The FDR Memorial is one of Washington DC’s top attractions and honors Franklin D. Roosevelt for leading America through the Great Depression and World War II. This impressive park-like monument spans 7.5 acres and features four open-air gallery rooms representing FDR’s 12-year presidency.
FDR was the only president elected four times. The monument includes ten bronze sculptures of President Roosevelt and his wife Eleanor Roosevelt with waterfalls and giant stones engraved with famous quotes on themes from the Great Depression to World War II, such as “The only thing we have to fear is fear itself.” “FDR was the only president who had a disability. He suffered from polio and sat in a wheelchair. The FDR memorial is the first monument designed to be wheelchair accessible.
The monument is located along the western shore of the Tidal Basin. The best way to get to the Tidal Basin is to take a sightseeing tour or take the subway to Smithsonian Station on the blue or orange lines. From the station, walk west on Independence Avenue to 15th Street. Turn left and head south on 15th Street. The Smithsonian Station is one mile from the FDR Memorial. View a map of the Tidal Basin
There is very limited parking near the Memorial. East Potomac Park has 320 FREE parking spaces. Tidal Basin is a short walk from the park. Handicap parking and a bus loading zone are available on West Basin Drive SW.
Visiting tips
- Visit the Memorial on a good day and take time to enjoy a leisurely stroll through the gardens. Read the inscriptions and be sure to look at the details of the sculptures. You are allowed to touch the sculptures.
- Look in the bookstore, located near the memorial entrance along West Basin Drive.
- Walk through the Tidal Basin and visit some of the other Monuments. Read more about the Tidal Basin.
- Note that the FDR Memorial has some of the best restroom facilities within the Washington DC National Park areas, so take the opportunity to use them.
FDR Memorial Schedule:
Open 24 hours
Rangers on duty every day from 9:30 am to 11:30 pm
Bookstore: open every day from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm
Official Web site:
www.nps.gov/frde
Direction:
1850 West Basin Dr. SW
Washington DC
(202) 376-6704
Attractions near the FDR Memorial
- Jefferson Memorial
- Monumento a Martin Luther King
- West Potomac Park
- Memorial de Lincoln
