Thomas Jefferson Memorial image

Thomas Jefferson Memorial

Historical landmark Monument

One of the Top rated Monuments in Washington


Address

16 E Basin Dr SW, Washington, DC 20242, United States

Website

www.nps.gov

Contact

+1 202-426-6841

Rating on Google Maps

4.80 (9.8K reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

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

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: memorial (27) Washington (14) Jefferson (14) visit (12) Thomas (10) Memorial (9) great (9) view (9) time (9) statue (9)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 Warman H. 2 years ago on Google
    This is without a doubt one of the most stunning buildings I've ever been in. I was moved to tears at the Lincoln Memorial and this place inspired me to tears! They say that the building was inspired by the Pantheon in ancient Rome. It has exactly the kind of feel that an ancient place of reverence would have. Definitely puts a person's mind to thinking of the great thoughts and words that came from this great man. The building is as beautiful as it is uncomplicated and yet ornately elegant in its marble grandeur. Make sure to visit the small bookstore as well as the small walk-through museum in the basement.
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Gary C. 1 year ago on Google
    This place has great bones! But it’s under construction like many things in DC. There’s a gift shop, but no refreshments for sale. Better take fluids with you out there. There is no supporting retail around it either. Great Lake side view of Washington Memorial too! There was lots of chopper traffic on this day. Cool military choppers too!
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Millie K. 2 years ago on Google
    Although there are some repairs being done to this memorial to Thomas Jefferson, this is a definite must go if you're going to visit the Tidal Basin. This is part of the National Park service as well. Great views of the area resuscitate of the Washington Monument across the basin. Should be spectacular during cherry blossom 🌸 season! A choir was performing on the steps which was cool too. Most enjoyable!
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Mahantesh P. 2 years ago on Google
    This is one of the nice buildings around the tidal basin you can walk around and see across. It has detailed writings on the wall and you can see the memorial around. It has gift shop and bookshop within it so that you can buy fridge magnets and books and souvenirs here
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 Paweł M. 2 months ago on Google • 1208 reviews New
    I can prove by the scriptures that slave-holders are worse than the devil, for it is written in St. James, "Resist the devil, and he will flee from you;" but if you undertake to resist the slave-holder, he will hold you the tighter. I knew a man who thought it too cruel to whip his slaves, but he stripped them naked, tied them to a board, (one end of which was on the fence, the other on the ground,) and then drew a cat by her tail down their backs. Of course the claws of the cat sunk deeply into the flesh, for at such a time a cat will resist this retrograde movement to the extent of her strength. Then he would ask the poor slave if it hurt. The reply was, "Oh! pray, master, oh! pray, master, don't."

  • 5/5 Troy W. 5 months ago on Google • 1095 reviews
    This beautiful memorial is a piece of history, art, and pop culture. The views from the top and within are enchanting and serene.

  • 5/5 onthegoboomer 1 year ago on Google
    I love this memorial/monument! To be able to sit in the atrium and read the words on the walls especially given our current political climate is very refreshing and just make you feel very proud. There is construction and renovation going on now so it doesn’t look as awesome as it should and the restrooms are closed so you will need to use the portable loos away from the monument but definitely a must see on your trip!
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Chad W. 1 year ago on Google
    We’ll worth stopping and enjoying. There was construction when we visited so we had to walk around a bit more. The size of the memorial is much larger than expected. It’s easy to access by bus. The view of the water and other memorials is also great.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 A A. 1 year ago on Google
    Such a marvellous architecture, its modelled after the world famous Pantheon no doubt….nice to have a tiny bit of Rome even when you are at DC. Clean, safe & well maintained. Makes you feel small and humbled compared to this gigantic space. Entry is free and you can walk by and enjoy the view anytime.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Lisa S. 10 months ago on Google
    This memorial paying tribute to our 3rd President and founding father is a definite must-see while visiting Washington. The architecture of the building and the statue itself are absolutely stunning. It might seem a bit dusty, but that is because there is some construction going on around the structure. You also get a fantastic view of the river and the Washington Monument in the distance. I'd advise going early in the morning before all the other tourists show up if you want to take some great photographs. As with practically all major points of interest around Washington, this exhibit can be entered for free and is accessible 24 hours a day.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Nicholas P. 4 months ago on Google • 717 reviews
    You can get your dose of exercise by going up the stairs. It’s not too bad. After you reach the top, you’ll see a statue of Thomas Jefferson. He was the third president of the United States, a Founding Father, and primary author of the Declaration of Independence. If you look around at the walls, you’ll see some of his quotes. Admission is free. Definitely less crowded than the Abraham Lincoln Memorial. You’ll get some crowds but it’s not bad. You also get an amazing view when you look out.

