The Eisenhower Memorial, a national monument honoring President Dwight D. Eisenhower, will be built on a four-acre site between SW 4th and 6th streets, south of Independence Avenue in Washington, DC. Eisenhower served as the 34th President of the United States and provided crucial leadership during World War II, ending the Korean War, and maintaining active communications with the Soviet Union during the Cold War.
In 2010, the Eisenhower Memorial Commission selected a design concept from world-famous architect Frank O.
Gehry The proposed design has drawn criticism from the Eisenhower family, members of Congress and others. As of December 2015, Congress has not approved funding for the project. Critics have argued that the elements of the monument are inappropriate and disrespectful. The Eisenhower Memorial was designed to feature an oak forest, massive limestone columns, and a semi-circular space made of monolithic stone blocks. There will be sculptures and inscriptions depicting images from Eisenhower’s life. The Memorial commission aims for an opening date for 2019, the 75th anniversary of D-Day.
Construction cannot begin until funds are allocated.
Key Elements of the Eisenhower Memorial Design
- Statues: Three sculptures will portray Eisenhower as a young man, as a president, and as a general. Excerpts from his most memorable speeches will be inscribed in the memorial.
- Tapestries – Tapestries will be created to frame the site and provide a dramatic visual scene.
- E-Memorial – The memorial will be the first to use wireless technology to provide an interactive experience for visitors.
- Information Station: There will be a bookstore, public restrooms and a ranger station on site.
Location
The Eisenhower Memorial will be an urban park located along Independence Avenue, between 4th and 6th streets, SW Washington DC, just south of the National Mall, near the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum, the Department of Education, the Department of Health and Human Services, the Federal Aviation Administration and the Voice of America. The closest subway stations are L’Enfant Plaza, Federal Center SW and Smithsonian. Parking is very limited in the area and public transportation is suggested.
For suggestions of places to park, see a guide to parking near the National Mall.
About Dwight D. Eisenhower
Dwight D. (Ike) Eisenhower was born on October 14, 1890, in Denison, Texas. In 1945 he was appointed Chief of Staff of the United States Army. He became the first Supreme Allied Commander of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) in 1951. In 1952 he was elected President of the United States. It served two terms. Eisenhower died on March 28, 1969 at Walter Reed Army Hospital in Washington, DC.
About architect Frank O. Gehry
World-renowned architect Frank O. Gehry is a full-service architectural firm with extensive international experience in museum, theater, performance, academic and commercial projects. Gehry’s notable projects include: the Bilbao Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, Spain; the Experience Music Project in Seattle, Washington and the Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles, California.
Website : www.eisenhowermemorial.org
