Located on the National Mall in Washington D.C. the World War II Memorial is dedicated to Americans who served in the forces during WWII. The WWII Memorial consists of 56 pillars representing all US states and territories, a large fountain in the middle, and two arches on the sides to represent the Atlantic and Pacific theaters.
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No matter the time of day the World War II memorial is stunning to visit. While standing in the plaza in the middle of the memorial you can see the Washington Monument and Lincoln Memorial.
The west side of the memorial features the Freedom Wall, the wall contains 4,048 stars each representing 100 Americans who died in the war. The front of Freedom Wall reads “Here we mark the price of freedom”.
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Getting to the World War II Memorial
Located on the National Mall between the Lincoln Memorial and Washington Monument the WWII Memorial is easy to get to when visiting either.
The closest metro stops from the WWII Memorial are Smithsonian Metro Station (0.7 miles away) and Federal Triangle (0.9 miles away).
If you’re planning on driving to the World War II Memorial you’ll probably want to find parking on Constitution Ave NW.
Visiting the World War II Memorial is free and open 24/7 (unless there is an event). No matter the time of day you can wander around the grounds.
World War II Memorial on Google MapsWorld War II Memorial Pictures
Here are more photos of the WWII Memorial in Washington DC. If you’re a photographer you can use these pictures as inspiration to finding interesting angles at the memorial. The WWII Memorial is quite small so you can easily walk around and try to get interesting captures.
I love to capture the Washington Monument from the WWII Memorial, especially at night since the fountain is lit up at night. A zoom lens (24-70mm) would be a great addition to your camera bag when visiting the memorial to capture close up details but also the grand nature of the memorial.
Frequently Asked Questions about the World War II Memorial
What is the World War II Memorial in Washington D.C.?
The World War II Memorial is a national memorial dedicated to Americans who served in the armed forces and as civilians during World War II. It is located on the National Mall in Washington D.C., between the Washington Monument and the Lincoln Memorial.
When was the World War II Memorial built?
The World War II Memorial was built from 2001 to 2004 and opened to the public on April 29, 2004. It was formally dedicated a month later, on May 29, 2004, by President George W. Bush over Memorial Day weekend. The memorial was designed by architect Friedrich St. Florian, whose entry won a national design competition that drew more than 400 submissions.
When is the best time to visit the WWII Memorial?
Personally my favorite time to visit the World War II memorial is sunrise. You’ll find almost no crowds, plus you can see the light come up over the Washington Monument and land on the memorial. If you aren’t an early bird sunset is also great since you can watch sunset right behind the WWII Memorial go down over the Lincoln Memorial and Reflecting Pool. Night is also a nice time to visit since you’ll see the fountain light up at night and the glow of the light from the surrounding memorials.
What does the World War II Memorial look like?
The World War II Memorial is a large plaza with several features that honor the Americans who served in World War II. It includes a central fountain, 56 granite pillars standing 17 feet tall (representing the 48 states at the time of the war, the District of Columbia, Alaska, Hawaii, the Commonwealth of the Philippines, Puerto Rico, Guam, American Samoa, and the U.S. Virgin Islands), and two 43-foot arches (representing the Atlantic and Pacific theaters of the war). On the west side, the Freedom Wall holds 4,048 gold stars, each one honoring 100 Americans who died in the war.
Is the World War II Memorial free to visit?
Yes, the World War II Memorial is free and open to the public 24 hours a day, seven days a week. There is no admission fee or ticket required to visit the memorial.
Can I bring food or drinks to the World War II Memorial?
Yes, you are allowed to bring food and drinks to the World War II Memorial. However, glass containers and alcoholic beverages are not allowed on the premises.
Can I bring my pet to the World War II Memorial?
No, pets are not allowed at the World War II Memorial except for service animals that assist people with disabilities.
Is the World War II Memorial accessible to people with disabilities?
Yes, the World War II Memorial is fully accessible to people with disabilities. The memorial includes ramps and other accommodations to ensure that all visitors can enjoy the memorial.
Are guided tours available at the World War II Memorial?
Periodically the National Park Service will have a park ranger available for questions at the WWII Memorial. While there is no dedicated tour of the WWII Memorial by the NPS there are plenty of companies you can hire to give you a tour.
Are there any events or ceremonies held at the World War II Memorial?
Yes, the World War II Memorial is the site of several events and ceremonies throughout the year, including wreath-laying ceremonies, honor flights, and commemorative events. Check the National Park Service website for a schedule of upcoming events.
Where is “Kilroy was here” at the World War II Memorial?
Two “Kilroy was here” engravings are hidden at the memorial, a nod to the cartoon American GIs scribbled wherever they went during the war. One is tucked into a corner on the Atlantic side near the Pennsylvania pillar, and the other is on the Pacific side near the Delaware pillar, both behind the gates. Spotting them has become a fun scavenger hunt for visitors.
However you photograph it, the World War II Memorial is one of the most moving stops on the National Mall, and it’s at its best at sunrise when you can have the plaza nearly to yourself.
