Peace Towers Around the World

Click here for peace buildings other than peace towers.

Right click image to enlarge.

15th Century - Bao'ensi / Temple of Gratitude, Buddhist Pagoda known as The Porcelain Tower, South Bank of Yangtze River, Nanjing Territory (China). No longer exists, but is being reconstructed. Was 260 feet high, octagonal (with eight corners) & 97 feet in diameter. Was largest building in China. Radiated sunrays & functioned as a center of pilgrimage. Destroyed about 1860 during the Taiping Rebellion.

O B E L I S K

P L A Q U E S

February 21, 1885 - Washington Monument, The Mall, Washington, DC (USA). Construction began in 1845. 555 feet tall. World's tallest obelisk. World's tallest masonry structure. Exterior is plain, but interior stairway (no longer accessible to public) contains 193 plaques from every state & from many foreign countries. (One plaque is said to have been donated by the pope but was ripped out & trashed by US soldiers.).

1910 - New York Peace Monument, Point Park, Lookout Mountain, Chattanooga, Tennessee (USA). Depicts soldiers from North and South shaking hands. Built by State of New York.

1913 - Nasionale Vrouemonument / National Women’s Monument, Bloemfontein (South Africa). "Dedicated to more than 27,000 martyr women who died during the Boer War [1899-1902] in British concentration camps. A 115 foot obelisk & two bas-relief panels depicting women being herded into a concentration camp clutching their few paltry possessions and a weakened child dying while a woman kneels at his bedside." "For 80 years the only monument in the world dedicated solely to women and children."

August 28, 1913 - Vredespaleis / Peace Palace, The Hague (Netherlands). Constructed and still owned by the Carnegie Foundation. Now home of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) or World Court, the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA), the Peace Palace Library, and the Hague Academy of International Law.

August 16, 1914 - Fredsmonument / Peace Monument, Morokulien, between Magnor (Norway) and Eda (Sweden). Morokulien is a tiny international territory commemorating the 1905 negotiations which created peace between Norway and Sweden and led to Norwegian independence. Both images show the 18-meter Fredsmonument. The name Morokulien combines the Norwegian and Swedish words for "fun."

June 13, 1915 - Perry's Victory & International Peace Memorial, Put-in-Bay, South Bass Island, Ohio (USA). "Established to honor those who fought in the Battle of Lake Erie, during the war of 1812, but in equal part it is here to celebrate the long-lasting peace between Britain, Canada, and the US."

1917 - Ohio Peace Monument, Cravens House, Lookout Mountain, Chattanooga, Tennessee (USA). Base of monument depicts a female figure surrounded with grain, machinery, and other fruits of peace. Click here for other Civil War peace monuments. Built by State of Ohio.

1925 - Frank A. Miller Testimonial Peace Tower, Mount Rubidoux, Riverside, California (USA). Frank Augustus Miller [1857-1935] founded the Institute of World Affairs which is now the World Affairs Council of Inland Southern California. Tower bears the names & coats of arms of all nations as of 1925. "The cause of world peace was associated with both the mountain & the Inn… [Miller] staged a peace conference in Riverside in 1911 with the help of the Andrew Carnegie Peace Foundation and a number of prominent men..." Entry #111 in the "Peace Movement Directory" by James Richard Bennett (2001).

November 11, 1926 - Liberty Memorial, Kansas City, Missouri (USA). Houses the National World War I Museum

1927 - Peace Tower, Centre Block, Parliament Hill, Ottawa, Ontario (Canada).

