Jefferson Memorial

The Jefferson Memorial stands at 16 East Basin Drive SW on the south shore of the Tidal Basin in Washington, DC, in the United States. Designed by John Russell Pope in neoclassical style inspired by the Roman Pantheon and by Jefferson's own architecture, it was dedicated in 1943. A circular colonnade of Ionic columns supports a shallow dome, and the open design lets breezes and views of the water pass through. Inside, a 19-foot bronze statue of Thomas Jefferson by sculptor Rudulph Evans stands at the center, and the walls carry excerpts from the Declaration of Independence and other writings, including his statement on religious freedom. A small exhibit space below the main level explains Jefferson's life and the memorial's construction. The memorial is free and open 24 hours, with National Park Service rangers on duty from 9:30am to 10pm. A visit takes 30 to 45 minutes. The Tidal Basin is surrounded by Yoshino cherry trees, and late March to early April brings the National Cherry Blossom Festival, when the memorial is framed by pink blossoms and crowds are at their largest. The best photo angles are from across the Tidal Basin looking back at the dome, and from the steps looking toward the Washington Monument and the White House. Sunset and after-dark visits are especially atmospheric. Parking at the Tidal Basin is very limited, so most visitors walk about 1.1 miles from the Smithsonian Metro station or use the DC Circulator National Mall route.