The Jefferson Memorial, completed in 1943, sits across the Potomac River Tidal Basin in Washington D.C. The white neo-classical building is dedicated to Thomas Jefferson, the United States' third President and author of the Declaration of Independence. Its white marble dome and classic columns can be glimpsed from points all over Washington.
Planning Tips
The National Mall and Memorial Parks administer the Thomas Jefferson Memorial. Open to the public 24 hours a day, park rangers are only on duty between 9:30 a.m. and 11:30 p.m. to answer questions. Visitors are not charged a fee nor do they need reservations to visit. The National Mall is host to a large number of events throughout the year with approximately 25 million visitors annually, so a planned event at the Memorial requires a permit from the National Mall and Memorial Parks service.
Getting Around
Washington D.C. is a bustling metropolis with restricted driving routes and parking areas. The nation's capitol provides an efficient public transportation system, including trains and buses from outlying areas in Maryland and Virginia. Once you're in the city, you will have access to the metro buses and rails, as well as various tour buses that make stops at all major attractions, including the Thomas Jefferson Memorial.
One such tour bus is the open-topped double-decker DC Tours. The tour offers stops and pick-ups at 30 separate locations from the Capitol to and the White House to the Jefferson Memorial and more. The tour is a great way to see all the major tourist spots, get photographs and board the next bus, as it makes its way through the area. Day passes are required for riding with DC Tours.
Best Time to Visit Thomas Jefferson Memorial
One of the best times to visit is during the National Cherry Blossom Festival, which takes place last week of March and first week of April on most years. The weather is beautiful, temperate and ripe with the Cherry Blossoms. During this time the walk down to the Memorial is incomparable. The second best time is in late September and early October when the leaves are turning.
Things to See and Do While Visiting
The Jefferson Memorial is composed of circular marble steps. The building is open to the elements, allowing river breezes to flow through the Roman styled Pantheon. Inside, a 19-foot tall bronze statue of Jefferson looks out over the nation he helped conceive. The walls are etched with the Declaration of Independence, a document that Jefferson designed. Excerpts from "A Bill to Establish Religious Freedom" are also etched on an another wall. Once you get to the Jefferson Memorial you are only a short distance from:
- Lincoln Memorial
- World War II Memorial
- Vietnam Wall
- Korean War Memorial
- The National Mall
For Kids
Many historical programs are available to help children learn about Jefferson, the Memorial and Washington D.C. The park service offers the Junior Ranger Program with activities and badges that can be printed out before arriving in the metro area.
Contact Information
For more information on events, permits and specific questions not featured on the website, visitors may contact the National Mall and Memorial Parks via mail or phone. Write to or call the following:
National Mall and Memorial Parks
900 Ohio Drive SW
Washington, DC 20024
Visitor Information (202) 426-6841
Park Headquarters (202) 485-9880
