How a Graffiti Wall Became a Symbol of Freedom
The John Lennon Wall is not just a monument - it is a living, breathing canvas that is constantly changing. Layers of colour reveal stories of hope, defiance and creativity left behind by artists, dreamers and free spirits from around the world. Over time, Lennon's wall evolved from a silent protest into a global symbol of freedom and creativity. This page serves as a signpost to help you explore its transformation from the 1960s to the present day.
Click on each decade to learn about the extraordinary history of Lennon's Wall, its evolution and its fundamental importance in the fight against communism.
In the 1960s, the world was captivated by The Beatles, while in Czechoslovakia, the communist regime relentlessly tried to silence freedom of expression and suppress Western influence. Yet in Prague, art and culture became a quiet but powerful form of resistance. A key figure in this movement was actor Jan Werich, who lived near the Maltese Gardens in Kampa. In the late 1950s and early 1960s, messages and poems started appearing on the walls of the garden. At first, they were personal, often declarations of love or admiration, but even simple words had the power to inspire something greater.
Explore the 1960s: Art & Resistance
After the suppression of the Prague Spring by the invasion of Warsaw Pact troops in August 1968, a period of so-called normalisation began in Czechoslovakia. In the 1970s, authoritarian rule returned with severe restrictions on freedom of speech and artistic creation. The communist regime controlled culture but was unable to suppress the human desire for self-expression. More and more messages of defiance appeared on the wall.
Explore the 1970s: Longing for Freedom
Groovin' into the 1960s
Photo credit:
The Central Intelligence Agency, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons (60s)
Wikimedia Commons - Jiří Dlouhý (70s)
Source: BLAŽEK, Petr; LAUBE, Roman; POSPÍŠIL, Filip. Lennonova zeď v Praze: Studie, rozhovory, dokumenty. Praha: Muzeum paměti XX. století, 2020. 536 s. ISBN 978-80-907989-0-8.
Lennon Wall Collection
