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—a 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.