For the first time ever, the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame opens its doors in New York! Feel the rush of a live concert as you experience Rock’s most electrifying performances. Get lost in the music as you journey through galleries filled with the personal mementos of Rock legends like The Beatles, The Stones, Madonna and Bruce. From guitar heroes like Hendrix to song poets like Dylan. Experience the greatest moments in rock & roll and connect with the legendary artists that changed our world. Step into this epic rock journey, featuring exclusive collection pieces from the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and Museum in Cleveland.

 

Opening May 12, 2009

To denote Lennon’s lengthy fight against deportation, instigated by the Nixon administration’s belief that his anti-war campaign presented a threat to its power, his green card and never-before-seen letters of support for his American visa are on display. These private letters are penned by the likes of famed singer/songwriter Joan Baez, entertainer Dick Clark and John Lindsay, the mayor of NYC from 1966 to 1973. Also debuting is an original self portrait of Lennon with fist in air, in the guise of New York City’s famed landmark, the Statue of Liberty. Created in the early Seventies, this powerful work of art represents a tumultuous and impactful period in American history; a time that focused on freedom and the power of the people.

Visitors to JOHN LENNON: THE NEW YORK CITY YEARS will also be the first to see Lennon’s actual "New York City" t-shirt, which became indelibly identified with John Lennon, as well as the famed Telecaster guitar Lennon used during the historic Elton John concert at Madison Square Garden in 1974. In addition, JOHN LENNON: THE NEW YORK CITY YEARS presents numerous rare and original hand written lyrics, with more than ten songs on display, including "Nobody Told Me," "Luck of the Irish," and the legendary "Whatever Gets You thru the Night."
Created for the NYC Annex by Yoko Ono and curated by Jim Henke, Vice President of Exhibitions and Curatorial Affairs for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum in Cleveland, JOHN LENNON: THE NEW YORK CITY YEARS serves as a tribute to Lennon, his work both in and out of the music scene and the undeniable influences of New York City. A portion of the cost of each ticket to the exhibition will be donated to Spirit Foundations, a charitable foundation set up by John Lennon and Yoko Ono, to further their philanthropic initiatives. Exhibition Planning and Design for JOHN LENNON: THE NEW YORK CITY YEARS is by the New York based company Ralph Appelbaum Associates Incorporated.