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Thomas Jefferson Memorial

Photo: Jay Wald / CC BY-SA 4.0 · source

🎡 Attractions

Thomas Jefferson Memorial

Washington, DC · National Mall

About

Set on the south bank of the Tidal Basin, this white-marble rotunda answers the Lincoln and Washington memorials across the water with a low dome and a ring of columns built in the neoclassical style Jefferson himself loved. Step inside and a 19-foot bronze of the third president stands under the dome, encircled by his own words carved into the walls, from the Declaration to his thoughts on liberty. It is free and open 24 hours, and in late March the cherry trees lining the basin bloom right up to its steps, which is when the reflection across the water is at its best.

Highlights

Domed neoclassical rotunda on the Tidal Basin19-foot bronze statue of Thomas JeffersonJefferson's words carved into the interior wallsRinged by cherry trees that bloom in late MarchFree and open 24 hours

Getting there

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Washington D.C. Attractions23 places

Washington D.C. Attractions

No city packs more world-class attractions into a walk than Washington, and most of it is free. The Smithsonians line the National Mall like a museum mile, from the moon lander hanging in Air and Space to the Hope Diamond and the Wright Flyer. Between them stand the monuments and memorials: Lincoln gazing down the reflecting pool, the Washington Monument over the Tidal Basin cherry trees, the marble halls of the Capitol and the Library of Congress. Bring good shoes and a full day, and you still will not see it all.