Lincoln Memorial

With reflecting pool

The sculptor's possible use of sign language is speculated, as the statue's left hand forms an "A" while the right hand portrays an "L".

Abraham Lincoln, by Daniel Chester French, 1920

A temporary ramp was put in place during construction

President Barack Obama, First Lady Michelle Obama, and former presidents Jimmy Carter and Bill Clinton walk past President Lincoln's statue to participate in the 2013 50th anniversary ceremony of the historic March on Washington and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s "I Have a Dream" speech

Detail of the memorial's friezes

Lincoln Memorial

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"One of America's Most Visited Attractions"

Lincoln Memorial, Washington Overview

The Lincoln Memorial is one of the most visited memorials of Washington DC. Designed like a neoclassical temple, it pays tribute to the legacy of Abraham Lincoln, the 16th President of the US, who is credited with abolishing slavery and moderinixing the US economy.

The memorial consists of a seated statue of Lincoln on a tall pedestal, made of marble. The 30ft statue is flanked by walls with inscriptions of the two most famous speeches of his career, the Gettysburg Address and his second inaugural address. The exterior of the memorial is also made fully of marble, with the 36 columns designed to resemble that of a Greek temple.

The Lincoln Memorial has been the site of many famous moments in American history. This includes the famous “I Have A Dream” speech by Martin Luther King Jr., as part of the Civil Rights Movement in the 1960’s.

Designed by: Daniel Chester French (Interiors)
Artists involved: Piccirilli Brothers (Statue)
Jules Guerin (Painting)
Built to commemorate: Abraham Lincoln, 16th President of United States of America
Timings: 24 hours, 7 days a week
Address: 2 Lincoln Memorial Cir NW, Washington, DC 20002, United States
Fees: Free
Closest metro station: Foggy Bottom GWU Station