History of The Lennon Wall

Welcome to the history page of The Lennon Wall! Delve into the rich tapestry of this iconic landmark, renowned for its vibrant expression of peace, love, and artistic freedom. Explore the origins of the wall, tracing its evolution from a symbol of political defiance during Prague's Velvet Revolution to a global beacon of hope and solidarity. Uncover the diverse array of messages, graffiti, and artwork that adorn its surface, each reflecting the spirit of John Lennon's timeless message of peace and unity. Join us on a journey through history, as we unravel the fascinating story behind one of the world's most cherished sites of cultural significance.

1960's

Depending on who is telling the story, the first traces of writing appeared on the wall in the 1960’s. They weren't just aimless ponderings, rather the words were for Jan Werich, a Czech actor and screenwriter.

1970's

Writing on houses and walls can be traced through the 1970’s from accounts by Jiří Bareš, a Czech musical artist. Through this period, the city was covered in etchings, commenting on policial and social issues.

1980's

On December 8th, 1980, John Lennon was shot and killed, becoming a revered symbol of amity and anti-violence. His band, The Beatles was extremely influential and sang songs about peace and harmony for the world.

2000's

In November of 2000, an art group called Rafani repainted the wall green, adding the word “Love.” This demonstration, reflective of a Czech political struggle, didn’t last long due to the government asking the owner’s of the wall to repaint it.

2010's

In the middle of the night on the 16th of November, 2014, the wall was repainted in white with the words “The Wall Is Over”, (which paraphrases John Lennon’s “War is over”).

2020's

In September of 2022, the wall was repainted again, this time adding a huge mirror with a portrait of Lennon to the middle to the design. In addition, 29 artists from all over Europe came on the unveiling to provide art for the wall.