Imagine Peace Tower
Park Light installation memorializing John Lennon near Reykjavik
Yoko Ono’s Imagine Peace Tower on Viðey Island, near Reykjavík, projects a vertical column of light as a memorial to John Lennon. Visitors reach it by short ferry to view the installation and the sweep of Faxaflói Bay from the island.
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The Imagine Peace Tower is an outdoor work by artist Yoko Ono on the island of Viðey in Kollafjörður Bay, near Reykjavík, Iceland. It is a memorial to John Lennon and was first illuminated in October 2007.
The installation consists of a vertical tower of light projected into the sky and is accompanied by the phrase “Imagine Peace.” It is lit seasonally on memorial dates and for special events, creating a visible column of light that can be seen from across Reykjavík on clear nights.
Yoko Ono commissioned and donated the work as a permanent tribute to Lennon; the project has drawn international attention as a contemporary memorial that uses light as its primary medium. Since its first lighting, the tower has been activated repeatedly during anniversaries and other peace-related commemorations.
The tower stands on Viðey island, reached by a short ferry from Reykjavík. The island lies in the bay immediately north of the city, making the tower visible from many central Reykjavík vantage points.
- Lighting schedule: Illuminated annually between John Lennon's birthday (October 9) and the anniversary of his death (December 8), and on other commemorative dates.
- Viewing locations: Located on Viðey island with good viewing points from the Reykjavík shoreline and ferry crossings to Viðey.
How to Get to Imagine Peace Tower #
The Imagine Peace Tower is on Viðey island just off Reykjavík. From central Reykjavík take the public ferry from the Old Harbour / Skarfabakki pier to Viðey (seasonal service; check Reykjavík city ferry schedules). The ferry crossing is typically around 15-20 minutes; once ashore it’s a 10-20 minute walk across Viðey to the tower depending on landing point.
Tips for Visiting Imagine Peace Tower #
- The Imagine Peace Tower on Viðey island is seasonal-check the lighting schedule before you go (it is lit on special dates and periods rather than continuously), and plan to arrive after dusk on a night it is illuminated for the full effect.
- Catch the short public ferry to Viðey from Reykjavík's old harbour rather than trying to reach the island by private boat; ferries run on a regular schedule in summer and take you within easy walking distance of the tower.
- Visit in the early evening on weekdays to avoid weekend crowds and combine the tower visit with a walk across Viðey to see its sculptures and the small museum/exhibitions many casual visitors miss.
Best Time to Visit Imagine Peace Tower #
See the Imagine Peace Tower on scheduled illumination nights-autumn and winter evenings (long, dark nights) provide the clearest views; confirm lighting dates before you go.
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