John Lennon Museum

Description:

• Opened on October 9, 2000, the day John Lennon would have turned 60, this museum chronicles the former Beatles musician from his childhood through his early years in Liverpool, the various stages of the Beatles' fame, his relationship with Yoko Ono and their commitment to the peace movement, the breakup of the Beatles, and his years as a house husband caring for their son, Sean. It's worth noting that only Japanese captions mention Lennon's son Julian from his first marriage or the fact that Yoko had been married twice before meeting Lennon and had a daughter. Otherwise, the museum does an excellent job with displays of Lennon's handwritten lyrics, trademark wire-rim glasses, leather jacket, U.K. passport, guitars, white Steinway, and other memorabilia, with concert videos and personal footage throughout. Few Lennon fans will probably escape dry-eyed, especially in the Final Room, adorned only with the powerful lyrics of his songs. You can easily spend an hour here.

• © Frommer's 2012

Awards:

Frommer's

•  Recommended 2010