Beatles Square and Monument, Ulaanbaatar
Beatles Square, nestled between the State Department Store and the Circus in Ulaanbaatar, offers a vibrant urban space enriched by cultural significance. Its unofficial name stems from the prominent monument dedicated to The Beatles, featuring bronze statues of John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr. Notably, Paul McCartney is depicted barefoot, a reference to the iconic image of the Fab Four. The other side of the monument showcases a bronze sculpture of a young man sitting in a stairwell, strumming a guitar鈥攁 nostalgic nod to the 1970s when Mongolian youths gathered in apartment stairwells to sing Beatles songs, inspired by contraband records from Eastern Europe.
The square serves as a lively gathering spot, surrounded by a mix of cafes, restaurants, and cashmere shops. In the summer, it becomes a popular destination where locals and visitors alike enjoy the fountains and the vibrant atmosphere. The presence of the Beatles monument adds a unique cultural layer to the square, reflecting the enduring impact of Western music on Mongolian youth during a time of limited exposure to such influences.
In August 2017, the square became the focal point of a local protest against plans to demolish it for commercial development. The outcry highlighted the square's importance to the community, and while the future of the surrounding development remains uncertain, the Beatles statue is expected to remain a cherished landmark. This protest underscores the square's role as a cultural and historical symbol in Ulaanbaatar, preserving the spirit of a bygone era and its connection to global cultural icons.
The square serves as a lively gathering spot, surrounded by a mix of cafes, restaurants, and cashmere shops. In the summer, it becomes a popular destination where locals and visitors alike enjoy the fountains and the vibrant atmosphere. The presence of the Beatles monument adds a unique cultural layer to the square, reflecting the enduring impact of Western music on Mongolian youth during a time of limited exposure to such influences.
In August 2017, the square became the focal point of a local protest against plans to demolish it for commercial development. The outcry highlighted the square's importance to the community, and while the future of the surrounding development remains uncertain, the Beatles statue is expected to remain a cherished landmark. This protest underscores the square's role as a cultural and historical symbol in Ulaanbaatar, preserving the spirit of a bygone era and its connection to global cultural icons.
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Beatles Square and Monument on Map
Sight Name: Beatles Square and Monument
Sight Location: Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia (See walking tours in Ulaanbaatar)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia (See walking tours in Ulaanbaatar)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
Create Your Own Walk in Ulaanbaatar
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Ulaanbaatar Introduction Walking Tour
Nestled in the valley of the Tuul River surrounded by four sacred mountains, the capital of Mongolia, Ulaanbaatar, is the political and economic heart of the nation and a repository of Mongolian culture. The name "Ulaanbaatar" translates to "Red Hero," a title bestowed in 1924 to honor Mongolia's independence from China, facilitated by Soviet support.
Historically, the... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.8 Km or 2.4 Miles
Historically, the... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.8 Km or 2.4 Miles