Imagine Peace Tower

About Imagine Peace Tower

The Imagine Peace Tower is an outdoor memorial light installation on Viðey Island, reached from Reykjavík across the water. Yoko Ono conceived it as a tribute to John Lennon and a gesture for world peace. The words “Imagine Peace” are inscribed around the base in twenty-four languages, while a vertical beam rises into the night sky when the light operates. The ferry crossing and open island landscape are part of the experience, not merely the route to the monument. The Imagine Peace Tower is a memorial light installation on Viðey Island near Reykjavík, Iceland. Conceived by Yoko Ono as a tribute to John Lennon, the tower projects a vertical beam of light into the night sky. The installation incorporates the words "Imagine Peace" inscribed in 24 languages on its base. It stands as a symbolic gesture for world peace and unity. The structure utilizes geothermal energy to power its illumination, reflecting Iceland's commitment to renewable resources. Visitors can view the beam from various points in the capital area when operational. Historical operation has been seasonal rather than year-round, typically associated with specific commemorative periods. Visitors should verify current schedules through official sources.

Checked 2026-08-26 · Source

What's inside

There is no enclosed museum or exhibition building at the tower itself. The installation consists of a white stone well-like structure, a surrounding platform and multilingual inscriptions at its base. Searchlights and mirrors inside the well produce the single vertical beam. Beyond the monument, Viðey provides open coastal terrain and marked walking paths, with Reykjavík visible across the water. Expect an outdoor memorial experience shaped by the structure, island landscape and changing sky.

Checked 2026-08-26 · Source

How long to spend

Allow several hours for the complete outing from Reykjavík because the visit includes the ferry journey, time on Viðey and the return sailing. At the installation, a brief look may suit travellers focused on the monument, while others will want to walk the island paths and take in the coastal views. Build in time for changing weather and reach the ferry before the final return departure. Treat the island as an excursion rather than a quick mainland stop.

Checked 2026-08-26 · Source

Season and crowds

The tower has historically been illuminated during particular annual periods instead of every night throughout the year. Winter offers the darkness needed to see the beam clearly, but brings more demanding coastal conditions and more difficult ferry travel. Summer makes walking on Viðey easier and gives longer daylight for the island, yet the light effect is less suited to bright evenings. Choose according to whether your priority is the illuminated beam or a comfortable daytime island walk.

Checked 2026-08-26 · Source

Tickets

The monument itself has no admission charge described in the guide information. Reaching it requires a passenger ferry from Reykjavík, and the ferry journey is the transport cost to include in your plan. The installation is not a ticketed indoor exhibition, so the visit centres on the island excursion and boat service. Allow time for sailing in both directions, and treat special-event arrangements separately from ordinary access to the outdoor monument.

Checked 2026-08-26 · Source

Getting there

Reach the Imagine Peace Tower by passenger ferry from Reykjavík’s harbour area to Viðey Island. The crossing is short, described as roughly five to ten minutes depending on the departure point and vessel, but the timetable determines the duration of the whole excursion. Once ashore, walk along marked paths to the installation. There is no road connection. The terrain is relatively flat yet exposed, so sturdy footwear and protection from wind and rain make the walk more comfortable.

Checked 2026-08-26 · Source

What to watch out for

Viðey is exposed to coastal weather, including strong wind, rain and sudden temperature changes. Ferry sailings can be cancelled when sea conditions are unsuitable, and missing the final return boat can leave you without the planned way back to Reykjavík. Carry clothing and supplies for an outdoor island visit, watch wet paths underfoot and leave a clear margin before the return sailing. Facilities are limited around the installation, and the beam is visible only during operating periods and sufficient darkness.

Checked 2026-08-26 · Source

Photography

For strong photographs, work with the contrast between the white stone base, dark island and open sky. During illumination periods, a long exposure can record the beam rising above the monument, while waterfront paths offer views including Reykjavík across the water. The multilingual inscription makes a useful close detail. Wind can shake a tripod and moisture can reach equipment, so stabilise gear carefully. Winter darkness adds atmosphere, but an aurora and ideal conditions are never guaranteed.

Checked 2026-08-26 · Source

Where it is

• 1 hour

  32 min walk

  Reykjavík Botanic Garden

  • Must see
  • Nature site
• 1 hour

  36 min walk

  Reykjavík Park and Zoo

  • Must see
  • Nature site
• 1 hr 30 min

  23 min walk

  Sigurjón Ólafsson Museum

  • Must see
  • Museum

External links

• View on Wikidata