Beatles-Platz is a circular public square at the junction of Reeperbahn and Große Freiheit in Hamburg’s St. Pauli district. Its black paving is designed to resemble a vinyl record, with five life-size steel outlines representing John Lennon, Paul McCartney, Stuart Sutcliffe, George Harrison and drummers Pete Best and Ringo Starr. The Beatles played in clubs on these streets early in their career, and the square makes a compact stop on a walk to the venues connected with their Hamburg years.
A record-shaped square in St. Pauli
Beatles-Platz stands where Reeperbahn meets Große Freiheit. The circular square measures 29 metres across, and its black paving is meant to evoke a vinyl record. Five life-size stainless-steel outlines sit within it: John Lennon, Paul McCartney, Stuart Sutcliffe, George Harrison, and a figure representing both Pete Best and Ringo Starr, who each played with the band during its Hamburg years.
The Beatles’ Hamburg years
The square commemorates the band’s connection to Hamburg in the early 1960s. In August 1960, the Beatles played their first Hamburg gig at the Indra Club on Große Freiheit. Clubs along these streets helped the group develop its act before returning to Liverpool. The Indra is still open, and the nearby streets also hold venues associated with the band’s time in the city.
FAQ
Where is Beatles-Platz?
It is at the junction of Reeperbahn and Große Freiheit in Hamburg’s St. Pauli district.
What does the square look like?
The circular, black-paved square is designed to resemble a vinyl record and contains five life-size steel outlines.
Which Beatles are represented?
The figures represent John Lennon, Paul McCartney, Stuart Sutcliffe, George Harrison, and a combined outline for drummers Pete Best and Ringo Starr.
When is the best time to visit?
Visit during the day for better visibility of the steel silhouettes.
