capital-region · Iceland
Imagine Peace Tower
On Viðey island, Yoko Ono's Imagine Peace Tower sends a powerful, luminous blue beam skyward from a white stone base, symbolizing peace, unity, and hope. This striking light installation against the dark Icelandic night sky is a profound tribute to John Lennon.
About Imagine Peace Tower
On Viðey island, Yoko Ono's Imagine Peace Tower sends a powerful, luminous blue beam skyward from a white stone base, symbolizing peace, unity, and hope. This striking light installation against the dark Icelandic night sky is a profound tribute to John Lennon.
History & Background
The Imagine Peace Tower was conceived by artist Yoko Ono as a profound tribute to her late husband, John Lennon, and his unwavering commitment to peace and unity. The installation was officially inaugurated on October 9, 2007, marking what would have been Lennon’s 67th birthday, on the historically rich and serene island of Viðey, located just off the coast of Reykjavík. The choice of Viðey was deliberate. Its quiet, open landscape provides an an ideal backdrop, allowing the powerful light installation to command attention against the vast Icelandic sky, free from urban distractions. This deliberate isolation from the mainland enhances the tower's symbolic function as a sanctuary for reflection and a beacon of hope. Breaking from traditional monument design, the Imagine Peace Tower utilizes light as its primary artistic medium, embodying Yoko Ono’s vision of a dynamic, evolving memorial. The words “Imagine Peace,” inscribed in multiple languages around its base, powerfully reinforce the global and inclusive message at the heart of the artwork. Since its unveiling, the tower has become a globally recognized modern landmark, drawing visitors who come to witness its annual illumination and partake in its message of peace.
Did You Know?
- ✔Icelandic name: Friðarsúlan
- ✔Wikidata: Q116484
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Book NowAbout Imagine Peace Tower
The Imagine Peace Tower, a poignant light memorial conceived by Yoko Ono, stands majestically on Viðey island, just off Reykjavík’s coast in Iceland’s Capital Region. Unveiled in 2007 as a heartfelt tribute to John Lennon and his timeless message of peace, this unique installation transforms the night sky into a canvas for hope. From its white stone base, a powerful, brilliant blue beam of light projects vertically into the heavens, visible for miles around. Around the tower's foundation, the universal call to "Imagine Peace" is inscribed in 24 languages, connecting visitors to its global message. Unlike static monuments, this living artwork is illuminated only during specific periods each year, notably from October 9th (Lennon’s birthday) to December 8th (the anniversary of his death), and on other significant dates promoting peace. The island's remote and tranquil setting amplifies the tower's impact, allowing the intense blue light to stand out dramatically against the dark, often star-dusted sky and reflect off the surrounding sea. Visiting the Imagine Peace Tower is more than just seeing a monument; it's an immersive experience shaped by the interplay of light, nature, and a profound message. Witnessing the beam rise, especially as crowds gather around its base, offers a unique opportunity for reflection and connection to a universal ideal.
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Book NowHistory & Background
The Imagine Peace Tower was conceived by artist Yoko Ono as a profound tribute to her late husband, John Lennon, and his unwavering commitment to peace and unity. The installation was officially inaugurated on October 9, 2007, marking what would have been Lennon’s 67th birthday, on the historically rich and serene island of Viðey, located just off the coast of Reykjavík. The choice of Viðey was deliberate. Its quiet, open landscape provides an an ideal backdrop, allowing the powerful light installation to command attention against the vast Icelandic sky, free from urban distractions. This deliberate isolation from the mainland enhances the tower's symbolic function as a sanctuary for reflection and a beacon of hope. Breaking from traditional monument design, the Imagine Peace Tower utilizes light as its primary artistic medium, embodying Yoko Ono’s vision of a dynamic, evolving memorial. The words “Imagine Peace,” inscribed in multiple languages around its base, powerfully reinforce the global and inclusive message at the heart of the artwork. Since its unveiling, the tower has become a globally recognized modern landmark, drawing visitors who come to witness its annual illumination and partake in its message of peace.
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Book NowStory & Folklore
As twilight deepens over Viðey, a quiet anticipation builds among those gathered. Then, from the island's heart, a brilliant column of electric blue light ignites, piercing the cloudy, star-dusted sky with an almost otherworldly glow. The vibrant beam reaches impossibly high, a beacon against the dark expanse, reflecting faintly off the calm waters surrounding the island and illuminating the faces of onlookers below. Distant city lights twinkle on the mainland, but here, on Viðey, only the towering light matters. It’s a moment of collective quiet, a shared gaze upwards, where the simple yet profound message of peace resonates through the stillness, creating an unforgettable, almost spiritual experience.
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Book NowVisitor Information
Best Time
October 9 – December 8 (for illumination), just before dark.
Duration
2-3 hours (including ferry).
Access
Ferry from Skarfabakki pier in Reykjavík. The island itself is easily walkable.
Why Visit
Witness a breathtaking light art installation and experience a powerful message of peace in a serene island setting.
Did You Know?
The Imagine Peace Tower is illuminated annually from October 9 (John Lennon's birthday) to December 8 (the anniversary of his death), and on select other dates.
The Light That Reaches Beyond
Some say that the beam from the Imagine Peace Tower does more than illuminate the sky. On especially clear nights, when the stars are visible and the air is still, the light seems to stretch endlessly—far beyond what the eye can follow. There is a quiet belief that the beam carries its message outward, connecting distant places and people. Not in a physical sense, but as a shared idea moving silently through space. Visitors often describe a moment of stillness while watching it—a pause where everything else fades. Whether symbolic or something more, the feeling remains: that the light is not just seen, but experienced beyond the horizon.
Hidden Gems Nearby
Viðey House
Explore one of Iceland's oldest stone buildings, home to historical exhibitions and a charming restaurant.
It offers a glimpse into the island's past and a cozy spot for refreshments.
Richard Serra's 'Afangar'
Discover another significant outdoor art installation on Viðey, consisting of nine pairs of basalt columns.
It provides a contrasting artistic experience and beautiful views across the bay.
Viðeyjarstofa
Visit the oldest stone church in Iceland, dating back to the 18th century, offering a peaceful historical insight.
Its simple beauty and historical significance make it a quiet place for reflection.
Practical Information
Best Time
October 9 – December 8 (for illumination), just before dark.
Duration
2-3 hours (including ferry).
Access
Ferry from Skarfabakki pier in Reykjavík. The island itself is easily walkable.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Imagine Peace Tower illuminated?▾
The tower is illuminated annually from October 9th (John Lennon's birthday) to December 8th (the anniversary of his death). It is also lit on New Year's Eve, the first week of spring, and other select dates.
How do I get to Viðey Island?▾
You can take a ferry from Skarfabakki pier in Reykjavík. The ferry schedule varies by season, so check ahead, especially during illumination periods.
Is there an entry fee for the tower or island?▾
There is no entry fee for the Imagine Peace Tower itself, but there is a charge for the ferry service to Viðey Island.
What facilities are available on Viðey Island?▾
Viðey Island has walking paths, historical buildings like Viðey House (which often has a café/restaurant during opening hours), and public restrooms. Dress warmly as it can be windy.
Can I see the Northern Lights from Viðey Island?▾
Viðey Island offers excellent dark sky conditions away from city light pollution, making it a good spot to potentially see the Northern Lights if conditions are right, especially during the tower's illumination period in autumn/early winter.