World War II Memorial image

World War II Memorial

Tourist attraction Historical landmark Memorial park War memorial Space of remembrance

One of the Most Revieweds in Washington


Address

1750 Independence Ave SW, Washington, DC 20024

Website

www.nps.gov

Contact

(202) 426-6841

Rating on Google Maps

4.90 (23.2K reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Friday: Open 24 hours
  • Saturday: Open 24 hours
  • Sunday: 4 AM to 10 PM
  • Monday: Open 24 hours
  • Tuesday: Open 24 hours
  • Wednesday: Open 24 hours
  • Thursday: Open 24 hours

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: memorial (41) Memorial (21) Washington (16) World (15) visit (14) water (13) fountain (12) feet (10) stars (10) states (10)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 Antonio Perez C. 1 year ago on Google
    The World War II Memorial honors our fallen heroes and is the perfect place to pay tribute to the ones who served our country and pay the ultimate price. I believe is also a great monument to remember that freedom should be never take it for granted; and the opportunity to visit an explore it with ours kids was a beautiful experience. 💯% recommended. The Lincoln Memorial is near by too (walking distance)
    8 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Eric H. 11 months ago on Google • 649 reviews
    It was a special experience to come here and honor my grandfathers and remember their sacrifice. I knew the site would be thoughtful and reverent, honoring the brave men and women who fought and in some cases lost their lives. What I didn’t know and didn’t expect was how moved I would be when watching my kids dip their feet into the fountain to cool off on a hot spring day. There was something so profound and healing about experiencing that. We sat there with our feet in the cool water and reflected on life and loved ones lost. Beautiful.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Eran D. 1 year ago on Google
    Although relatively new (2004), unlike the Vietnam War Veterans or the Korean War Veterans memorials, the WWII memorial has a more formal design. There are a lot of details so you can definitely spend some time going around. But the best feature is you can (according to the signage) dip your feet in the water. Memorials are better if they add some value of interaction.
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Sheri L. 2 years ago on Google
    I wish there were more than 5 stars. This was an amazing museum with so much to see. They had something for everyone-exhibits, videos, real hero’s stories to follow. There is so much to do that we did not get through it all. I recommend planning on 4-6 hours of you want to take it all in. I highly recommend taking in the movie “Beyond all Boundaries”. Our kids were fully engaged and were taking it all in. They stopped and read more than they have at other museums.
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Troy W. 4 months ago on Google • 1079 reviews
    Beautiful memorial that is quite engaging. It features fountains (assuming seasonal) and state/country-etched columns that produces a bit of interactivity with visitors. If the views of this memorial itself are not enough, it is a perfect vantage point for adjacent memorials. On my first time visit, this memorial caught me off guard in a wonderful way.

  • 5/5 Amber H. 4 months ago on Google • 259 reviews
    Beautiful place for a family day out. Finding parking on a weekend in summer was very difficult, lots of vendor carts selling water, drinks, snacks. Great photography spots. Lots of walking so keep those sneakers and strollers ready.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Nicholas P. 1 month ago on Google • 717 reviews New
    The memorial is located in the National Mall. It’s a tribute to the 16 million men and women that served in the armed forces and the support of millions more on the home front. It’s free to visit and is open 24/7. You can’t go wrong with visiting it in the daytime or nighttime. At night, it’s worth checking out since everything is lit up. Take the time you look at all of the inscriptions, the Atlantic theater bas relief sculptures, and the Pacific theater bas relief sculptures. You can snap some great pictures here, it didn’t get crowded when I was there.

  • 5/5 Guru E. 4 months ago on Google • 67 reviews
    The World War II Memorial in Washington, D.C., is a solemn and poignant tribute to the heroes who served. The design masterfully captures the gravity of the era. Walking through its pillars and reflecting pool, you feel a deep sense of respect and gratitude. A moving experience that honors the sacrifices made during a pivotal chapter in history.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jeremiah R. 3 months ago on Google • 555 reviews New
    This memorial was on my to do list on our visit to DC. Located between the Washington Monument and the Lincoln Memorial. This tribute to all those Americans who served in the armed forces and as civilians during this war. There is a beautiful fountain in the middle surrounded 56 pillars, representing U.S. states and territories, and a pair of small triumphal arches for the Atlantic and Pacific. There is a memorial wall of gold stars representing the fallen. They even encourage people to take off their shoes and quietly and respectfully put your feet in the fountain to soak your well traveled feet. It was too cold while we were visiting to do this. Take time to explore the entire monument. Read every sign. Very well done memorial to honor all those involved. Don’t pass it by.

