Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial image

Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial

Tourist attraction β€’ Memorial park

One of the Best Places To Visits in Washington


Address

1964 Independence Ave SW, Washington, DC 20004

Website

www.nps.gov

Contact

(202) 426-6841

Rating on Google Maps

4.90 (7.8K reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Friday: Open 24 hours
  • Saturday: Open 24 hours
  • Sunday: Open 24 hours
  • Monday: Open 24 hours
  • Tuesday: Open 24 hours
  • Wednesday: Open 24 hours
  • Thursday: Open 24 hours

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: memorial (27) King (17) quotes (14) monument (14) visit (12) beautiful (11) Memorial (10) great (8) Martin (8) Luther (8)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 Tony F. 2 years ago on Google
    Taking the time to take in History and learn about the great people and places of this country I live in was everything! I wish that I had more time and more details to give. I must thank the wonderful Park Ranger for the small lesson that he gave us about this Martin Luther King Jr Memorial Monument. I saw it with an amazing new perspective after that!
    8 people found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 5/5 Nuthan J. 2 years ago on Google
    A beautiful memorial with all the quotes of Martin Luther King Jr. Engraved on the walls. They have atall statue of him which over looks the lake. This place is open 24 hours and anyone can walk in. There is no entry fees. We went there around 2:00am and the place still had a handful of people moving around. It's better to go a little later to avoid the rush. They have electric bikes which can be rented but the process to register for it is a little long.
    6 people found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 5/5 Scott G. 4 months ago on Google β€’ 543 reviews
    A beautiful and fitting memorial. I especially appreciate that the base of the sculpture is not fully completed, signifying that we all still have work to do to continue the work of Dr King.
    1 person found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 5/5 Mad Mama M. 2 years ago on Google
    Beautiful, powerful at night. I wish the quotes were a bit better lit, I'm not from here and I got nervous about following the wall into darkness.
    5 people found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 3/5 Fernando R. 7 months ago on Google β€’ 98 reviews
    The Martin Luther King monument in DC deserves recognition for its historical significance, but it falls short of expectations. While the towering statue of Dr. King is impressive, the overall design feels somewhat uninspired. The lack of interactivity or informative elements leaves visitors wanting more context about his life and legacy. Additionally, the surrounding area could use better maintenance. It's worth a visit for its historical value, but it may not leave a lasting impression compared to other monuments in Washington, D.C.
    4 people found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 5/5 tanika B. 1 year ago on Google β€’ 114 reviews
    We did a day trip to D.C. and there is so much to do that we are going to have to go back and stay a few days to really do and see more. It is easier to move around any kind of way except for your own vehicle. It pays to rideshare and rent the scooters. We went to early so we didn't get to see the cherry blossoms in full bloom, but next year we will go back to do more stuff.
    3 people found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 5/5 Jasmine N. 5 months ago on Google β€’ 476 reviews
    It's a really beautiful memorial with a beautiful view. The sculpture is inspiring and it's surrounded by quotes. It's truly a place to visit. My mother who was born before the passing of the Civil Rights Act and who had been to DC before in the 90s was in tears as she had never seen a Black person memorialized in a monument like this before. It reminds you of it's significance all over again.

