The Jefferson Memorial is a stunning marble memorial situated in the heart of Washington DC. The iconic landmark pays tribute to one of America’s founding fathers, Thomas Jefferson. Built in 1943 the memorial features a 19-foot tall bronze statue of Thomas Jefferson.
I’ve spent countless times at the Jefferson Memorial so in this post I’ll go over some of my tips for visit and sharing my favorite photos.
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How to Get to the Jefferson Memorial
The Jefferson Memorial is located on the south side of the Tidal Basin in Washington DC. The Memorial is open 24/7 and free to enter.
If you plan on driving to the Jefferson Memorial you can find parking on Ohio drive SW near Haines Point or in one of the parking lots A, B, or C. Keep in mind with limited spots it can be difficult to find parking on a busy day. You can also park near the National Mall and walk over.
The best metro stop for the Jefferson Memorial is the Smithsonian Metro station which is 0.9 miles away. You can take the blue, orange, or silver Metro lines to the Smithsonian station.
Good to know for 2026: the National Park Service recently rebuilt the seawall around the Tidal Basin, and the walking loop that passes the Jefferson Memorial reopened in spring 2026. It is now wider and fully ADA-accessible, so getting from the memorial around to the cherry blossoms is easier than it has been in years.
Jefferson Memorial on Google MapsHistory of the Jefferson Memorial
The Jefferson Memorial was designed by architect John Russell Pope, who modeled it after the Pantheon in Rome, a building Thomas Jefferson himself admired and borrowed from for both Monticello and the University of Virginia. President Franklin D. Roosevelt dedicated the memorial on April 13, 1943, the 200th anniversary of Jefferson’s birth.
The 19-foot bronze statue of Jefferson at the center weighs around 10,000 pounds and was sculpted by Rudulph Evans. Because of metal shortages during World War II, the memorial actually opened with a painted plaster cast of the statue. The finished bronze version was not installed until 1947, four years after the dedication.
Inside, four panels are engraved with Jefferson’s own words, including a passage from the Declaration of Independence. The domed rotunda rises about 129 feet, and the open colonnade is what gives the memorial its clean reflection across the Tidal Basin toward the Washington Monument.
Best Time to Visit and Photograph the Jefferson Memorial
The best time to photograph the Jefferson Memorial is early in the morning at sunrise, when the light comes up behind the dome and the Tidal Basin is still enough to hold a clean reflection. The classic angle is from the north side of the basin near the Inlet Bridge, looking back across the water.
Late March into early April is peak cherry blossom season, when the trees ringing the basin bloom and the crowds are at their heaviest. If you want the blossoms without the crush, get there at first light. It is also worth circling back after dark, when the memorial is lit from within and makes for a striking night photo. The neighboring MLK Memorial is a two-minute walk around the basin if you want to see both in one trip.
Jefferson Memorial Pictures
Here are photos of the Jefferson Memorial from years of photographing it along the Tidal Basin.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Jefferson Memorial
What is the Jefferson Memorial?
The Jefferson Memorial is a national monument dedicated to the third President of the United States, Thomas Jefferson. It is located in Washington DC, on the Tidal Basin.
What is inside the Jefferson Memorial?
Inside the Jefferson Memorial, visitors will find a bronze statue of Thomas Jefferson, as well as inscriptions of some of his famous quotes.
When was the Jefferson Memorial built?
The Jefferson Memorial started construction in 1939 and established on April 13, 1943.
Who designed the Jefferson Memorial?
The Jefferson Memorial was designed by architect John Russell Pope.
What is the style of the Jefferson Memorial?
The Jefferson Memorial is designed in the neoclassical style, which was popular during the time of Thomas Jefferson.
How tall is the Jefferson Memorial?
The Thomas Jefferson Memorial is 129 feet tall while the bronze statue of Jefferson inside the memorial is 19 feet tall.
Is the Jefferson Memorial free?
Yes, the Jefferson Memorial is free to visit.
What are the visiting hours for the Jefferson Memorial?
The Jefferson Memorial is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Is the Jefferson Memorial accessible for people with disabilities?
Yes, the Jefferson Memorial is fully accessible for people with disabilities.
What else is there to do around the Jefferson Memorial?
Visitors to the Jefferson Memorial can also take a stroll around the Tidal Basin and see the famous cherry blossom trees, or visit other nearby landmarks such as the Washington Monument and the Lincoln Memorial.
Is photography allowed inside the Jefferson Memorial?
Yes, photography is allowed inside the Jefferson Memorial, but tripods and other professional equipment are not allowed without a permit.
Can I bring food or drinks inside the Jefferson Memorial?
No, food and drinks are not allowed inside the Jefferson Memorial.
Was the statue inside the Jefferson Memorial always bronze?
No. When the memorial was dedicated in 1943, World War II metal shortages meant the statue on display was a painted plaster cast. The finished 19-foot bronze statue by Rudulph Evans was not installed until 1947.
What is written inside the Jefferson Memorial?
The interior walls hold four panels engraved with Jefferson’s own words, including a passage from the Declaration of Independence and excerpts from his writings on freedom and religious liberty.
The Jefferson Memorial in Washington DC, is a place that history buffs and photographers will love visiting. This landmark is surrounded by beautiful architecture and iconic surroundings. You can take pictures of the memorial’s beauty or just take a moment to think about what it means. Either way, a trip to the Jefferson Memorial is a very rewarding experience to anyone visiting DC.
I hope you enjoyed my guide to the Jefferson Memorial in Washington DC. If you are looking for more things to do in DC I recommend reading my full list of DC photo spots.
