Statue of Abraham Lincoln (Lincoln Memorial)
Tomb Iconic seated Lincoln statue within Washington's memorial
Marble statue of Abraham Lincoln inside the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C.; visitors come for the sculpture, the inscribed speeches, and the view down the Reflecting Pool.
The Statue of Abraham Lincoln sits inside the Lincoln Memorial on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. The memorial was dedicated in 1922 and the seated marble figure of Lincoln is 19 feet tall.
The interior houses the large seated statue and carved inscriptions of the Gettysburg Address and Lincoln’s Second Inaugural Address, both intended for public reflection. The memorial’s colonnaded exterior of 36 columns frames the west end of the National Mall and provides an iconic eastward view over the Reflecting Pool to the Washington Monument.
Designed by architect Henry Bacon with the statue by sculptor Daniel Chester French, the memorial was built between 1914 and 1922 and dedicated as a national monument to Abraham Lincoln. The statue was carved in marble by the Piccirilli Brothers and installed at the time of dedication.
The memorial occupies the western terminus of the National Mall in Washington, D.C., on the northern edge of the Reflecting Pool.
- Statue height and dedication: The seated marble figure is 19 feet tall and was dedicated in 1922.
- Inscripted speeches: Inscriptions of the Gettysburg Address and the Second Inaugural Address are carved on the interior walls.
- Best viewing: The memorial faces east across the Reflecting Pool to the Washington Monument, making sunrise views and the axial vista popular photo spots.
What to See #
- Lincoln statue: A 5.8 metre (19 foot) seated figure carved in marble and executed by the Piccirilli Brothers from a model by sculptor Daniel Chester French; installed in the memorial chamber and set on a large pedestal.
- Inscription chamber: Interior walls of the memorial chamber bearing the full texts of the Gettysburg Address and Lincoln's Second Inaugural Address, carved in stone for public reading.
- Colonnade and terrace: A colonnaded, temple-like exterior with a peristyle of 36 Doric columns representing the states in the Union at the time of Lincoln's death, plus the broad steps and terrace framing the west end of the National Mall.
How to Get to Statue of Abraham Lincoln (Lincoln Memorial) #
On the west end of the National Mall, between the Washington Monument and the Potomac. Metro: Foggy Bottom-GWU (Blue/Orange/Silver lines) or Smithsonian (Orange/Blue/Silver to Federal Triangle plus a walk). Numerous Metrobus lines and parking nearby.
Tips for Visiting Statue of Abraham Lincoln (Lincoln Memorial) #
- Visit at sunrise or sunset for the best photographs - the statue's face and the Reflecting Pool to the west create memorable compositions.
- Climb the memorial steps for views back toward the Washington Monument and the Mall.
- Weekday mornings are usually quieter than weekends; avoid major federal holidays if possible.
Best Time to Visit Statue of Abraham Lincoln (Lincoln Memorial) #
Any season works; spring and autumn balance pleasant weather with manageable crowds.
Weather & Climate near Statue of Abraham Lincoln (Lincoln Memorial) #
Statue of Abraham Lincoln (Lincoln 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 (1031 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 (78 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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February
February is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of -2°C. Moderate rainfall (68 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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March
March is cold with highs of 14°C and lows of 2°C. Regular rainfall (90 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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April
April is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 7°C. Moderate rainfall (77 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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May
May is mild with highs of 25°C and lows of 12°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (102 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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June
June is mild with highs of 30°C and lows of 17°C. Regular rainfall (86 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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July
July is the warmest month with highs of 32°C and lows of 20°C. Regular rainfall (99 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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August
August is warm with highs of 31°C and lows of 19°C. Regular rainfall (95 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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September
September is mild with highs of 27°C and lows of 15°C. Regular rainfall (93 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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October
October is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 8°C. Regular rainfall (81 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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November
November is cold with highs of 15°C and lows of 3°C. Regular rainfall (82 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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December
December is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of -1°C. Regular rainfall (80 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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