FAIRMONT THE QUEEN ELIZABETH CELEBRATES THE 45^TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE BED-IN WITH FREE POP UP EXHIBITION

May 26 to June 2^nd, 2014

Montreal, Canada, may 13, 2014 -- From May 26 to June 2, over 30 large images taken by celebrated photographer Gerry Deiter in 1969 and essays by eye-witnesses, including Yoko Ono, will be displayed in a gallery in the Lobby of Montreal’s Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth hotel in celebration of the 45th anniversary of John Lennon and Yoko Ono’s Bed-In for Peace. Deiter was the only photojournalist to cover the entire seven days of the Bed-In while on assignment for Life magazine. In Montreal, the traveling exhibition will feature photographs and essays that have never been presented before.

In the spirit of collaborative action, the hotel, in partnership with National Exhibitions and Archives, has invited local community groups to move in for a day and use the gallery space to re-kindle the spirit of the Bed-In to new audiences and draw attention to their own causes.  Admission is free. Opening hours are 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. daily.

Visitors can also have the opportunity to sit on the bed May 26 with special guest artists from L’Accueil Bonneau including Mario Saint-Amand, spokesperson, Marc Séguin, mentor of their art workshop and the musicians from Bonneau; May 28,  Amnistie internationale Canada francophone celebrates its own anniversary with guests such as Jacques Goldstyn, illustrator. On May 30, Concordia’s CJLO Radio will broadcast live from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and at 8:00 p.m., talented young musicians from the School Of Rock (Ottawa) will twist and shout as they come together to pay tribute to Beatles and Lennon songs.

In addition to the regular photos of GIVE PEACE A CHANCE: John Lennon & Yoko Ono's Bed-in for Peace , visitorswill have access to unpublished intimate images from the couple’s subsequent visit in December 1969 when John came to testify at the Le Dain Commission of Inquiry into the Non-Medical Use of Drugs. He took this opportunity to announce his next pacifist campaign - The War Is Over - which was simultaneously launched in London, New York and Tokyo.  

To commemorate the 45^th anniversary and relive the era, the hotel will feature on its menus updated versions of dishes ordered by John & Yoko during their stay. Special cocktails will also be available during Hippie Hour at Les Voyageurs bar.

At the Give Peace a Chance Pop-Up Exhibition, visitors will have a chance to:

•         Take their own photograph in a recreation of Suite 1742 surrounded by illustrations made by former Walt Disney animator Stephen Austin;   

•         Toast the 60s during “Hippie Hour” from 5:00 – 8:00 p.m. at Les Voyageurs Bar;

•         Take selfies, tweet and post images from the exhibition using the following hashtags - #Bedin45, #MomentsQEH, #MTLMoments

•         Take part in a daily silent auction – featuring a different, rare photograph from the exhibit each day – 5:30 – 8:30 pm and purchase tickets for a raffle to win a night in the famous suite with  proceeds to benefit Amnistie internationale Canada francophone (information: 514 766-9766 ext. 225);

•         Read personal stories from the 1969 bed-in media and participants including a new essay by rock journalist and friend of the couple, author Ritchie Yorke.

•         Contribute to the “Imagine Peace” painting in presence of Marc Séguin, renowned artist;

•         Write a peace message on the mural created by Jacques Goldstyn, illustrator;

•         Take part in a gallery walk, book & poster signing by author, historian Joan E. Athey & Fairmont's Joanne Papineau. Daily from 1 - 2 pm.

For more information about the events, please follow the hotel on social media, visit Fairmont.com or contact Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth directly at 514-861-3511.