Non-Violence Sculpture

What if a gun could never fire again? Here, before the United Nations Headquarters, stands the Non-Violence Sculpture. It’s more than just a statue. It’s a powerful statement. This iconic sculpture, also known as The Knotted Gun, depicts a Colt Python .357 Magnum revolver. Its barrel is tied in a knot, rendering it useless. The Non-Violence Sculpture was created by Swedish artist Carl Fredrik Reuterswärd in 1980. He was deeply affected by the murder of his friend, John Lennon. The knotted gun became a tribute to Lennon’s vision of peace. It embodies the rejection of violence. The Non-Violence Sculpture found its home here in 1988. It was a gift from the government of Luxembourg. It serves as a constant reminder of the pursuit of peace. Originally, one of the first three versions of the sculpture was placed at Strawberry Fields, Lennon’s memorial in Central Park. Reuterswärd injected humor into his powerful symbol, making the weapon appear ridiculous. He believed humor has the power to unite people. Kofi Annan described it as a symbol that encapsulates humanity’s greatest prayer: peace, not victory. The Non-Violence Sculpture stands as a testament to hope. It stands for a world free from violence.