The entrance to the memorial is located on Central Park West, directly across from the Dakota building, where Lennon lived for the latter part of his life. The memorial is a triangular piece of land whose focal point is a circular mosaic of inlaid stones, collected from countries all over the world. In the center of the mosaic is the title of one of Lennon's most famous songs, "Imagine". Along the borders of the triangular area are benches which are endowed in memory of other individuals, maintained by the Central Park Conservancy. Along a path toward the southeast, a plaque lists the nations which contributed to building the memorial.
It is not uncommon for the memorial to be covered with flowers and other belongings left behind by Lennon and Beatles fans. On Lennon's birthday (October 9th) and on the anniversary of his death (December 8th), people gather to sing songs and pay tribute, staying late into what is often a cold night.
Impromptu memorial gatherings for other musicians, including Jerry Garcia, have occurred at the memorial. In the days following September 11, 2001, candlelight vigils were held at the Imagine Circle to remember those killed at the World Trade Center, in Shanksville, Pennsylvania, and at the Pentagon.
A larger area of Central Park north of the memorial is also called "Strawberry Fields". It contains a mixture of lawns, shrubs, and trees, and is designated a "quiet zone".