Jefferson Memorial
- Address: 900 Ohio Drive SW, National Mall, Washington D.C.
- Hours: Open 24 hours a day
- Admission: Free
ATTRACTION Keywords:
Must-Do Experience,
Monument - Historical
Set on the south bank of the Tidal Basin amid the cherry trees, the memorial honors the third president of the United States, political philosopher, drafter of the Declaration of Independence and founder of the University of Virginia -- Thomas Jefferson. Designed by John Russell Pope to resemble Jefferson's library, the columned rotunda of the Jefferson Memorial is similar in style to the Pantheon in Rome.
On the Tidal Basin side, a sculptural group above the entrance depicts Jefferson with Benjamin Franklin, John Adams, Roger Sherman, and Robert Livingston, all of whom worked on drafting the Declaration of Independence. Inside the domed interior is a 19ft (6m) bronze likeness of Jefferson; excerpts from Jefferson's writings are etched into the walls. Come visit in late March or early April, when the cherry trees blossoms are blazing pink.
Latest Reviews
Review by Linda J, March 2012
Doing what: Washington DC Monuments by Moonlight Night Tour by Trolley
Outstanding tour! Tour guide, Bill Thomas was exceptional: friendly, well informed and articulate. The memorials we saw sparkled in the darkness and the three stops during wish we had time to get out of the bus and spend time were inspiring. We walked around 1. FDR and MLK, Jr. memorial, 2. Lincoln, World War II and Viet Nam memorials and 3. Iwo Jima statue. From the bus we saw and learned the history of Arlington Cemetery (the Lees,
Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and the eternal light flickering at JFK's gravesite), Jefferson Memorial and other historic areas.
It was an awesome and educational night and
I recommend it with enthusiasm.
Review by Debra P, July 2011
Doing what: Washington DC Monuments by Moonlight Night Tour by Trolley
It was a greta tour. Our tour guide, Bill, was very knowledgable about the area. We stopped at the Iwo Jima memorial, Lincoln Memorial, and the Jefferson Memorial. Fun and informative at the same time!!!
Review by Debra T, USA, January 2009
Doing what: Washington DC Monuments by Moonlight Night Tour by Trolley
Practical Info
The Thomas Jefferson Memorial sits on the south shore of the Tidal Basin, in East Potomac Park, just south of the National Mall. The memorial is accessible by metro. Nearby are the Smithsonian museums and the Lincoln Memorial. Allow 20 to 30 minutes for a visit.