1929 - Bok Tower & Gardens, Historic Bok Sanctuary, Lake Wales, Florida (USA). National Historic Landmark. Gardens by Frederick Law Olmsted Jr. "Symbolize Edward Bok's concern for World Peace & Beauty, themes which are interwoven throughout his concept for creating this gift, the overall design including landscape & architecture, & in the small details. The dove, a symbol of peace, recurs in many styles & materials throughout the tower & gardens." (Stephenson 1990)

1930 - IJzertoren Museum of War, Peace & Flemish Emancipation, IJzerdijk 49, Diksmuide / Dixmude, Flanders (Belgium). IJzertoren / Yser Tower is is named after the Yser River which formed the frontline during most of World War I. The 84-meter tower was iIllegally demolished the night of March 15-16, 1946. The perpetrators were never caught but were thought to involve Belgian military and former resistance fighters in an atmosphere of post WW-II repression. Site of 4th International Conference of the International Network of Museums for Peace (INMP) in 2003. Images show the rebuilt tower. Left image is brochure for the 4th conference.

1932 - Peace Tower, Myron Taylor Hall, Law School, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York (USA). "Symbol of the post-World War I aspirations of Cornell's faculty – 'world peace through international law.'" Donated by Myron C. Taylor, Chairman of US Steel Corporation.

September 4, 1938 - Monument à la gloire des Américains / Monument to the Glory of the Americans, Point-de-Grave, Le Verdon, Mouth of Gironde River (France). Expressed gratitude for US help during World War I. 75 meters tall (vs. 45.5 meters for the Statue of Liberty). Cornerstone laid September 6, 1919, by French President Raymond Poincaré. Dedication attended by John F. Kennedy (representing his father, US Ambassador to Court of St. James). Destroyed by Germans May 30, 1942. A large but much smaller stele (plaque) was erected in 1947 to mark the spot. It says in English: "They Have Destroyed It; We Shall Restore It."

July 3, 1938 - Peace Light Memorial, Gettysburg, Pennsylvania (USA). Dedicated by President Franklin Deleno Roosevelt on 75th anniversary of the Battle of Gettysburg in presence of elderly veterans from both sides of the Civil War. Also known as Eternal Light Peace Memorial.

1939-1940 - Temple of Religion & Tower of Peace, Golden Gate International Exposition (California World's Fair), Treasure Island, San Francisco, California (USA). "Representation of various world religions certainly occurred at earlier expositions. What is notable about this exposition's presentation is the theme of religious unity. Along with more typical Christian groups, the Fair included representations of Buddhists, Bahai'is, Christian Scientists, Jews, Mormons, Protestants & others. This is particularly interesting in light of the impending World War that would embroil nations in a struggle that emphasized disunity & differences. Rabbi Rudolph I. Coffee states, 'Unitedly we embarked on this spiritual adventure, & in working together, we learned to know & love one another.'"

1939-1940 - "The Peacemakers" mural, Court of Pacifica, Golden Gate International Exposition (California World's Fair), Treasure Island, San Francisco, California (USA). By the three Bruton Sisters (Helen, Esther & Margaret) [1894-1992], as seen behind mural portion in the lower image. The fair lasted two years (1939-1940).

June 17, 1940 - Peace Carillion, Belle Isle Park, Detroit River, Detroit, Michigan (USA). 85-foot tower designed by Clarence Day. Funds raised by journalist Nancy Brown who wrote a column for the Detroit News called "Experience" from 1919 to 1942. The 49-bell carillon was restored and computer automated in 2005. Entry #498 in the "Peace Movement Directory" by James Richard Bennett (2001).

1940 - Peace Tower, Heiwadai Koen / Park, 6146 Koshigasako, Shimokitakatamachi, Miyazaki-shi, Miyazaki, Kyushu Island (Japan). 37-meter tower erected to promote "the unification of the eight corners of the world under one roof" (hakko ichiu) & celebrate 2,600th anniversary of the mythological foundation of Japan. "Purportedly contains artifacts that once belonged to the first emperor. Pedestal made with stones donated by Japanese expatriates from all over the world. Copper door created with coins donated by Japanese children. It may seem ironic that a peace tower was erected at a time when Japan was busy colonizing much of Asia; [but] the intention was to show that the world could live peaceably, albeit with Japan as leader. Figures on the tower depict the guardians of fishery, agriculture, self-defense, and commerce." Ten Yen note shows Imperial crisantemum (no longer used after WW-II).

