Built in 2011 the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Memorial is one of Washington DC‘s newest landmarks.
The main structure of this memorial is a 30 foot stone version of MLK titled “Stone of Hope”. The side of the stone contains an excerpt from the iconic “I Have a Dream” speech.
“Out of the mountain of despair, a stone of hope.”
You’ll also notice the carving of Martin Luther King, Jr. on the Stone of Hope appears to be pulled out from the large boulder behind it. The large rock behind the Memorial symbolizes the Mountain of Despair.
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How to get to the MLK Memorial
The MLK Jr. Memorial is located directly on the Tidal Basin in DC and is easily accessible. The MLK Memorial is free to visit any time of the day. There is also a public restroom located across the street from the memorial.
Typically I find parking on Ohio drive SW or bike down to the area, it’s only a short walk from the National Mall as well.
The best metro stops for the MLK Memorial are the Smithsonian (0.9 miles away) and Foggy Bottom (1.4 miles away) metro stops.
The address of the memorial is 1964 Independence Avenue SW, DC which is a nod to the 1964 Civil Rights Act which he played an important role in.
Good to know for 2026: the National Park Service rebuilt the seawall around the Tidal Basin, and the walking loop past the MLK Memorial reopened in spring 2026, now wider and fully ADA-accessible. It makes the short stroll between the MLK and Jefferson memorials smoother than it has been in years.
MLK, Jr. Memorial on Google MapsThe Story Behind the Memorial
Plans for a national memorial to Dr. King go back to the 1980s, but construction did not begin until 2009. The memorial opened to the public on August 22, 2011, and the official dedication followed on October 16, 2011, after the original August date was postponed by Hurricane Irene.
The centerpiece, the Stone of Hope, was carved by Chinese sculptor Lei Yixin. It looks as though it has been pushed forward out of the Mountain of Despair behind it, a nod to a line from the “I Have a Dream” speech: “Out of the mountain of despair, a stone of hope.” A curving Inscription Wall wraps the site with more than a dozen of Dr. King’s quotes, drawn from sermons, speeches, and writings between 1955 and 1968.
One detail worth knowing: the north face of the Stone of Hope originally carried a paraphrased quote, “I was a drum major for justice, peace and righteousness.” Critics, including poet Maya Angelou, felt the shortened wording made Dr. King sound boastful. In 2013 the original sculptor carved the inscription away, which is why that side of the stone now shows smooth horizontal striations instead.
Best Time to Visit and Photograph the MLK Memorial
The MLK Memorial is one of the best places in DC to pair a monument with the cherry blossoms. In late March and early April the trees along this stretch of the Tidal Basin bloom right up against the Stone of Hope. Early morning is best, both for softer light and to beat the crowds.
The statue looks out over the Tidal Basin, so it catches warm light at sunrise. After dark the memorial is lit and much quieter, and it pairs naturally with a longer walk around the basin to the Jefferson Memorial and Lincoln Memorial.
Photos of the MLK Memorial
Here are a few more of my photos from the MLK Jr. Memorial and around the Tidal Basin. The Memorial is great to visit any time of year and especially beautiful during cherry blossom season.
Frequently Asked Questions about the MLK Memorial
What is the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial?
The Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial is a national monument dedicated to the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. It is located in West Potomac Park in Washington D.C., near the National Mall and on the Tidal Basin.
When was the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial built?
The Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial was built between 2009 and 2011, and was officially opened to the public on August 22, 2011.
Who designed the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial?
The sculpture at the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial was sculpted by the Chinese artist master Lei Yixin.
What does the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial look like?
The Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial consists of several components, including a large statue of Dr. King, a wall inscribed with some of his most famous quotes, and a ceremonial entrance known as the “Mountain of Despair.” The statue itself is 30 feet tall and made of white granite, and depicts Dr. King with his arms crossed and a stern expression on his face.
What is the significance of the “Mountain of Despair” at the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial?
The “Mountain of Despair” is a large rock outcropping that visitors must pass through in order to reach the statue of Dr. King. It represents the struggle and adversity that Dr. King faced during his life, and serves as a symbolic reminder of the challenges that still exist in the fight for equality and justice in America.
Is the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial free to visit?
Yes, the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial is completely free and open to the public year-round, 24 hours a day.
Is the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial accessible for people with disabilities?
Yes, the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial is fully accessible for people with disabilities. There are designated parking spaces and ramps to assist visitors with mobility issues, as well as tactile exhibits and audio tours for visitors with visual or hearing impairments.
What is the best time of year to visit the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial?
The Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial can be visited year-round, but the best time to visit depends on your personal preferences (read: best time to visit DC). Spring and fall offer mild temperatures and beautiful foliage, while summer can be hot and humid but offers longer hours of daylight. Winter can be cold, but the Memorial is less crowded during this time.
How tall is the Stone of Hope at the MLK Memorial?
The Stone of Hope, the central sculpture of Dr. King, stands 30 feet tall and is carved from white granite.
Why was a quote removed from the MLK Memorial?
The north face of the Stone of Hope once read “I was a drum major for justice, peace and righteousness,” a paraphrase of one of Dr. King’s sermons. Many people felt the shortened version made him sound arrogant, so in 2013 the original sculptor carved the inscription off. The horizontal striations left behind are still visible today.
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