Oscar Straus Memorial
Park Bronze memorial honoring diplomat Oscar Straus in Washington
In Washington, D.C., the Oscar Straus Memorial commemorates the first Jewish U.S. cabinet member with sculptural relief and a fountain; it’s visited by monument seekers and those exploring the city’s public art.
The Oscar Straus Memorial in Washington, D.C. commemorates Oscar S. Straus, who served in Theodore Roosevelt’s administration as Secretary of Commerce and Labor and later in public service. The memorial is a small civic monument located in the capital city.
The feature is a public memorial that visitors encounter in the urban fabric of Washington, D.C.; it is a modest commemorative work rather than a museum or large park. Interpretation focuses on Straus’s role in U.S. government and public life.
Oscar S. Straus was a prominent early 20th century public official and the memorial honors his service. The work was installed by civic or federal authorities to preserve his memory in the nation’s capital.
The memorial is situated in downtown Washington, D.C., within the city’s central civic and memorial district.
How to Get to Oscar Straus Memorial #
Located on Massachusetts Avenue NW near 20th Street NW. From Metro Center (Red/Blue/Orange/Silver lines) it is about a 10-15 minute walk north along 15th or 17th Street and then west along Massachusetts Ave. Several bus routes on Massachusetts Ave stop nearby.
Tips for Visiting Oscar Straus Memorial #
- Approach the memorial from the western side along Massachusetts Ave NW for the clearest view; it's easy to miss from traffic.
- Visit early morning to see the bronze pick up the low sun - the plaza is mostly empty before 9am.
- Combine with a walk along Embassy Row and the nearby Decatur House for context - the memorial is small and best appreciated as part of a stroll.
Best Time to Visit Oscar Straus Memorial #
Best seen as part of a walking tour of central Washington; crowd levels are low year-round since the memorial is small and off the main tourist circuit.
Weather & Climate near Oscar Straus Memorial #
Oscar Straus Memorial's climate is classified as Humid Subtropical - Humid Subtropical climate with hot summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -4°C to 32°C. Abundant rainfall (1048 mm/year), wettest in May, distributed fairly evenly throughout the year.
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 6°C and lows of -4°C. Moderate rainfall (79 mm).
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February
February is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of -2°C. Moderate rainfall (69 mm).
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March
March is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of 2°C. Regular rainfall (92 mm).
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April
April is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 6°C. Moderate rainfall (78 mm).
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May
May is mild with highs of 25°C and lows of 12°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (104 mm).
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June
June is mild with highs of 29°C and lows of 17°C. Regular rainfall (87 mm).
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July
July is the warmest month with highs of 32°C and lows of 20°C. Significant rainfall (101 mm).
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August
August is warm with highs of 30°C and lows of 19°C. Regular rainfall (96 mm).
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September
September is mild with highs of 27°C and lows of 15°C. Regular rainfall (95 mm).
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October
October is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 8°C. Regular rainfall (83 mm).
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November
November is cold with highs of 15°C and lows of 3°C. Regular rainfall (83 mm).
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December
December is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of -1°C. Regular rainfall (81 mm).
