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

Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial

A powerful tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., featuring a massive granite statue and symbolic architecture that honors the struggle for freedom, equality, and justice in the heart of Washington, D.C.

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What is the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial known for?

The memorial honors Dr. King's legacy and the struggle for freedom, equality, and justice. It was the first memorial on the National Mall to recognize a Black American.

What are the hours?

The memorial is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Is it free?

Yes, admission is free.

Where is it located?

It is located in downtown Washington, D.C., along Independence Avenue SW in West Potomac Park, near the Lincoln Memorial and the Washington Monument.

What is the significance of the memorial's address?

The address is 1964 Independence Ave SW, which is a reference to the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

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 Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial is a profound landmark in downtown Washington, D.C., dedicated to the legacy of the prominent leader of the modern civil rights movement. Unveiled in 2011 within West Potomac Park, the site serves as a cornerstone of a national network commemorating the Civil Rights Movement. Notably, it holds the distinction of being the first memorial on the National Mall to recognize a Black American. Spanning four acres, the memorial is defined by the Stone of Hope, a towering granite statue of Dr. King carved by sculptor Lei Yixin. The architectural design is a physical manifestation of a line from King's 'I Have a Dream' speech: "Out of the mountain of despair, a stone of hope." This imagery creates a visceral experience for visitors as they encounter the figure emerging from the stone. Every detail of the site is steeped in meaning, including its official address at 1964 Independence Ave SW. This specific number was deliberately chosen to reference the Civil Rights Act of 1964, a milestone in the struggle for racial equality. The memorial is positioned strategically to maintain a direct sightline between the Lincoln Memorial to the northwest and the Jefferson Memorial to the southeast. Managed by the National Park Service, the site remains an accessible space for reflection. It opened to the public on August 22, 2011, following more than two decades of planning and construction. Visitors can engage with the history of the site through interpretive programs offered by on-site rangers.

Visitor tips

  • Admission is free and the memorial is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
  • Visit between 9:30 a.m. and 10 p.m. to find National Park Service rangers available for questions.
  • Request an interpretive program from the on-site rangers to deepen your understanding of the site's symbolism.
  • Wear comfortable walking shoes as the memorial covers four acres of parkland.

Nearby context

Located along Independence Avenue SW in West Potomac Park, the memorial sits in a prestigious corridor of monuments. It is situated near the Lincoln Memorial and the Washington Monument, creating a powerful thematic link between the founders of the nation and the leaders of the civil rights struggle.

Sources

Evidence and links