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Washington, D.C., District of Columbia / Landmarks

Jefferson Memorial

A neoclassical marble tribute to the third U.S. President, situated on the Tidal Basin and framed by iconic Japanese flowering cherry trees.

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Jefferson Memorial
Brian Hamfeldt, CC BY-SA 4.0

What is the Jefferson Memorial known for?

The memorial honors Thomas Jefferson, the third president of the United States, and features a dome structure, a statue, and inscriptions of quotes. It is also a notable springtime destination due to its location among Japanese flowering cherry trees on the Tidal Basin.

What are the hours?

The Jefferson Memorial is open to the public 24 hours a day.

Is it free?

Yes, admission to the Jefferson Memorial is free and there is no entrance fee.

Is it wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the memorial is wheelchair accessible and includes ramps to ensure ease of navigation for all visitors.

What is the architecture like?

Designed by architect John Russell Pope and others, the memorial is modeled after the Pantheon in Rome. It features a circular marble colonnade, a classical marble portico, and a marble dome roof.

What should I check before going?

Use Gyde for context, then check official sources for current hours, tickets, construction, and closures.

What to know

The Jefferson Memorial honors Thomas Jefferson, the third president of the United States. Located at 16 East Basin Drive SW in West Potomac Park, the monument sits on the south bank of the Tidal Basin. It is particularly renowned as a springtime destination where visitors can experience the peak bloom of surrounding Japanese flowering cherry trees. Designed by architect John Russell Pope, the structure is modeled after the Pantheon in Rome. The architectural team, which also included Daniel P. Higgins and Otto R. Eggers, utilized a classical marble portico, a circular marble colonnade, and a marble dome roof to create the landmark. This design was so highly regarded that in 2007, the American Institute of Architects ranked the memorial fourth on its List of America's Favorite Architecture. The memorial was dedicated on April 13, 1943, which coincided with Jefferson's 200th birthday. The ceremony was officially led by President Franklin D. Roosevelt. Today, the site remains a public space featuring a statue and various inscriptions of quotes from the former president. Visitors can access the site 24 hours a day without paying an entrance fee. The facility is fully wheelchair accessible and includes ramps to ensure ease of navigation. For those needing refreshments, a kiosk providing food and drink is available on-site.

Visitor tips

  • Visit during the springtime to see the Japanese flowering cherry trees in peak bloom.
  • Since the memorial is open 24 hours, consider visiting at night to avoid crowds.
  • Utilize the available ramps for easy wheelchair access to the monument.
  • Stop by the on-site kiosk if you need a quick drink or snack during your walk.

Nearby context

The memorial is a centerpiece of West Potomac Park, positioned along the scenic Tidal Basin, making it a key stop for those exploring the monuments of Washington, D.C.

Sources

Evidence and links