  • 5/5 Tarang S. 2 years ago on Google
    It’s a must visit monument and has got spectacular views on both sides: you see the Washington Memorial on one side and the Lincoln Memorial on the other side. Interesting to see all the states with wreaths in the architecture. The water and springs were shut perhaps for the winter, I hope they will soon be operational as it is March already and quite nice and sunny. You have to find parking on Constitution Avenue which is indeed quite difficult. But once you park, it’s a nice walk and worth visiting for sure.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Scott P. 7 months ago on Google
    The World War II Memorial stands as a powerful testament to the sacrifices and valor of those who served during one of the most pivotal moments in history. A visit to this awe-inspiring monument left me deeply moved and grateful for the opportunity to pay my respects. From the moment you set foot on the grounds, the design and layout of the memorial evoke a sense of solemnity and reverence. The grand arches and stunning fountains create an atmosphere that is both reflective and contemplative, inviting visitors to pause and remember the sacrifices made by countless men and women. The symbolism within the memorial is striking. Each state and territory of the United States is represented, serving as a poignant reminder that this was a collective effort by the entire nation. The Freedom Wall, adorned with gold stars, poignantly honors the 400,000 lives lost, a stark reminder of the human cost of war. The Wall of Stars is a heartrending feature, with each star representing 100 American soldiers who gave their lives. Walking along the wall, I couldn't help but feel a deep sense of gratitude and humility. The memorial's design beautifully captures the scale of sacrifice and the enormity of the conflict. If you visit during the evening hours, it will provided an entirely different perspective. The illumination of the memorial against the darkening sky created a solemn ambiance that heightened the emotional impact. It's a time when the memorial truly comes alive, conveying the enduring spirit of those who fought. The World War II Memorial is not just a place for history buffs; it's a destination that speaks to the core of our shared humanity. Whether you're a local or a visitor, this site is a must-see. It's a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made and the legacy left behind, urging us to strive for a better world. While the memorial itself doesn't require an extended amount of time to explore, the experience lingers long after your visit. It's a somber yet beautiful reminder of the past and a beacon of hope for the future. A visit to the World War II Memorial is a moving and humbling experience that every traveler should include on their itinerary.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Peter M. 1 year ago on Google
    The memorial is impressive and beautiful. It is well lit at night with a great view of other distant memorials. Around the perimeter are states and territories that participated in war. With the key feature being the stars and their miniature reflecting pool to represent the lives lost in the war. It feels safe at night with lots of people around. There is also a bike share nearby.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Lisa M. 2 years ago on Google
    My grandfather drove a tank in WWII. I've been to DC many times but not since this was built. It's really impressive. The fountain is a great centerpiece for a war fought overseas. Lovely views from all sides. Know your history and you will appreciate the names and displays here. Of course you must walk here, no parking on site, or take a bus. Glad I got to see it.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Dr Abhilash M. 1 year ago on Google
    If you are in DC then this is a most visit monument and has got spectacular views on both sides Washington Memorial on one side and the Lincoln Memorial on the other side. The water and springs were spectacular. It’s a nice walk and worth visiting for sure.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Romeo B. 11 months ago on Google
    Amazing site!! If you take the time and read what's been engraved, you will learn a ton!! One of the cool things is that each state is represented by a wreath, so when you come, find yours and get a picture under it. Once again, DC has done an amazing job of honoring true heroes!! It is ok to place your feet in the water, but state parks ask that you keep the playing to a minimum to honor the site. Finally, keep an open eye because you can grab some really cool photos of other sites from this one. Also, if you are hungry, that is no big deal. I counted over 30 food trucks on my way to this spot, so come hungry and leave happy (and maybe a little poorer)!!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 LISA H. 1 year ago on Google
    SuchA BEAUTIFUL tribute to our WWll veterans. The park has plenty of places to sit and one can even walk through the water in the fountain. You need to see this specular display!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Sam B. 2 years ago on Google
    Amazing architectural structure and memorial for a war worth fighting for. Such an incredible display representing the US states and territories. The fountain is perfect for keeping you cool on a hot summer day!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Zay McCullough, MSW, L. 1 year ago on Google
    I visited here with my son around 2pm on a Wednesday afternoon from visiting from NC. It wasn’t very crowded on a nice, cloudy day. Located by the reflecting pool, there were great views. One of the attractions of the Freedom Wall that holds 4,048 gold stars. Each gold star represents one hundred American service personnel who died or remain missing in the war. There are pillars with each of the states listed on them. My son put his feet in the water, which was allowed and other people were doing so too. It was cold outside, so I’m not sure why he wanted to lol. Overall, it was a beautiful memorial honoring World World II servicemen. I hadn’t been to DC since I was much much younger.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Pablo B. 2 months ago on Google • 243 reviews New
    One of the best memorials on the National Mall. It has a lot of open space even with lots of people it doesn't feel crowded. Great views of the Washington monument from here. The giant water fountain in the middle is beautiful and in the summer you can put your feet in it to cool off, the water is filtered. It is divided into 2 sides, one for the Pacific and one for the Atlantic. Each side has bas-relief panels that show important scenes from the war in Europe or the Pacific. At the back there is a wall called the price of freedom with over 4,000 stars, one star for every 100 American soldiers that died in the war. A lot of details, unfortunately there are no signs or labels to let you know what you are looking at or what anything means. It would be not so hard and very much not so expensive to put a couple of signs at each entrance explaining to visitors the features of the memorial, like they do at the Korean or the FDR memorials, unfortunately current NPS management of the National Mall has a "good enough" mindset.

