Lennon Wall

"In Prague's Kampa district, near the iconic Charles Bridge, lies the Lennon Wall—a vibrant, graffiti-covered tribute to John Lennon and a symbol of resistance against the communist regime. Initially conceived as a makeshift grave for the legendary Beatles frontman following his assassination, the wall has evolved into a canvas for personal expression and protest. After Lennon’s death, locals began decorating the wall with images and lyrics, turning it into a shrine where visitors laid flowers and lit candles. However, the communist authorities viewed this burgeoning symbol of freedom as a threat, frequently whitewashing the messages of hope and defiance. Despite these efforts to erase the wall's significance, it was quickly repainted, reinforcing its role as a space for artistic expression and political dissent. Today, the Lennon Wall continues to change, welcoming new messages and artworks that celebrate themes of love and peace, thanks in part to the support of the Knights of Malta, who own the wall. Although the original paintings have been lost beneath layers of graffiti, significant moments in its history persist. For instance, in spring 2019, it was repainted during the Meet Art event to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the Velvet Revolution, featuring a striking image of John Lennon alongside Václav Havel. In September, an international cultural project, "WALL OF FREEDOM AND ENERGY / LENNON WALL PRAGUE," will see 27 artists from the EU, along with guests from Ukraine and Norway, come together to repaint the wall, further enriching its legacy. Curated by artist Pavel Šťastný and organized by cultural producer Robin Suchánek, this initiative continues to underscore the wall's role as a dynamic space for creativity and remembrance in the heart of Prague."

"The Lennon Wall, located in Malá Strana, is a colorful tribute to John Lennon and a symbol of peace and freedom. Since the 1980s, it has been covered in graffiti, murals, and messages inspired by Lennon's songs and ideals. Bring a marker or some paint to add your own message or artwork to the wall. It's an evolving piece of public art, and visitors are encouraged to contribute. The wall became a site of political protest during the communist era, with young Czechs using it to express their dissatisfaction with the regime. Despite several attempts by authorities to whitewash the wall, it always quickly became covered with new messages and artwork. "

"Situado en una pequeña y apartada plaza frente a la embajada de Francia, el muro había estado decorado con poemas de amor y mensajes breves contra el régimen desde los años 1960. Recibió su primera condecoración relacionada con John Lennon, un símbolo de libertad, cultura occidental y lucha política, luego del asesinato de John Lennon en 1980, cuando un artista desconocido pintó una sola imagen del cantautor y algunas letras."