August 6, 1948 - Third Anniversary of the Atomic Bomb (fourth anniversary according to Japanese custom): "Mayor Hamai, in the second Peace Festival, read his [second] Peace Declaration: 'We pray in sincerity that there may never be another Hiroshima in any part of the world.' His words were translated into English and written on the Peace Tower in huge letters. Thus he expressed his determination to make Hiroshima a Mecca for world peace." Same peace tower as in 1947?

1948 - Peace Monument, Potter's Field, Hart Island, East River, Bronx, New York City, New York (USA). "The inmates on the island who spent long hours digging grave petitioned for permission to build a monument for those interred on the island. With permission granted, both prisoners and staff cooperated to create a thirty-foot memorial in 1948.The Hart Island memorial monument some decades ago. The word "peace" is inscribed on one side and a simple cross on the other."

1950 - United Nations Headquarters Building, East River, New York City, New York (USA).

1957 - Tower of Peace, US Highway 27, Clermont, Florida (USA). 270-foot tourist attraction. World's tallest concrete block tower. Originally called Placid Tower. Then Tower of Peace. Then Happiness Tower. Now marketed as Citrus Tower. Click here for unfavorable review from Roadside America.

1962 - "Peace," Timber Cove Inn, near Jenner, Sonoma County, California (USA). 72-foot tall obelisk by the naive/abstract Italian-born San Francisco sculptor Beniamino (Benny) Bufano [1998-1970]. Officially named "The Expanding Universe." Begun in September 1962, just weeks before the Cuban Missile Crisis, the 93-foot-tall [sic] concrete, lead, & mosaic sculpture is adorned with elements of the Madonna, Universal Child & a large, open hand -- themes of peace... From Bufano's perspective, a symbolic 'projectile' recalling the cold war's intercontinental ballistic missiles that in 1962 threatened life on earth... Bufano believed in peace, but he was...eclectic, suspicious, egotistical, occasionally hostile... Yet, Bufano's sculptures still survive &, given their hard material constituents and public ownership, will for years to come. [They] remind us of Bufano's challenge to remain vigilant in our defense of democracy, to cherish world peace, and to honor & protect the planet's children..." Click here for source of this quote.

July 15, 1967 - Memorial Tower to the Mobilized Students, on left bank of Motoyasu-gawa River, Hiroshima (Japan). #42 of 56 "cenotaphs & monuments" on the Virtual E-Tour.

October 28, 1967 - Clock Tower of Peace, Peace Memoial Park (northern end), Hiroshima (Japan). Constructed by the Hiroshima Rijo Lions Club. #07 of 56 "cenotaphs & monuments" on the Virtual E-Tour.

1968 - Peace Pagoda, Nihonmachi/Japantown, San Francisco, California (USA). Designed by Japanese architect Yoshiro Taniguchi and presented to San Francisco by the people of Osaka (Japan).

1968 - Tsitsernakapert Erevan / Tsitsernakaberd Armenian Genocide Memorial, Yerevan (Armenia). "44 meter stele symbolizing the national rebirth of Armenians. 12 slabs are positioned in a circle, representing the 12 lost provinces in present day Turkey. In the center of the circle, at a depth of 1.5 meters, there is an eternal flame."

1970 Tower for World Peace, Church of Perfect Liberty (PL), Osaka (Japan). "Reaching to 180 metres (590 feet) in height,..the symbol and quintessence of the most sophisticated contemporary technology (sprayed concrete). It can be seen as far away as Kobe City. The unique shape, originally designed in clay by PL's late Second Founder. It's unique pointing finger-like shape symbolizes the Second Founder's revelation that 'the truth is one'– an understanding that's basic to realizing the desire for the eternal peace and welfare of humankind."

October 30, 1974 - Tower of Peace, in front of Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum, Hiroshima (Japan). What is this monument? It is not shown in the Virtual E-Tour, and its inscription is only in Japanese.

