Strawberry Fields Central Park – The Imagine Mosaic & John Lennon’s Living Memorial
Of all the quiet corners of Central Park, few carry as much feeling as Strawberry Fields. This gentle, tree-shaded slope is a living memorial to John Lennon, and at its centre sits one of the most photographed spots in all of New York: the simple black-and-white mosaic that reads, in a single word, “Imagine.”
🎵 A memorial to John Lennon
Strawberry Fields takes its name from the Beatles song “Strawberry Fields Forever.” It was created in memory of John Lennon, who lived just across the street at the Dakota and was tragically killed there in 1980. His widow, Yoko Ono, helped design and fund the 2.5-acre landscape, which opened in 1985. Today it remains a place of pilgrimage for fans from every corner of the world.
☮️ The Imagine mosaic
At the heart of Strawberry Fields lies the Imagine mosaic — a circular pattern of black-and-white tiles with the word “Imagine” at its centre, echoing Lennon’s most famous song of peace. The mosaic was a gift from the city of Naples, Italy, crafted in the Italian tradition. On most days you will find it dressed with fresh flowers, and often a musician nearby playing Beatles songs for the crowd.
🌍 A Garden of Peace
Strawberry Fields is officially designated a “Garden of Peace,” and its plantings were donated by countries around the world — a fitting tribute to a song about a world without borders. The result is a calm, contemplative space that feels a world away from the busy avenues just outside the park.
🚲 The easiest way to visit Strawberry Fields
Strawberry Fields lies near the West 72nd Street entrance on Central Park West. It is an easy first stop on a pedicab tour, and from here your driver can carry you on to the Lake, Bow Bridge and Bethesda Fountain without a single long walk.
✔ Start your visit with the 1-hour Central Park pedicab tour from $30
✔ See all tour options on the Central Park pedicab tour page
✔ Ready to go? Book your ride here
📸 Best time to visit
🌅 Early morning — the mosaic is quiet and easy to photograph before the crowds
🎸 Midday — street musicians often gather and play
🕯️ October 9 (Lennon’s birthday) and December 8 — fans hold candlelit gatherings here
🗺️ What’s nearby
Strawberry Fields sits at the western edge of the park’s most scenic stretch, so it pairs naturally with other landmarks:
🏛️ The Dakota Building — Lennon’s former home, just across Central Park West
🌉 Bow Bridge — the park’s most romantic crossing, a short ride away
⛲ Bethesda Terrace & Fountain — the grand heart of the park
💧 The Lake & the Ramble — just to the east
❓ Frequently asked questions
Where is Strawberry Fields in Central Park?
Near the West 72nd Street entrance on Central Park West, on the park’s west side.
Is Strawberry Fields free to visit?
Yes. It is open to the public at all times at no charge.
Why is it called Strawberry Fields?
It is named after the Beatles song “Strawberry Fields Forever” and dedicated to the memory of John Lennon.
What is the easiest way to see it?
A private pedicab tour starts you here and continues to the surrounding landmarks, with a driver sharing the stories. Rides start at $30.
Peaceful, moving and unmistakably New York, Strawberry Fields is a place to slow down and take a moment. Make it the first stop of a relaxed pedicab loop through the heart of Central Park. Book a Central Park pedicab tour from $30.
