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

Lincoln Memorial

A neoclassical temple honoring the 16th U.S. President, Abraham Lincoln, anchoring the western end of the National Mall with its grand scale and historical significance.

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What is the Lincoln Memorial known for?

The Lincoln Memorial honors Abraham Lincoln's leadership during the Civil War and his efforts to end slavery. It is also famous for its steps, which served as the site where Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his 'I Have a Dream' speech during the 1963 March on Washington.

What are the hours?

The memorial is open to the public 24 hours a day, every day of the year. However, rangers are only on duty daily from 9:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Is it free?

Timed-entry tickets are free, though they include a $1 service fee per transaction.

Where is it located?

It is located on the western end of the National Mall in Washington, D.C., where it towers over the Reflecting Pool.

What is the architecture like?

The memorial is built in a neoclassical style in the form of a classical temple.

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 Lincoln Memorial is a U.S. national memorial located on the western end of the National Mall in Washington, D.C. It was designed as a classical temple in a neoclassical style to commemorate the life and legacy of Abraham Lincoln, the 16th president of the United States, who led the nation through the Civil War and worked to end slavery. Congress authorized the memorial in 1910, and construction began on February 12, 1914. The structure was dedicated on May 30, 1922, roughly 57 years after Lincoln's assassination in 1865. Because the memorial sits on reclaimed swampy Potomac River flats, engineers had to design a very strong foundation to keep the massive structure stable and prevent it from sinking into the low-lying, filled land. Beyond its architecture, the memorial's steps have served as a stage for pivotal moments in American history. Most notably, on August 28, 1963, approximately 250,000 people gathered here to hear Martin Luther King Jr. deliver his iconic 'I Have a Dream' speech. Today, the memorial continues to attract more than seven million visitors annually. It is a dignified space for reflection, towering over the Reflecting Pool and serving as a symbol of national unity and leadership.

Visitor tips

  • The memorial is open 24 hours a day, every day of the year, making it a great option for early morning or late night visits to avoid crowds.
  • If you wish to visit the Lincoln Memorial Undercroft, be aware that it has different hours: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. ET (March-October) and 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET (November-February).
  • Same-day timed-entry tickets for the Undercroft are free and can be acquired from the Korean War Veterans Memorial kiosk near the memorial.
  • Note that timed-entry reservations for the undercroft carry a $1 service charge per ticket.

Nearby context

The Lincoln Memorial anchors the western end of the National Mall, towering over the Reflecting Pool, which creates a stunning vista toward the Washington Monument and the U.S. Capitol.

Sources

Evidence and links