Martin Luther King, Washington D.C.

Name: Martin Luther King
Address: 1850 West Basin Drive SW, Washington D.C., 20024, United States
Telephone: +1 202-426-6841

#50 among attractions in Washington D.C.

Memorial, Monuments and statues, Sculpture, National park

Gallery (11)

Map

Gallery

Photo details 1. Wikipedia / CC BY 3.0 / olekinderhook / URL • 2. Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0 / Another Believer / URL • 3. Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 2.0 / TDKR Chicago 101 / URL • 4. Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0 / Emw / URL • 5. Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0 / John Brathwaite / URL • 6. Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.0 / SecretName101 / URL • 7. Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 3.0 / sandertheone / URL

Facts and practical information

In the heart of Washington D.C. stands a poignant tribute to one of the most influential figures in American history: the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial. Dedicated to the civil rights leader, this memorial is a solemn reminder of Dr. King's monumental contribution to the fight for equality and justice.

The memorial is situated on a four-acre site along the Tidal Basin, in a direct line between the Lincoln Memorial and the Jefferson Memorial, symbolizing a historical continuum of the struggle for freedom. It was officially opened to the public on August 22, 2011, after years of planning and construction.

The centerpiece of the memorial is the "Stone of Hope," a granite statue of Dr. King emerging from a mountain, which represents the mountains of despair he spoke of in his famous "I Have a Dream" speech. The 30-foot high sculpture is the work of sculptor Lei Yixin and is inscribed with an excerpt from the speech: "Out of the mountain of despair, a stone of hope."

Surrounding the statue is the Inscription Wall, which features 14 quotes from Dr. King's speeches, sermons, and writings that encapsulate his vision for peace, democracy, and his hope for humanity. The selection of quotes aims to reflect King's ideals of justice, democracy, hope, and love, serving as an enduring inspiration to visitors.

The design of the memorial, created by ROMA Design Group, was chosen from more than 900 candidates in an international competition. The memorial's location and design were intended to create an intimate and reflective space where visitors can contemplate the civil rights movement and Dr. King's legacy.

Open to the public year-round, the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial is not only a popular tourist attraction but also a place of pilgrimage for those who seek to honor the memory of a man who shaped the course of American history. The memorial is particularly striking when viewed at dusk or dawn, as the soft light enhances the contemplative experience.

Alternative names: Completed: 2011 (13 years ago)Height: 30 ftElevation: 7 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 38°53'11"N, 77°2'43"W

Address

1850 West Basin Drive SWSouthwest WashingtonWashington D.C. 20024 United States

Contact

+1 202-426-6841

Website

Social media

Facebook Twitter

Washington D.C.

Day trips

Martin Luther King – popular in the area (distance from the attraction)

Nearby attractions include: National World War II Memorial, Lincoln Memorial, West Potomac Park, Vietnam Veterans Memorial.

~1770 ftNE
Memorial
National World War II Memorial, Washington D.C.
9 min walk • The National World War II Memorial is a solemn tribute to the American soldiers who served in the Second World War, as well as the millions who supported the war effort from home. Situated in the heart of Washington D.C., between the Lincoln Memorial and the Washington...
~1400 ftNW
Marble monument to the 16th president
Lincoln Memorial, Washington D.C.
7 min walk • The Lincoln Memorial stands as a revered monument in the heart of Washington D.C., honoring the 16th President of the United States, Abraham Lincoln. Situated at the western end of the National Mall, this iconic structure is a symbol of unity and reconciliation, as...
~730 ftNW
Park
West Potomac Park, Washington D.C.
4 min walk • Nestled in the heart of Washington D.C., West Potomac Park is a serene oasis that offers visitors a chance to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. This sprawling park, flanked by the Potomac River and Washington Channel, is a verdant expanse of greenery where...
~1850 ftN
Somber monument to U.S. service members
Vietnam Veterans Memorial, Washington D.C.
9 min walk • In the heart of Washington D.C. lies a solemn tribute to the service and sacrifice of the United States' armed forces during one of its most controversial wars—the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. Often referred to simply as "The Wall," this poignant monument is dedicated...
~850 ftNW
Homage to those who served in Korean War
Korean War Veterans Memorial, Washington D.C.
5 min walk • The Korean War Veterans Memorial stands as a poignant tribute to the men and women who served in the Korean War, often referred to as "The Forgotten War." Located in West Potomac Park, on the National Mall in Washington D.C., this memorial was dedicated on July 27...
~1720 ftNW
Monuments and statues
The Three Soldiers, Washington D.C.
9 min walk • The Three Soldiers statue is a poignant and evocative monument located in the nation's capital, Washington D.C. This bronze sculpture, crafted by the artist Frederick Hart, serves as a powerful tribute to the American servicemen of the Vietnam War.
~1070 ftN
Large, iconic site on the National Mall
Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, Washington D.C.
6 min walk • The Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool is an iconic feature of the National Mall in Washington D.C., United States, offering a place of contemplation and beauty amidst the bustling city. Stretching over 2,029 feet long and 167 feet wide, this expansive pond serves as a...
0.6 miE
Concerts and shows, Theater, Concert hall
National Sylvan Theater, Washington D.C.
16 min walk • The National Sylvan Theater — often simply the Sylvan Theater — is a public sylvan theater on the grounds of the Washington Monument, National Mall, in Washington, D.C. USA. It is located within the northwest corner of the 15th Street and Independence Avenue intersection, about 450 feet southeast of the Washington Monument.
~1420 ftW
Memorial, Sculpture, Park
John Ericsson National Memorial, Washington D.C.
7 min walk • John Ericsson Memorial, located near the National Mall at Ohio Drive and Independence Avenue, SW, in Washington, D.C. is dedicated to the man who revolutionized naval history with his invention of the screw propeller.
0.5 miNE
Canal
Chesapeake and Ohio Canal, Washington D.C.
13 min walk • The Chesapeake and Ohio Canal, abbreviated as the C&O Canal and occasionally called the "Grand Old Ditch," operated from 1831 until 1924 along the Potomac River between Washington, D.C. and Cumberland, Maryland.
0.4 miNE
Lake
Babcock Lakes, Washington D.C.
12 min walk • The Babcock Lakes were a series of water ponds formerly located near the Washington Monument in Washington, D.C. before the area became the National Mall.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Which popular attractions are close to Martin Luther King?

Nearby attractions include District of Columbia War Memorial, Washington D.C. (4 min walk), West Potomac Park, Washington D.C. (4 min walk), Korean War Veterans Memorial, Washington D.C. (5 min walk), Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, Washington D.C. (6 min walk).

How to get to Martin Luther King by public transport?

The nearest stations to Martin Luther King:

Bus

21st St & F St Northwest (20 min walk)
19th St & F St Northwest (20 min walk)

Metro

Smithsonian • Lines: Bl, Or, Sv (24 min walk)
Arlington Cemetery • Lines: Bl (25 min walk)