Strawberry Fields New York City Central Park
Central Park is one of the most iconic landmarks in New York City, and for good reason. It's a massive, sprawling park that offers a welcome respite from the hustle and bustle of the city. But within the park lies a hidden gem that many visitors often overlook: Strawberry Fields. This tranquil oasis is a tribute to one of the greatest musicians of all time, John Lennon. In this article, we'll take a closer look at Strawberry Fields and why it's worth a visit.
What is Strawberry Fields?
Strawberry Fields is a 2.5-acre landscaped section of Central Park located near the west side of the park, just across the street from the famous Dakota Building. It's named after the Beatles song "Strawberry Fields Forever," which was written by John Lennon and released in 1967. The song is said to be inspired by Lennon's childhood memories of playing in the garden of a Salvation Army children's home called "Strawberry Field" near his childhood home in Liverpool, England.
After Lennon's tragic death in 1980, his widow Yoko Ono gifted $1 million to Central Park to create a memorial in his honor. The result was Strawberry Fields, which was officially opened on October 9, 1985, which would have been Lennon's 45th birthday. The memorial was designed by landscape architect Bruce Kelly and features a beautiful mosaic with the word "Imagine" in the center, which was created by Italian craftsmen.
What can you see at Strawberry Fields?
Strawberry Fields is a peaceful, serene oasis that's perfect for taking a break from the hustle and bustle of the city. The centerpiece of the memorial is the "Imagine" mosaic, which is surrounded by beautiful flowers, shrubs, and trees. The mosaic is made up of 2,400 tiles and is a popular spot for visitors to take pictures.
There's also a bronze plaque on a nearby rock that reads "Imagine all the people living life in peace," which is a reference to Lennon's iconic song "Imagine." Visitors often leave flowers, candles, and other mementos at the base of the plaque to pay their respects to the late musician.
Another notable feature of Strawberry Fields is the "black and white" Imagine mosaic, which is located near the entrance to the memorial. This mosaic is made up of black and white stones and is designed to be viewed from above. Visitors can climb a nearby staircase to get a bird's eye view of the mosaic, which is a truly unique experience.
Why is Strawberry Fields worth a visit?
Strawberry Fields is a peaceful, tranquil oasis in the heart of New York City. It's a place where visitors can pay their respects to one of the greatest musicians of all time and reflect on the importance of peace and love in our world. The memorial is a beautiful tribute to John Lennon's life and legacy, and it's a must-see for any Beatles fan or music lover visiting New York City.
But beyond its significance as a memorial to John Lennon, Strawberry Fields is also a beautiful, well-maintained park that's perfect for a relaxing stroll. The trees, flowers, and shrubs are expertly curated, and the mosaic is a work of art in its own right. Whether you're a fan of the Beatles or just looking for a peaceful escape from the city, Strawberry Fields is well worth a visit.
How to get to Strawberry Fields
Strawberry Fields is located in Central Park near the intersection of West 72nd Street and Central Park West. The easiest way to get there is by taking the subway to the 72nd Street station on the B or C line. From there, it's just a short walk to the entrance of the memorial.
Conclusion
Strawberry Fields is a beautiful, peaceful oasis in the heart of New York City. It's a must-see for any Beatles fan or music lover visiting the city, but it's also a great place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and reflect on the importance of peace and love in our world. Whether you're looking for a quiet place to relax or an iconic landmark to check off your bucket list, Strawberry Fields is well worth a visit.