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Imagine Peace Tower
The Imagine Peace Tower is a unique light installation located on Viðey Island near Reykjavik, Iceland. It was created by Yoko Ono in memory of her late husband, John Lennon. The tower is a powerful symbol of peace and hope. It consists of a tall beam of light that shoots up into the sky, created by several searchlights with prisms that reflect the light upwards. The tower is lit every year from October 9th, which is John Lennon's birthday, until December 8th, the day of his passing. It's also illuminated during other special dates like the New Year and some weeks in spring. The words "Imagine Peace" are inscribed on the base in 24 different languages, emphasizing its global message. Visitors can take a ferry to Viðey Island to see the tower up close and experience its serene environment. Surrounded by nature, the Imagine Peace Tower inspires visitors with its simple yet powerful message. It's a reminder of John's vision for a peaceful world and encourages people to strive for harmony and unity.
Tuesday: 8:00 PM – 12:00 AM
Wednesday: 8:00 PM – 12:00 AM
Thursday: 8:00 PM – 12:00 AM
Friday: 8:00 PM – 12:00 AM
Saturday: 8:00 PM – 12:00 AM
Sunday: 8:00 PM – 12:00 AM
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Imagine Peace Tower
What other travelers are saying about
Imagine Peace Tower
Seriously, why did anyone in Iceland agree to this? A country whose main tourist atttaction in the winter is looking at the night sky, only to have that sky polluted by a giant beam of light? I'm 100% for peace on earth, but also for enjoying its natural beauty whenever possible.
Great tribute to the late musician John Lennon. You can take a ferry from Reyjkavik to Videy Island and walk over easily. Trail maintained well and easy to walk over. Free WC in the main house
One of the reasons I went to Iceland in October was to visit the switch-on of the John Lennon Peace Tower on 9th October his birthday. Ferries were provided to take people over to the island. I arrived at 7:30 in the evening and the switch on took place at 9pm. There are places to buy hot drinks etc. But it was very busy. Apparently 2018 saw the highest number of people attending with over 2000 people on the island. Unfortunately Yoko Ono was not able to attend but joined by a video link. The Major of Reykjavik switched on the tower accompanied by an amazing choir who did a wonderful version of “Imagine”. The ferry trip back was a bit of a nightmare as I waited nearly 2 hours due to the high number of people and it was raining and very cold. However I did get to see the northern lights again, which appeared spookily just before the Mayor’s speech when the torrential rain suddenly stopped and the clouds dispersed. The Mayor looked up to the sky and said “Thank you John”. On Viðey island, which is a small island just a 7 minute's boat ride away from the mainland of Iceland's capital city Reykjavík, stands the Imagine Peace Tower. It was erected by Yoko Ono in remembrance of John Lennon's birthday. The Imagine Peace Tower was first lit in 2007 by Yoko Ono on John Lennon's birthday on the 9th of October, and it is lit until the day John was killed on the 8th of December. It serves as a beacon to world peace, which I think is ever so lovely. Yoko invites everybody wishing for peace to join her on the 9th of October on Viðey island. And she offers free ferry rides to the island (and from it) on the night she lights the tower. The lighting takes places at 8 pm and the free ferry rides run from 5 pm until 7:30 pm. The first ferry departs from Viðey island at 9 pm. Reykjavík city offers free transport from Hlemmur bus terminal to Skarfabakki harbour, from where the Viðey ferry departs. I have noticed that more and more foreign guests are joining in now. You just have to show up, no booking needed, but be prepared to stand in line.
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Frequently asked questions
What is the Imagine Peace Tower?
The Imagine Peace Tower is a memorial to John Lennon from his widow, Yoko Ono, located on Viðey Island in Iceland. It features a tall tower of light that beams into the sky from a stone base engraved with the words 'Imagine Peace' in 24 languages.
When is the Imagine Peace Tower illuminated?
The Imagine Peace Tower is illuminated annually from October 9th, John Lennon's birthday, until December 8th, the anniversary of his death. It is also lit during other special occasions such as New Year's Eve and certain weeks in February and March.
How is the Imagine Peace Tower powered?
The light emitted by the Imagine Peace Tower is powered by geothermal energy, which aligns with Iceland's commitment to sustainable energy sources. This makes it not only a symbol of peace but also of environmental consciousness.
Can visitors access Viðey Island to see the Imagine Peace Tower?
Yes, visitors can take a ferry from Reykjavík's Old Harbor to Viðey Island. The island itself offers beautiful walking trails and stunning views of Reykjavík, making it an enriching experience alongside visiting the tower.
What was Yoko Ono's inspiration for creating the Imagine Peace Tower?
Yoko Ono created the Imagine Peace Tower as a tribute to John Lennon's dedication to world peace and his song 'Imagine.' The tower serves as a beacon for peace and hope worldwide, reflecting Ono’s vision of a better world.
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