  • 5/5 Ge Ge M. 2 months ago on Google β€’ 164 reviews New
    MUST SEE! It’s the KING! Outside monument. No fees, open to the public year round. Great overview of the water; Memorial store across to purchase education materials & souvenirs. Different MLK Jr quotes are around the outer area of the statue. The entire memorial visit can be done in less than 30min. Wheelchair Accessible; Very clean and plenty of parking and easy photos when we went during Black History Month on a Sunday. Our special day was 2/4/2024! 10/10 recommend!
    2 people found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 5/5 rowena m. 2 years ago on Google
    It was so cold on this day but if you go in the spring it’s really beautiful here because of the Japanese Blossom. Theres Bathroom and plenty of parking but you have to pay for parking.
    3 people found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 5/5 Julie B. 1 year ago on Google
    One of my favorite monuments in DC. It is very cool at night but there is so much to see during the day. I tearfully enjoyed roaming the memorial grounds reading the many great quotes of MLK Jr.
    3 people found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 5/5 Nanda Jagadeesh D. 2 years ago on Google
    Very beautiful carving of Martin Luther King. Loved the place. Good view from here.
    3 people found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 5/5 Djaataa O. 7 months ago on Google β€’ 18 reviews
    I had an amazing opportunity to watch a movie on the grass across from the MLK memorial in Washington DC, and it was an unforgettable experience. The setup was incredible, with a large outdoor screen set up against the backdrop of the MLK memorial, creating a truly unique atmosphere.
    2 people found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 5/5 KHALILAH BROWN-DEAN P. 4 months ago on Google β€’ 12 reviews
    Beautiful and moving place for reflection. Especially at night. Visited many times but this image felt poignant. Almost as if Dr. King was shedding tears
    2 people found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 5/5 Abid K. 4 years ago on Google
    What a great place to visit! Monument is beautifully sculpted and situated at a very nice place. Benches besides water have a nice view to sit down and relax with family. It was a hot summer day when we visited and a gentleman offered us cold water bottles. I am very thankful to the people of United States of America. Very loving, kind and hospitable people. Would definitely visit US again :)
    2 people found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 5/5 Alfred I. 7 months ago on Google
    This is an amazing memorial! A must see while in DC.
    2 people found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 5/5 Autumn B. 11 months ago on Google
    I can't really offer any additional information than what you have already read in other reviews. The memorial is gorgeously done. The setting was peaceful. We absolutely loved visiting. PROS and CONS(ish): 1. A little off the beaten path of the National Mall. Walk behind the WWI monument and cross the street to the MLK Memorial. Seek out signs. Otherwise, you might miss it and have to backtrack. 2. Plenty of space to move around and enjoy the memorial and quotes along the marble wall. Simple and stunning. 3. Great location for a ride share pickup/drop off. 4. Shaded areas to rest and enjoy the water and cherry blossoms (when in season).
    2 people found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 5/5 Alberto JoΓ£o T. 1 year ago on Google
    The sculpture of MLK is just perfect. I was wowed with the details put on the sculpture like the veins on the hand, etc.
    2 people found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 5/5 Oles G. 1 year ago on Google
    Beautiful Memorial to see. There’s a little time capsule at the very beginning that’s cool to capture and I’m excited to see it opened during my lifetime! We were on a bike tour with Unlimited Biking when we got rained out but continued on because we were soaked. It turned out to be a fun ride and educational too. I highly recommend Unlimited Biking’s Cherry Blossom tour around the Tidal Basin. Especially during the last weeks of March to see the Cherry Blossoms in full bloom.
    2 people found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 5/5 Susan H. 7 months ago on Google β€’ 135 reviews
    Stunning, simply stunning. Placement, message and poignantly placed with FDR and Jefferson. Out of the Mountain of Despair….
    1 person found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 5/5 Cyrus G. 7 months ago on Google β€’ 45 reviews
    It's an awesome place to visit and the Big Bus has stop here too! It's just on the shores of the Tidal basin and there are other memorials close by to visit including the Franklin D. Roosevelt memorial, and the Vietnam War Memorial.
    1 person found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 5/5 Chris N. 1 year ago on Google
    This monument was breathtaking. I loved how it sat near the water and overall it was great to take a moment and reflect on everything. With it being Black History month, I felt it was so much more impactful to see. Overall, this is such a great experience and I recommend a visit!
    1 person found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 5/5 Craig Y. 1 year ago on Google
    A must if your in DC . I would recommend
    1 person found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 5/5 Maria De Los Angeles Toro C. 2 years ago on Google
    It was fantastic can be there, I didn't plan and it was great, the cold πŸ₯ΆπŸ₯ΆπŸ₯Ά freezing but the landscape never before saw. I want to come back in AprilπŸ˜˜πŸ’•
    1 person found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 5/5 Emilie K. 2 years ago on Google
    Writing this on MLK day. Great memorial on Tidal Basin to honor MLK legacy.
    1 person found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 5/5 Leonardo Ruiz D. 1 year ago on Google
    Beautiful park and view of the Jefferson Memorial
    1 person found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 5/5 Andrew G. 4 months ago on Google β€’ 7 reviews
    What a monument. We went the day before MLK and there was nobody there. Would definitely recommend to go at sunset if you want to beat the crowd and take some cool pictures
    1 person found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 5/5 Grace K. 2 years ago on Google
    Beautiful memorial situated next to the tidal basin. Famous quotes are etched along the walls.
    1 person found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 5/5 Rosalba W. 7 months ago on Google
    I’ve been in DC many times but never had the time to visit the Martin Luther King Jr memorial, I can said that was a good experience , to walk around an read many of his quotes. This places has a very nice view and it’s by the water. If you are interesting in learning some history, this is one those places in DC. Ideal to come with the family or friends . Located in downtown Washington, DC, the memorial honors Martin Luther King, Jr.'s legacy and the struggle for freedom, equality, and justice. A prominent leader in the modern civil rights movement, Dr. King was a tireless advocate for racial equality, working class, and the oppressed around the world.
    1 person found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 5/5 Larry N. 1 year ago on Google
    The photos doesn’t do the memorial justice. I highly recommend visiting in person! One of my favorite quotes from Dr. King is located here.
    1 person found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 5/5 Court G (. 2 years ago on Google
    My recent visit to the MLK Memorial was refreshing and inspiring. The walls were filled with quotes from Dr. King which were very inspirational and informative for people big on history. The area was very clean, and the monument was really nice. I visited the memorial at night, and the security was present at all times, so the area is safe. I would definitely recommend to anyone in the area.
    1 person found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 5/5 Pavan K. 2 years ago on Google
    Dr King's memorial is located on tidal basin and facing Jefferson Memorial. Best location to enjoy cherry blossom in April. Visited this memorial on Federal Dr. King's holiday. Lot of families were visiting on this day with school age children to discuss about civil rights. Park rangers were available to answer any questions on this day. Must visiting place on the National Mall.
    1 person found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 5/5 Hosanna R. 1 year ago on Google
    The symbolism attached to the sculpture and the quotes were very inspiring. I found out on this last trip that Maya Angelou had a part in this as well as a Chinese man.
    1 person found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 5/5 Vimbo W. 4 months ago on Google β€’ 22 reviews
    A fantastic place to visit if you’re in DC!