  • 5/5 Cassie R. 6 months ago on Google • 507 reviews
    A beautiful, easily overlooked memorial. Worth the walk around the Tidal Basin to visit close up. You will also find some beautiful views of DC while you're their, along with other notable monuments.

  • 5/5 Abdallah “Dooly” I. 3 months ago on Google • 505 reviews New
    My favorite memorial. It’s a shame that this time and last time I came, it was under renovation. Until next time, Thomas. I do like all the monuments as an American, but this one being on the outskirts it really has a nice touch.

  • 5/5 Visit Middle G. 10 months ago on Google
    An iconic American memorial, honoring 3rd president, Thomas Jefferson. Arguably the most scenic of the 3 main DC memorials. Sits on the serene Potomac basin and is surrounded by gorgeous cherry blossoms. This memorial is a bucket list item for sure and an ideal tourist spot for family trips and/or school field trips!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Christine M. 4 months ago on Google • 24 reviews
    Got to visit D.C. early November and I think the Thomas Jefferson Memorial was the most memorable for me. My visit here was brief since I had to catch a flight shortly after, but it was breathtaking. An amazing experience for sure
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Soumi G. 6 months ago on Google
    A memorial dedicated to one of the founding fathers and the third President of the US, Jefferson Memorial overlooks the Potomac tidal basin, and is located just opposite the Washington Monument. The place is beautiful, even more so after nightfall.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Andy S. 1 year ago on Google
    What a fantastic museum to visit! There is construction currently going on, but you can see everything. Polite and courteous staff everywhere to help. Highly recommend visiting after 1- 2pm ish (you'll miss the field trips) and still have time to see everything. Food trucks are a few blocks away...FYI.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Rajesh S. 11 months ago on Google
    Yesterday, I took a bus ride to the iconic Thomas Jefferson Memorial in Washington, D.C., an experience made even more convenient by the affordable fare of just one dollar from anywhere in the city. The memorial, dedicated to one of America's founding fathers, is a sight to behold. As I approached the majestic structure, I was struck by its imposing presence and the serene beauty of its surroundings. The gleaming white columns and domed rotunda pay homage to the neoclassical architectural style, while the larger-than-life statue of Thomas Jefferson serves as a reminder of his immense contributions to the nation. Standing on the banks of the Tidal Basin, the memorial offers breathtaking views of the surrounding cherry blossom trees and the iconic Washington Monument. It was a truly enriching experience that allowed me to appreciate the legacy of Thomas Jefferson and soak in the splendor of the nation's capital.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Steve R. 4 months ago on Google • 368 reviews
    Another one of the architectural wonders of Washington, D.C. It is beautiful. The arches, the dome, everything is perfect. I think it is amazing! It is another memorial in Washington, D.C. that looks great from any angle. I would highly recommend going to see it. You will not be disappointed!

  • 5/5 Brad 5 months ago on Google • 278 reviews
    By far my favorite memorial to visit. In my opinion some of the best ground level views of D.C. can be seen here. Although under construction, the site still was visitable.

  • 5/5 Miss R. 2 months ago on Google • 95 reviews New
    I did it for the exercise. 5.10 miles loop trail on All Trails. I recommend it as a way to explore while getting a strong nple workout. Beautiful scenery but tourist everywhere lol

  • 5/5 Debbie R. 3 months ago on Google • 61 reviews New
    The stairs are a tad bit steep and there is a few of them. But what a great place to reflect on the past of the founding fathers. I was here about 9 am on a Sunday and I was the only one here.

  • 5/5 Zach B. 7 months ago on Google • 37 reviews
    It's a mighty memorial! Unfortunately, they were doing some construction work at the time of our visit, but we were still able to see Jefferson standing tall and keeping an eye 👁 on the Whitehouse! We almost didn't have time to see this one, but we're very glad we got to squeeze it in! It's cool seeing all these monuments and landmarks in person! Film and television just don't do them justice!

