Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial
4.9FreeOpen now · open 24 hoursInspiring Tidal Basin memorial honoring civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King
Located along Washington, D.C.'s Tidal Basin, the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial features a striking 30-foot granite sculpture carved from the 'Stone of Hope.' Visitors pass through two carved boulder structures symbolizing the 'Mountain of Despair' to reach an inscription wall lined with fourteen stirring quotes from Dr. King's life. The open-air monument is free to visit and offers peaceful waterfront views alongside powerful civil rights history.
History
The memorial was dedicated on August 28, 2011, to honor the 48th anniversary of Dr. King's historic 'I Have a Dream' speech. It was designed by architect ROMA Design Group and sculptor Lei Yixin, and it stands as a symbol of hope and inspiration for future generations.
Expert notes
- Take your time to read the inscriptions around the memorial.
- Bring a camera for some memorable photographs.
- Consider visiting at night when the memorial is beautifully illuminated.
Features
- Accessible pathways
- Information plaques
- Rest areas
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