World War II Memorial Monument

Address: 1750 Independence Ave SW, Washington, DC 20024, USA

Website: https://www.nps.gov/wwii

Hours: Open 24 hours

Admission: Free

The World War II Memorial is a national memorial on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., dedicated in 2004 to honor American military service and sacrifice during World War II. The memorial combines a central fountain and plaza with architectural elements that reference both the Atlantic and Pacific theaters.

Major elements include a circular plaza with a central fountain, two large pavilions that denote the Atlantic and Pacific theaters, and 56 granite pillars representing U.S. states and territories. Inscribed panels and bronze reliefs convey campaign names and themes of service and sacrifice.

A national design competition selected the memorial’s plan, and construction was completed and dedicated in 2004 following fundraising and site development in the preceding decade.

The memorial is located between the Lincoln Memorial and the Washington Monument at the east end of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool on the National Mall.

• Best time to visit: The memorial’s layout and reflective pool make sunrise and sunset especially good times for photography and a quieter visit.
• Design detail: The memorial’s 56 granite pillars represent the U.S. states and territories and are arranged in a semicircular formation around the central plaza and fountain.

The World War II Memorial sits on the National Mall between the Washington Monument and the Lincoln Memorial at 17th St and Constitution Ave NW. The closest Metro access is Smithsonian station (Blue, Orange, Silver lines), about an 8-12 minute walk; Foggy Bottom-GWU is a longer walk from the memorial. From central D.C. it’s a short drive (1-2 miles) via Constitution Ave or 17th St NW.

• Visit at sunrise or after dusk for the best light and far fewer visitors-morning calm also gives unobstructed views toward the Lincoln Memorial and Reflecting Pool.
• Walk the full site and cross toward the Lincoln Memorial side to view the World War II Memorial in context with the Reflecting Pool and Lincoln Memorial-many visitors only see the plaza.
• Don't miss the Freedom Wall on the eastern side with its gold stars; it's easy to overlook in the central plaza but brings additional historical context without extra crowds.