Finding the John Lennon freedom wall in Prague

Written By Chris Shirley MA FRGS

Images by Haus of Hiatus

A trip to Prague in 2024 gave a unique opportunity to see one of the John Lennon memorial Walls (there are others in Hong Kong, Barcelona and Warsaw) - a significant cultural and political landmark - located in the Malá Strana district.

 

The wall, which has been a canvas for political messages and artistic expression since the 1980s, is a symbol of freedom and resistance against oppression. Following John Lennon's murder in 1980, young Czechs began to cover the wall with graffiti inspired by his lyrics and messages of peace and love, despite the Communist regime's censorship and attempts to keep the wall clean.

 

Having looked across it, the Lennon Wall is constantly evolving, as new layers of paint and graffiti are added by visitors from around the world.

Over the years, it has featured countless messages of hope, freedom, and calls for social change. The wall became an important site during the Velvet Revolution in 1989, serving as a space for citizens to express their dissatisfaction with the government and their desire for political reform.

 

Today, the John Lennon Wall remains a living, breathing piece of art. It is repainted regularly, allowing it to reflect the current social and political climate. Visitors to Prague often leave their own marks on the wall, contributing to its ongoing narrative and ensuring that it continues to represent a collective voice for peace and freedom. The wall is not only a tribute to John Lennon's legacy but also a testament to the enduring power of art as a means of expression and resistance.

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Chris Shirley MA FRGS

About the Author: A former Royal Marines officer and advisor to the BBC, Chris has travelled in over 60 countries, is a fellow of the Royal Geographical Society, a Guinness World Record holder for rowing over 3500 miles across the Atlantic Ocean, a Marathon des Sables finisher, and is the founder of ‘Haus of Hiatus’, a website design and branding studio that designs and amplifies start-ups, scale-ups and special projects around the world.

He has worked with Hollywood actors, world–renowned musical artists and TV personalities, and is delighted to have had his work featured by the United Nations, Red Bull, BBC, and even seen at the South Pole!

https://www.hausofhiatus.com/team
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