across the street from Strawberry Fields, just outside the boundaries to Central Park, sits the historic Dakota building. While the building itself is a national historical landmark, it was also the shot where John Lennon was tragically shot to death in 1980. The famous entranceway where Lennon’s life was taken from him is located on the south side of the building, where a doorman is always present.
Aside from Lennon, the Dakota Apartments have been home to numerous actors, singers, athletes and other famous people. Some residents and former residents include Judy Garland, Leonard Bernstein, Gilda Radner and Lennon’s son and widow, Sean Lennon and Yoko Ono, who is said to still own a unit in the building.
How to Get There
Strawberry Fields is located right on the western border of Central Park between 71st and 74th Streets. The nearest entrance to the mosaic memorial is at West 72nd Street and Central Park West. The Dakota Apartments are directly across the street from the entrance, just outside of the park’s boundaries. There is one subway stop right at the intersection of 72nd Street and Central Park West, the station serves the B and C subway lines.
