A life‑size bronze statue of John Lennon stands on the University of Brasília (UnB) campus in Brasília, Brazil. Located beside the Restaurante Universitário, the sculpture shows Lennon walking forward and looking thoughtfully toward the horizon. By placing this statue in a busy educational setting, UnB brings a message of peace and creativity into everyday campus life.
History of the Statue
Brazilian sculptor Ivna Mendes de Moraes Duvivier created and donated the statue to UnB on August 16, 1995. During the unveiling ceremony, the artist appeared with her family—including her grandson, humorist Gregorio Duvivier—and then‑rector João Claudio Todorov. Moreover, a local band performed live music. The artist designed the work as a tribute to Lennon’s vision of global peace and understanding.
Detailed Description
Standing about 1.7 meters tall, the bronze statue depicts Lennon mid‑stride in casual clothes with his signature long hair flowing behind him. Rather than include inscriptions, the sculpture uses realistic detail, motion, and expression to convey its message of progress toward peace.
Location and Surroundings
The statue sits on a small grassy hill next to UnB’s main pedestrian walkway and steps from the Restaurante Universitário. Because it blends into daily campus life, students and visitors can pause here for quiet reflection amid mature trees, open lawns, informal street vendors, and other outdoor artworks.
Cultural and Social Significance
Although many people pass by without noticing it at first, the Lennon statue has become a subtle campus landmark. In addition, it embodies Lennon’s ideals of peace and empathy. Therefore, it often serves as a gathering spot for impromptu musical tributes on Beatles Day and other commemorations. For both locals and tourists, it offers a link to global culture within Brasília’s modernist landscape.
Interesting Facts
- The walking pose reflects the artist’s focus on movement and change—unlike more static monuments.
- In May 2012, vandals painted the statue bright pink; campus staff have since repainted and cleaned it several times.
- Gregorio Duvivier attended the inauguration at age nine; today he is a well‑known Brazilian comedian and writer.
- Unlike most Lennon memorials worldwide, this sculpture has no accessories (such as glasses or a bench), emphasizing momentum instead of stillness.
How to Get There
By Metro: Take the Green Line to UnB station. From the exit, walk toward the Restaurante Universitário. Look for the bronze figure on a small grassy hill.
By Bus: Many DFTrans routes stop at UnB’s main entrance—ask for the “Restaurante Universitário” stop.
By Car: Enter campus via Avenida L4 Norte and park in any visitor lot. The statue lies a short walk southwest of parking.
Landmarks: The Restaurante Universitário’s silver dome and nearby outdoor art installations make the statue easy to find.
The John Lennon statue at the University of Brasília offers an unexpected tribute to a global icon of peace. Nestled within one of Brazil’s most forward‑thinking campuses, it invites everyone to pause, reflect, and embrace Lennon’s enduring message of hope. A visit to UnB is incomplete without experiencing the calm inspiration this unique sculpture provides.