April 8, 1975 - Friendship Tower, Bagac (Philippines). Built by Rissho Kosei-kai of Japan as a sign of friendship and peace between the Philippines and Japan. Helps mark the places where the Bataan Death March started in 1942 (one in Bagac and the other in Mariveles). Dedication coincided with date on which Rissho Kosei-kai celebrates the birth of the Buddha Shakyamuni, founder of Buddhism.

1982 Peace Towers, International Peace Garden, Dunseith, North Dakota (USA) and Boissevain, Manitoba (Canada). 120 foot (36.6 meters) tall with four columns representing people from the four corners of the world coming together to form two similar but distinct nations with a common base of democracy and beliefs.

May 31, 1982 - SunSphere, 1982 World's Fair, Knoxville, Tennessee (USA). Theme structure of the 1982 World's Fair.

1995 - Tour de la Paix / Peace Tower, Beirut (Lebanon). Concrete tower embedding old guns and tanks. "Accumulation de chars et de canons dans du béton, 32 m de haut et d'un poids de 6 000 tonnes. La plus grande sculpture faite par Arman [1928-2005] à ce jour. Une des plus grandes sculptures contemporaines dans le monde." "Sur la route de Beyrouth à Damas, il y a ce curieux monument, cadeau de la France au Liban. Les carcasses de chars et de canons couléées dans le béton symbolisent la paix retrouvée. Le monument est haut de 32 m et pèse 6 000 tonnes. Mais on peut aussi y voir une sorte de super-fortification et un ouvrage militaire. De plus, il est à coté du Ministère de la défense, sur la route de Damas et il est interdit de le photographier. Curieux monument à la paix retrouvée, qui ressemble vraiment à un ouvrage militaire. Note du 24/10/2005 : L’auteur de ce monument est le sculpteur français ARMAN, qui vient de mourir à New York le samedi 22 octobre. Il avait 76 ans et avait choisi la nationalité américaine en 1973."

1995 - National Monument for Peace, Narvik (Norway). Also known as "Trinigon." Erected by the Norwegian government on the 50th anniversary of the liberation of Norway. Rebuilt in 2005. "The brightest 8 mm steel polished plates in the world -- true mirror quality." One of three peace sculptures in Narvik. Dedicated in 1956, 1995 and 2006. Narkik is known as a city of peace.

October 24, 1998 - J. William Fulbright Peace Fountain, Old Main, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, Arkansas (USA). Designed by Fay Jones & Maurice Jennings. Fulbright was president of this university. As US Senator, he chaired the Committee on Foreign Relations. Entry #28 in the "Peace Movement Directory" by James Richard Bennett (2001).

November 11, 1998 - Páirc Síochána d'Oileán na h'Éireann / Island of Ireland Peace Park, Mesen / Messines, near Ypres, Flanders (Belgium). A a war memorial to the soldiers of the island of Ireland who died, were wounded or are missing from World War I.Includes the Irish Peace Tower, a symbolic Irish round tower.

Date? - Peace Tower, Lüshun (former Port Arthur), ShunKou District (China). "Lushun is state-grade State-level scenic spot, nature reserves, and forest park... The railway from Dalian to Lushun is 61 miles long, has nearly 100 years history from its operation. Now it takes only 30 minutes to get Lushun by bus, so people changed to take bus instead of train, the 100 years railway is getting to be forgotten by people. Now only 2 pairs of slow train on the line." (Information from "Official Tour Wed Site of Dalian Lv ShunKou District.")

September 11, 2001 - Holocaust Tower, Jüdisches Museum Berlin/Jewish Museum Berlin, Berlin (Germany).

September 11, 2001 - Jüdisches Museum Berlin/Jewish Museum Berlin, Berlin (Germany). Museum director is German-American W. Michael Blumenthal, and the newer of the museum's two buildings was designed by Polish-American architect Daniel Libeskind.

May 28, 2003 - Tower of Peace, Sennaya Ploschad, St. Petersburg (Russia). Designed by French sculptor Clara Halter for St. Petersburg's 300th anniversary. Related to Halter's wall of peace in Paris, gates of peace in Hiroshima, and tents of peace in Jerusalem (qv).

