Montreal hotel witnessed historic peace protest by John Lennon and Yoko Ono, birthplace of a peaceful anthem
Get Ready to Immerse Yourself in the Legendary Suite
Step back in time as we follow the footsteps of John Lennon and Yoko Ono who, for a week in May 1969, turned room 1742 at the Queen Elizabeth Hotel in Montreal into an iconic symbol of peace. This luxurious suite, now revamped, brims with history, commemorative artifacts, and a palpable atmosphere of the time.
The bed-in, their second at the time, attracted the world's attention as a simple yet effective call for peace. Following their successful debut in Amsterdam, Lennon and Ono extended their message of unity to our bustling Canadian city.
A Global Manifesto Takes Shape
Originally intended to promote peace through media-friendly isolation, the Montreal bed-in transformed into an anthem of resistance when Lennon penned "Give Peace a Chance" within the confines of suite 1742. Faced with a ban from entering the United States, Canada gladly welcomed the legendary couple to stage their peaceful protest.
As the world tuned in for a week, from May 26 to June 2, a bustling crowd of journalists, activists, artists, and curious souls took up residence in the room. With the help of essayist Timothy Leary, singer Petula Clark, and other influential figures, the suite became a makeshift recording studio and a springboard for Lennon's impassioned message of peace.
The Birth of a Iconic Anthem
In a scene reminiscent of a improvised live performance, John Lennon collaborated with the crowd in the suite to record "Give Peace a Chance." The resulting raw, powerful track sent ripples across the globe, becoming a rallying cry for anti-Vietnam War demonstrations and an enduring 20th-century pacifist anthem.
A Symbol of Peace Today
Nowadays, suite 1742 maintains its original charm, preserving the couple's message for a modern audience. The room boasts commemorative artifacts, interactive displays, and sound extracts from the time. You can virtually sit by the couple's side and listen to interviews, watch footage of the bed-in, and read contemporary newspaper clippings.
The hotel values the characteristics of the suite without veering into sentimentality. To this day, suite 1742 stands as a testament to Lennon and Ono's vision, a timeless reminder that the power of peace and creative protest resonates across generations.
Experience Montreal
Pay homage to the bed-in's legacy as you explore Montreal, a city teeming with vibrant culture and history. Immerse yourself in the essence of the Queen Elizabeth Hotel, care for your taste buds by savoring Montreal's must-try dishes, or venture beyond the city to unwind in breathtaking nature settings.
Embrace the spirit of peace and protest as you embark on your Montreal adventure, inspired by the pioneering efforts of John Lennon and Yoko Ono.
In the revamped suite 1742, immerse yourself in a historical experience crowned by in-flights of music, entertainment, and sports tributes to John Lennon and Yoko Ono's iconic week-long bed-in, which broadcasted their message of peace globally.
Experience the birthplace of the enduring 20th-century pacifist anthem, "Give Peace a Chance," while being surrounded by the suite's entertainment offerings in Montreal.