  • 3/5 Ondřej H. 1 year ago on Google
    Looks beautifully from across the water, but we had slightly disappointing experience visiting this memorial from close up. Took us several kilometers to get to it, only to find it being repaired from all sides (as almost everything in Washington, in the summer...). Not only that, but the Jefferson's statue isn't that well done either, a bit shoddy. On the other hand, the near Lincoln's memorial was a different experience, with a beatiful statue (even though it was more crowded).

  • 5/5 John M. 1 year ago on Google
    My favorite DC memorial from a design standpoint. It’s very quiet (especially compared to the Lincoln memorial) because it is open on all sides. Beautiful columns and beautiful location! You get a great view of the White House in the distance!

  • 5/5 Chris N. 1 year ago on Google
    This memorial is probably the nicest thing I’ve ever seen. It’s a lot bigger then I expected it to be and you can walk up to it pretty close. The scripture on the walls are so powerful! Another great place to visit while in DC.

  • 5/5 Sayak D. 11 months ago on Google
    One of the most striking buildings I've ever seen in my life. This was a quiet afternoon with family on a weekend. Such a marvellous architecture, its modelled after the world famous Pantheon no doubt….nice to have a tiny bit of Rome even when you are at DC. Clean, safe & well maintained. Makes you feel small and humbled compared to this gigantic space. Entry is free and you can walk by and enjoy the view anytime.

  • 5/5 Anne H. 5 months ago on Google
    The Thomas Jefferson Memorial stuns with its pristine white marble, towering bronze statue of the man himself, and the surrounding landscape. There are several walls with quotations from Jefferson's writings in the memorial chamber. It was peaceful and inspiring to visit in the evening as the memorial and views are lovely.

  • 4/5 TK C. 5 months ago on Google
    Round romanesque column structure that is the second monument that catches your eye after the Washington skyscraper monument when you drive into the district. School busses abound there around lunch time and end of day.

  • 5/5 Blake E. 9 months ago on Google
    Well worth a stop if you are traveling around the lake. Beautiful at night. There are no tickets required to enter the monument. Don't fall for any scams that may suggest buying tickets unless you're taking a guided tour.

  • 5/5 Anthony P. 6 months ago on Google
    This place defines monumental. The rotunda is world renowned as a capital landmark, in a city full of landmarks. It features a statue of the former President surrounded by excerpts of some of his more notable writings. There are clean bathroom facilities and a small store on the premises. Always check the NPS site for this and other monuments, as the NPS often has tours of the monuments where they point out facts and other things “hidden” in plain view.

  • 5/5 Fernando R. 7 months ago on Google
    The Thomas Jefferson Memorial in DC is an absolute masterpiece and deserves every one of its 5 stars. The majestic marble structure, situated by the Tidal Basin, exudes timeless elegance and pays a fitting tribute to a founding father. The interior boasts a stunning statue of Jefferson and powerful excerpts from the Declaration of Independence. The serene surroundings make it a perfect place for contemplation. Whether day or night, this memorial offers a truly awe-inspiring experience, celebrating American ideals and history in a way that is both grand and profound. A must-visit in Washington, D.C.!

  • 5/5 Da-Wang W. 2 years ago on Google
    We came here for the cherry blossom, and it’s a beautiful view from the Jefferson Memorial! The memorial itself is also magnificent. It’s also a nice walk starting from the Washington Monument along the lake to here. Parking seems to be challenging nearby during cherry blossom season.

  • 5/5 Sara K. 7 months ago on Google
    The memorial is located on the Tidal Basin and is known for its stunning neoclassical architecture. Inside, you’ll find a bronze statue of Jefferson and excerpts from his writings. It’s a peaceful spot, especially during the cherry blossom season in the spring.

  • 4/5 Kerby L. 7 months ago on Google
    Beautiful monument overlooking the lake and the Whitehouse. Some parts of area under construction. Still good place to visit.

  • 5/5 Gwendolyn R H. 10 months ago on Google
    These larger than life memorials put a lot of things into perspective. As a Black woman, I can't help but marinate on the words written on the walls. History is a funny thing and one topic I believe all should find time to study more. With that in mind, any history buff would appreciate a visit here. This is also a highly photogenic stop on anyone's tour of the area. When my colleagues and I visited, it wasn't incredibly busy (the weather may have scared a few folks off). Personally, I'd like to return in the evening to photograph the memorial.


Call +1 202-426-6841 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible car park
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible entrance

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