Statue of John Lennon, A Coruña

The Statue of John Lennon in A Coruña sits in the Jardines de Méndez Núñez, one of the city's best-known parks, marking an enduring bond between this Galician port and Beatles music.

Where is the statue and how do you find it?

The monument stands at the heart of Jardines de Méndez Núñez, a park laid out in the 19th century that already held sculptures honoring writers and civic figures before Lennon joined them. He's shown seated in a relaxed pose, guitar in hand, on a low stone plinth, so visitors can walk right up and sit beside him for a photo. The park sits in central A Coruña, close to the pedestrian routes linking the old town with the seafront promenade, making the statue an easy stop on a walk through the city center.

Who made it and when was it unveiled?

The bronze figure was created by Spanish sculptor José Luis Ribas Fernández. It was unveiled on 5 July 2005, the result of three years of campaigning by local Beatles fans who pushed for a public tribute to the musician. Julia Baird, Lennon's half-sister, took part in the unveiling ceremony, giving the event extra weight and drawing media attention well beyond Galicia.

What does the statue look like, and what does the inscription say?

The bronze figure stands roughly 1.8 meters tall. Its base carries a Spanish translation of a line from "Imagine" — "Imagínate nada por lo que matar o morir" — evoking a world with nothing worth killing or dying for. The line echoes the pacifist message Lennon kept returning to throughout his solo career.

Why did A Coruña choose to honor Lennon?

A Coruña is one of only a handful of Spanish cities with a public John Lennon monument, and the only one in Galicia. The push came from local music fans for whom the Beatles' catalogue and Lennon's solo work held particular meaning. Placing the statue in Méndez Núñez park was a deliberate choice: it's a gathering spot for locals and a place where the city has long added monuments to cultural figures.

Does anything happen at the statue during the year?

Every 8 December, the anniversary of Lennon's death, flowers and candles appear at the foot of the statue. It's an informal tradition kept alive by fans and residents rather than an organized city event, which fits the spot's character — a quiet park corner rather than a crowded tourist stop.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where exactly is the John Lennon statue in A Coruña? It stands in Jardines de Méndez Núñez, the city's central park, among other monuments dedicated to cultural figures.

Who sculpted the statue? Spanish artist José Luis Ribas Fernández made the bronze figure, unveiled on 5 July 2005.

What does the inscription on the base mean? It's a Spanish translation of a line from "Imagine," pointing to a world without reasons for violence — in keeping with the pacifist message of Lennon's work.

Is entry to the park and statue free? Yes, Méndez Núñez park is open to the public at no cost during the city's regular park hours.