  • 5/5 Liz F. 7 months ago on Google
    This part of the park is so moving. I am so glad to be able to see this monument with my son!

  • 5/5 Luke L. 1 year ago on Google
    The MLK Jr memorial, is a beautiful monument with easy street access. The monument stands strong and overlooks a gorgeous view with other national heroes moments nearby as well. There are plenty of people catching selfies, but once you look past them, you see inspiring words from King, areas for reflection, and inspiration. Words that bring life and encourage a passive change in those wise enough to hear then.

  • 5/5 Sadiq A. 1 year ago on Google
    Lovely work of art. You can also see his speech written on the wall

  • 5/5 Terri G. 1 year ago on Google
    Magnificent and touching. Not only is the main statue enormous, but the surrounding monument is full of MLK quotes which really resonate today.

  • 4/5 Charlie C. 1 year ago on Google
    Another inspiring memorial site on the National Mall. Great sculpture and inscriptions highlighting the importance of MLK Jr in American history and culture

  • 5/5 Sarah I. 1 year ago on Google
    Stunningly beautiful memorial and also a great learning experience. Views of the Tidal Basin and Jefferson memorial. A great family stop.

  • 5/5 Isaura M. 7 months ago on Google
    Beautiful memorial with engraving of some of the most important phrases on MLK civil rights movement.

  • 4/5 kishan g. 6 months ago on Google
    The Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial in Washington, D.C., is a profound and inspiring tribute to a civil rights icon. Standing beside the Tidal Basin, the memorial features a majestic statue of Dr. King, his gaze fixed on the horizon. His quotes chiseled into the granite walls encapsulate his dream of equality and justice. The "Stone of Hope" emerges from the "Mountain of Despair," symbolizing his unwavering optimism. The site, particularly in the evening, carries a sense of reverence and unity. It's a place to reflect on the ongoing struggle for civil rights and to honor the legacy of a remarkable leader. A visit here is a poignant reminder of the power of one person's dream to change the world.

  • 5/5 Lee P. 1 year ago on Google
    This is a beautiful tribute to Dr King. The larger than life carving faces east across the tidal basin. Visit at sunrise before the crowds and with the golden hour sunlight. The wall behind the statue is adorned with quotes while the surrounding area has an abundance of cherry trees.

  • 5/5 Arthur S. 7 months ago on Google
    Serene. The epic nature of the accomplishments of MLK beautifully presented in understated elegance.

  • 5/5 C S. 1 year ago on Google
    The reverend Martin Luther King jr. memorial is one of my favorite spots just off of the National mall. It is located on the edge of the Tidal Basin approximately opposite the Jefferson Memorial. Though very simple, the memorial is an excellent place for reflection. Some of doctor King's most famous quotations etched in stone along the peripheral of the monument.

  • 4/5 Petal S. 8 months ago on Google
    I love the fact that Dr. MLK monument is looking towards the tidal basin.

  • 5/5 Robin C. 1 year ago on Google
    Beautiful monument for a beautiful person. All of the monuments are beautiful and humbling at the same time. Makes me proud to be an American. I want to go back in the spring when all the trees are blossoming. Very much worth the 5 mile walk!

  • 5/5 Fernando S. 2 years ago on Google
    Very impressive in person. Pictures don’t do it justice. Very detailed where you can even see the veins in MLKs hands. Very moving and inspirational. Great place to go to start seeing the cherry blossom in the tidal basin on 1964 Independence Ave named after the Civil Rights Act of 1964.


Call (202) 426-6841 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Pets
    • βœ“οΈ Dogs allowed
  • Accessibility
    • βœ“οΈ Wheelchair accessible entrance
    • βœ“οΈ Wheelchair accessible parking lot

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