The Lennon Wall is a continuously evolving wall of art in Prague. Named after the famous Beatles singer, it’s meant to symbolize global and local ideas.
A graffiti wall with some extra flare.
The Lennon Wall comes at you with a heavy dose of vibrant color and a deep wonderful meaning.
If you’re a fan of street art, this is the number one spot to come while in Prague!
But, it’s so much more than a compilation of different designs. It’s the Czech Republic’s version of the Berlin Wall, albeit on a much smaller scale.
THE REASON BEHIND THE LENNON WALL
Before adopting its current name, the Lennon Wall went by the name of the “crying wall.” During the 1960’s messages against the communist regime started appearing on its length. It was a place for people to write their frustrations with authority, political struggles, and issues with the government.
Later on, the face of John Lennon (a symbol of freedom at the time) showed up as a drawing on the wall’s surface. While this might not seem like a big deal, many things in western pop culture were banned at the time. Just playing Beatles songs could get you thrown in a jail cell.
A youth movement occurred after Lennon’s death in 1980. Along with his face, lyrics from songs started popping up as a way of promoting love and peace. The secret police tried covering up the wall on numerous occasions, however it never stayed that way for long.
Fun fact: Yoko Ono visited the sight in 2003.
A PRESENT DAY LOOK
Over the years, there have been drastic changes in the design. But, due to vandalism in the surrounding area, there’s a push to keep the original themes of the Lennon Wall intact.
In 2019, on the anniversary of the fall of the communist regime in Czechoslovakia, the Lennon Wall became a recognized memorial place. Many people think it belongs to the Czech government, but it’s actually owned by the Sovereign Military Order of Malta. They’ve let the exterior of the property keep its graffiti filled look.
There are white areas on the wall where tourists can leave messages in sensitive materials (pencils, markers, and chalk). However, spray painting is no longer allowed.
Where is it located?
Located at Velkopřevorské nám. 1-7, the Lennon Wall is on the eastern side of the Vltava River. It’s close to the Charles Bridge and across the street from the French Embassy. Just down the street is a well known watermill with a gremlin.
The colorful and creative art of the Lennon Wall is a nice contrast to the historic buildings found around Prague. Walking along its constantly changing appearance will give you a glimpse into the mindset of the capital’s progressive thinkers!