February 2006 - The Peace Tower, Whitney Museum of American Art, Sculpture Court, Madison Avenue at 75th Street, New York City, New York (USA). Created for the 2006 Whitney Biennial by Mark Di Suvero & Rirkrit Tiravanija. Two hundred other artists each contributed a 2x2 foot panel. Right image shows the new tower; left image shows "The Artists' Tower of Protest" (aka Peace Tower) against the War in Viet Nam as conscructed by Di Suvero in Los Angeles in 1966. Click here for a journalistic account.

September 11, 2006 - Grief Tear Memorial, Bayonne, New Jersey (USA). "...opened to the anthems of Russia & USA. On the bank of the Hudson River. A split 30-meter bronze plate with a giant tear made of titanium. The names of almost 3 thousand people killed on September, 11, 2001, are engraved... Gift of Russian people, so sculptor Zurab Tsereteli and his colleagues took all the expenses on its erection up [sic]."

October 9, 2007 - Lennon "Imagine Peace" Tower, Videy Island, Reykjavik (Iceland). Dedicated by Yoko Ono on John Lennon’s 67th birthday. John Lennon (1980): "If you can imagine a world of peace. If you can imagine the possibility. Then it can be true." Click here for Wikipedia article.

Future - Peace & Love Tower, downtown Manhattan, New York City, New York (USA). UnGun.org has been collecting guns for over 3 years, and the main structure will be supported by 5,000,000 guns that have been donated to the cause. The structure will feature a top heavy design and the walls will act as one large greenhouse. Choski & Associates won the contract to build the structure in 2006.

Future - Khalifa Olympic Peace Tower, Doha (Qatar). Projected 300-meter tower.

Future - World Peace Monument, on top of Mount Ora, eight kilometres southwest of Jerusalem and over looking Bethlehem. By French architect Jean Nouvel. "Association for a World Peace Monument [WPM] is a Swiss based institution... Monument will include a congress and communications centre. With a height of 100 meters and a diameter of 40 meters, this unique peace tower is not to overlook [sic]."

Future - Manarat al Salam / Lighthouse of Peace, Strait of Hormuz (Iran & United Arab Emirates). "During a Meeting in Montreal (Canada) on December 9th 2010, Roger Melka, co-Founder of Lighthouses of Peace Project emphasized the positive timely contribution of this Peace Project in dispelling the ill effects of WikiLeaks indiscretions, “There is nothing”, he said, “that cannot be forgiven and forgotten amongst friends in pursuit of a shared Peace and Prosperity”. “The important”, he added, “Is to make an effort towards Reconciliation and talk Peace”. Queried about how this Project could neutralize these indiscretions, Roger said that, “We decided to erect the first Lighthouse of Peace Monument near the Strait of Hormuz, within sight of the two largest branches of Islam, as a prelude to a sincere desire of Reconciliation and as a tribute to all Parties’ willingness to live with each other, and with the rest of the World, in Peace and Harmony in spite of all differences and separate priorities.” In response to a question about this Project of Peace, Jacques Duval, Co-Founder of Lighthouses of Peace replied that,” Our Project proposes the Construction around the World of a Network of Powerful Lighthouses, all in Structural Glass, covered with Islamic Graphic Designs in the Traditional Islamic Colors, and made up entirely of multi-facets colored stained-glass. These Towers of Lights, higher than the Eiffel Tower, symbolize Islam’s Promise of Peace and a friendly Co-Existence.” Queried about how this Project could bring Peace, Roger replied, “We believe that once built, these Magnificent Monuments to Peace shall be a Living Covenant to a United and Peaceful Islam, offering to the entire World an open hand to Reconciliation.” Adding,” Like Rainbows are generally perceived as Nature’s Promise of no more Floods; these Magnificent Lighthouses shall equally be perceived, by everyone around the World, as a Solemn Promise of Peace and as Islam’s firm Commitment to a Harmonious Co-Existence”. “Not only”, he added, “Between Islam and the rest of the World only, but within Islam itself”.