A Guide To Jefferson Memorial

Things to do / Highlights

Jefferson Memorial sits on West Potomac Park, just off Washington Channel and on the southern tip of Tidal Basin. More than a historical monument, it’s also a fine example of Neoclassical architecture. If you’re planning to visit Washington soon, here are a few things to do at this historic structure:

Learn about the life of a statesman

If you’re a history nerd, this monument is a real treat for you as you will get to know who the man behind the monument is. Thomas Jefferson is the third president of the United States, first Secretary of State, and one of the Founding Fathers of the nation. More than that, he was also a lawyer, scientist, linguist, architect, farmer, and diplomat, and you will get to learn all about his life here. The memorial is meant to honor his legacy and life’s works. At the center of the monument stands a 5-meter (17-foot) statue of Jefferson made of bronze. It was erected to face the White House.

Admire the Neoclassical architecture

Design enthusiasts will love and admire Jefferson Monument. Its design is classified as Neoclassical architecture and is made of mostly marble, especially the steps. The mind behind the design, Rudolph Evans, purposely placed his statue with his gaze facing the White House, as if representing the Age of Enlightenment. The monument also closely resembles the Pantheon in Rome. Inside the monument, the walls are encrypted with Jefferson’s words and ideas from his many texts, including some powerful texts from the first draft of the Declaration of Independence, which he was the primary author of.

Things to buy

Thomas Jefferson Memorial Bookstore

There is a bookstore on-site called Thomas Jefferson Memorial Bookstore, which is under the operation and management of Eastern National and America’s National Parks Stores. The one located at Jefferson Memorial, in particular, sells books and educational materials on his life, t-shirts, and memorabilia with his quotes. There are also topics covering the American Colonial Period, the Revolutionary War, and the Early Republic. The bookstore is open from 9 am to 8 pm daily.

Travelers tips

Best time to visit

Jefferson Memorial is always open. There are also rangers patrolling around from 9:30 am to 10 pm every day. However, people have said that the best time to visit the memorial is during the springtime when you can see the cherry blossoms in full bloom. This is when the monument is at its most picturesque. It’s also great to visit at night so you can see and admire how beautifully lit up the monument is.

Free admission

The memorial is a free site that’s open for all. It has become a popular tourist attraction, especially for those who aren’t familiar with the life and works of Jefferson. What’s great about this is that you don’t have to pay any admission to see this historic structure. You can also opt to simply take a walk by the monument or just sit on the marble steps and watch the people go by.

How to get there

Jefferson Memorial is located at the southern end of Tidal Basin and is surrounded by many other monuments like Lincoln Memorial, MLK Monument, Roosevelt Monument, and Washington Monument, so it shouldn’t be difficult to find.

Metrorail

Getting around Washington D.C. is fairly easy, and getting to Jefferson Memorial won’t be a problem. The most convenient way is to take Washington Metro, otherwise known as Metrorail. Board the Orange, Blue, or Silver lines, and get off at Smithsonian Station, which is the nearest station to National Mall where Jefferson Memorial is located.

Bus

Alternatively, you can also take a bus. Just be sure to take the 32, 34, or 36 route, which will take you to Jefferson Memorial.

Jefferson Memorial information

Jefferson Memorial

Address: National Mall, 16 E Basin Dr SW, Washington, DC 20242, United States

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

Official website: Jefferson Memorial

Department of tourism: Experience Washington