The Vietnam Veterans Memorial sits in Constitution Gardens at 5 Henry Bacon Drive NW, near the west end of the National Mall in Washington, DC, in the United States. Designed by Maya Lin while she was a student at Yale and dedicated in 1982, the memorial consists of two black granite walls that meet at a 125-degree angle, sinking gently into the earth. The names of more than 58,000 service members who died or went missing in the Vietnam War are engraved in chronological order by date of casualty, beginning and ending at the vertex. Visitors walk down along the wall, and many make rubbings of names or leave flowers, letters and personal items, which the National Park Service collects. Directories near the entrances help locate individual names, and rangers can assist. Close by are the Three Servicemen statue and the Vietnam Women's Memorial, both added later. Entry is free, and the memorial is open 24 hours, with rangers on duty from 9:30am to 10pm. A visit usually takes 20 to 40 minutes. The polished surface reflects the faces of visitors and the surrounding trees, and the best photo moments are in early morning light and at dusk when lights illuminate the names. Crowds are heaviest on weekends, around Memorial Day and Veterans Day, and in spring; early morning and evening are quieter and more contemplative. The memorial is about a 0.9-mile walk from the Foggy Bottom-GWU Metro station, and the Lincoln Memorial lies a short walk to the south-west.
| Admission | Free |
|---|---|
| Hours | Open 24 hours; rangers 9:30am-10pm |
| Typical visit | 20-40 minutes |
| Best time | Early morning or at dusk |
| Getting there | Metro: Foggy Bottom-GWU (Blue/Orange/Silver), about 0.9 miles walk |
| Address | 5 Henry Bacon Dr NW, Washington, DC 20002 |
Location
5 Henry Bacon Dr NW, Washington, DC 20002
38.8914, -77.0477 View on map
Highlights
- Maya Lin's black granite wall engraved with more than 58,000 names
- Name directories and ranger help to locate individual names
- Three Servicemen statue nearby
- Vietnam Women's Memorial
- Reflections of visitors and trees in the polished stone
Tips for visiting
- Visit at dawn or dusk for a quieter atmosphere.
- Ask a ranger or consult the directory to find a specific name, and request a rubbing if wished.
- Show respect: speak quietly and avoid climbing on the wall.
- Combine with the Lincoln Memorial and Korean War Veterans Memorial on one walk.
- Wear comfortable shoes; the paths are long and mostly unshaded.
When to visit
Early morning or dusk offers the quietest atmosphere. Holiday weekends bring the largest crowds.
Accessibility
The memorial is wheelchair accessible via paved paths that slope gently down along the wall. Visitors can reach the names and items left at the wall.
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Frequently asked questions
How long does a visit take?
Most visitors spend 20 to 40 minutes, longer when searching for a specific name.
Is there an admission fee?
No. The memorial is free and open 24 hours a day, with rangers on duty from 9:30am to 10pm.
Is it worth it for kids?
Older children can learn from it, but the setting is solemn and best suited to quiet respectful visits.
Is photography allowed?
Yes. Photography is welcome, though visitors are asked to be considerate of people paying respects.