Things to do / Travel Guide
Address:West Basin Drive
Washinton, District of Columbia
Tel:
(202) 690-5185
The Franklin D. Roosevelt Memorial is a place of beauty, history, and triumph of the 32nd president and of the American people. Follow the historical trail of Franklin Delano Roosevelt's turmoil filled presidency, from the Great Depression to World War II to his untimely death. At the Franklin D. Roosevelt Memorial in Washington, D.C., guests will be afforded the opportunity to learn our nation's beloved president.
The FDR Memorial is also a place of relaxation and meditation. The park-like atmosphere is filled with waterfalls, shady spots, and statues that invoke a sense of calm and reflection. Also, since the FDR Memorial is located near the National Mall along Cherry Tree Walk, you'll see beautiful cherry trees that fill the area with pretty colors and fantastic fresh smells.
The statues at the memorial show the different stages of FDR's presidency, one ten foot statue of him in his wheelchair, another of him during his first inaugural, and another of the president with his beloved Fala. There's also a statue of a breadline during the Great Depression, a powerful tribute to the hardships our nation underwent during the early years of FDR's presidency as a sculpture of a man listening to one of FDR's fireside chats. First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt is also honored with a statue depicting her standing before the United Nations emblem.
There are four areas of the FDR Monument, each representing one of Roosevelt's terms. Visitors are encouraged to start at the beginning and work their way through the different areas chronologically.
The FDR Memorial was established on May 2, 1997 and was designed as to welcome people from all walks of life, all ages, and all physical abilities. The memorial is well equipped for people with disabilities, including wheelchair ramps, audio aids, and Braille plaques on the walls. There are many tours of Washington, D.C. that include a visit to the FDR Memorial, though there are no tours run specifically from the FDR Memorial. Entrance to the memorial is free.