The Double Fantasy sculpture is a nine-foot steel monument celebrating John Lennon’s creative time in Bermuda. It stands outside the Masterworks Museum of Bermuda Art in the Bermuda Botanical Gardens, Paget Parish, Bermuda—just a mile south of Hamilton. Placing the statue where Lennon wrote or finished over 20 songs in the summer of 1980 makes it a uniquely authentic tribute to his last burst of musical inspiration.
History of the Statue
The sculpture was unveiled on June 21, 2012. Initiated by Masterworks Museum founder Tom Butterfield and Bermudian music promoter Tony Brannon, the project was approved by Yoko Ono. Local artist Graham Foster designed the work to capture Lennon’s Bermuda experience. It commemorates the inspiration Lennon found on the island while writing what would become his final album, Double Fantasy.
Detailed Description of the Statue
The monument is made of weather-resistant Core‑ten steel, weighs about 2,000 pounds, and measures roughly nine feet tall. Foster used an expressionistic style, combining several symbolic elements:
- Profile of Lennon’s face with his signature round glasses — an instantly recognizable silhouette
- Rickenbacker guitar shape — nodding to Lennon’s role as songwriter and musician
- Doves — representing peace
- Freesia blooms — referencing the “Double Fantasy” flower Lennon saw at the Gardens
There are no inscriptions on the sculpture itself, allowing its imagery to speak for Lennon’s lasting message of creativity and harmony.
Location and Surroundings
The statue sits in the courtyard of the Masterworks Museum at 169 South Road, Paget Parish/em>, adjacent to Camden House. It occupies a central spot in the Bermuda Botanical Gardens, chosen for its direct connection to Lennon’s visits in June and July 1980. Visitors encounter lush lawns, mature trees, and seasonal flower beds—soon to be planted with “Double Fantasy” freesias each spring.
Cultural and Social Significance
Since its unveiling, Double Fantasy has become a focal point for Bermuda’s arts community and a pilgrimage site for Beatles fans worldwide. Annual events include:/p>
- A September tribute concert on International Day of Peace featuring local artists and international guests
- A public release of a John Lennon tribute CD recorded by Bermudian musicians
- Commemorative gatherings on Lennon’s birthday (October 9) and anniversary of the album’s release (November 17)
The sculpture attracts tourists year‑round, adding cultural depth to Bermuda’s natural beauty and boosting local businesses in nearby Hamilton.
Interesting Facts
- The identity of the flower Lennon saw has sparked debate—some claim it was a hibiscus rather than a freesia.
- During the unveiling ceremony, Yoko Ono sent a video greeting from New York.
- Local construction and freight companies volunteered equipment and expertise to safely install the 2,000-pound sculpture.
- Masterworks Museum coordinates a free annual exhibition of Lennon’s artwork and handwritten lyrics in its Rick Faries Gallery.
How to Get There
- By bus: Take bus routes 1, 2, or 7 from Hamilton to the King Edward VII Memorial Hospital stop. Walk south on South Road for five minutes to the Masterworks Museum.
- By taxi: Tell the driver, “Masterworks Museum of Bermuda Art, Botanical Gardens, Paget Parish.”
- On foot: It’s a 20-minute walk south from Hamilton’s Front Street along South Road.
- Landmarks: Camden House and the Masterworks Museum entrance are immediately visible from South Road.
The Double Fantasy sculpture is more than a monument—it is a living reminder of John Lennon’s creative rebirth during his final months. Set amid Bermuda’s peaceful gardens, it invites reflection on his legacy as a songwriter, artist, and advocate for peace. Visiting this unique site offers fans and newcomers alike the chance to experience a special chapter in Lennon’s story and the tranquil island that helped shape his last great work.