  • 5/5 Chuck W. 4 months ago on Google • 164 reviews
    This place a is beautiful, somber, amazing, and wonderful place all at once. Placed between the Washington Monument and the Lincoln Memorial on the National Mall, with its tall individual State and Territory spires, this memorial is just awe inspiring. There was a small, but well behaved crowd, ranging from small children to some elderly folks (Veterans perhaps). Well worth the visit and the Washington Monument is amazing from this distance too! Restrooms are very close and a gift shop/welcome center.

  • 5/5 Danny V. 4 months ago on Google • 161 reviews
    The World War II Memorial in Washington, D.C. stands as a solemn testament to the indomitable spirit of an entire generation. Situated prominently between the Washington Monument and the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, it's a beacon of gratitude and remembrance. As you traverse its granite and bronze architecture, the grandeur is undeniable. Fifty-six pillars, representing the states and territories of that era, encircle the grand plaza, each whispering tales of valor from every corner of our nation. The twin Atlantic and Pacific pavilions remind us of the vast theaters of the war, where our brave compatriots defended freedom on multiple fronts. But beyond its monumental design, it's the subtler elements that tug at one's heartstrings. The field of gold stars, with each star representing a hundred fallen souls, is a stark reminder of the human cost of victory. Visiting the World War II Memorial isn't just an exercise in national history; it's a deeply personal journey into the sacrifices made for the world we inhabit today. A definitive 5 stars for capturing the essence of a time when the world stood united against tyranny.

  • 5/5 Megan M. 7 months ago on Google
    The World War II Memorial was a beautifully thought out memorial. It's location makes it easily accessible for those walking and exploring Washington D.C. Each state has representation in this memorial and a large fountain in the middle area.

  • 5/5 Ma T. 1 month ago on Google • 10 reviews New
    I've visited the WWII memorial several times with my daughter, starting when she was 8 and now that she's 15. Our initial visit left us in awe of the monument's stunning architecture. Being a military family, it felt particularly proud as we discovered the names of states with which we had connections. Our most recent visit coincided with Veteran's Day, where we had the privilege of witnessing a moving choral performance by local high school students, as well as students from Hawaii. Following this, we listened to speeches from war veterans. The beauty of the chorus and the heartfelt stories shared by the heroes profoundly impacted me, altering my perspective. Now, whenever I gaze upon the decorations and engraved names at the memorial, I'm reminded of the profound love for the country and the sacrifices made by those honored. It wasn't just the speeches or the memorial itself that moved me so deeply; it was the combination of both experiences. After the event, my daughter and I discussed how Washington, DC holds a special significance for us, evoking a deep psychological understanding of the efforts of our predecessors in building the nation. The WWII memorial, in particular, is a must-visit for younger generations. It prompts important reflections on why we fought and the sacrifices made to ensure the continuity of our nation.

  • 5/5 Ryan 1 year ago on Google
    The World War II Memorial is probably my favorite memorial in DC. It looks amazing on a sunny day! I went there recently, as well as about a year ago, you can see in the photos one rainy day and one sunny day. Anyway, I feel like this memorial is an amazing way to honor those who died in WWII. There is so much symbolism here as well as in every memorial in DC.

  • 5/5 Ashok P. 1 year ago on Google
    As name suggests, this memorial is built in the honor of 16 million Americans who served in the armed forces or as civilians during World War 2. The memorial has 56 pillars which represent US states and territories surrounding a fountain. World War 2 memorial is in the National Mall between Lincoln memorial and Washington Monument. Since it is between these two important memorials, the uninterrupted view is broken. There is a Freedom Wall on the west side of the plaza with a message “Here we mark the price of the freedom”. Each pillar is inscribed with the name of one of the states or territories. When we visited on April 21, 2022 the fountain was not working. I believe some construction or maintenance work was going on. So we missed the experience of full on beauty of the memorial. This is a must see place when you are visiting Washington DC.

  • 5/5 OMAR 5 months ago on Google
    One of the most interesting places in Dc. It shows what our nation went through to be the best freedom wise. Hats off for those who have fought for freedom.

  • 5/5 Mindy G. 5 months ago on Google
    Amazing memorial to see. The area is clean and has restrooms available. Each state has their own column so you can add flowers or whatever you choose.

  • 5/5 Gwendolyn R H. 9 months ago on Google
    I'm not sure there's anything to say for a memorial such as this. My loved ones fought and returned home, and this memorial allows me and others to pay respects to all the soldiers who put their life on the line. These pictures were taken more for me as a reminder that freedom is not free. The list of names really hits different when you're looking at them.

  • 5/5 Jonathan M. 8 months ago on Google
    What a nice place. It is hot in July in DC, too. I am from AR. The humidity is bad here, too. Put you feet in the water. Find your state. Soak in the beauty and remember the sacrifice. We are thankful for what our soldiers gave.

  • 5/5 Lauren D. 9 months ago on Google
    Beautiful Memorial. I loved how they represented every state and all those stars. One star on the wall represents 100 American military deaths. There are 4,048 stars. The waterfalls are also incredible. Symbolism is everywhere.

  • 4/5 Megan H. 6 months ago on Google
    Very impressive memorial! I was pretty taken aback by all the people taking portraits while we visited, particularly the professional engagement photo shoots. Felt very inappropriate for what the space represents.

  • 5/5 Crystal B. 8 months ago on Google
    Had an amazing time! The water felt amazing on our feet since it was so hot outside. The kids Loved the ducks. And it was fun taking pictures in front of your birth state. Will definitely go again.

  • 5/5 Witold K. 1 year ago on Google
    The World War II Memorial is a national memorial in the United States 🇺🇸 dedicated to Americans who served in the armed forces and as civilians during World War II. It is located on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. The memorial consists of 56 pillars, representing U.S. states and territories, and a pair of small triumphal arches for the Atlantic and Pacific theaters, surrounding an oval plaza and fountain. It replaced the former site of the Rainbow Pool at the eastern end of the Reflecting Pool, between the Lincoln Memorial and the Washington Monument. Its initial design was submitted by Austrian-American architect Friedrich St. Florian. Opened on April 29, 2004, it was dedicated by President George W. Bush on May 29, 2004

  • 4/5 Stacey H. 1 year ago on Google
    Beautiful memorial, placed in a fantastic way between the Lincoln Memorial and the Washington Monument. I gave it a 4 (even though it's really lovely) because for most people, this is a place that they'll visit as they're walking from one monument to the next, not a place they'll spend hours. The design is so beautiful, and it fits in so well it's hard to believe it's a newcomer to the mall (new in 2004). Enjoy the fountains and take a moment to remember those who are no longer with us.

  • 4/5 Deanna C. 1 year ago on Google
    Poignant display of WWII in the form of pictures and symbols. The water fountain is beautiful and well maintained. There can be lots of visitors and tours passing by. Wish there was more information at the actual memorial about the attributes of the memorial vs looking online for info.


Call (202) 426-6841 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Pets
    • ✓️ Dogs allowed
  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible entrance
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible parking lot

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