Freedom Plaza is a popular site for local events and political protests in Washington, DC. It is located along Pennsylvania Avenue, adjacent to Pershing Park and a few blocks from the White House. The western end of the square contains a large fountain, while the eastern end contains an equestrian statue of Kazimierz Pułaski, a Polish soldier who saved George Washington’s life and became a general in the Continental Army. There is also a giant stone map of the District of Columbia, designed by Pierre L’Enfant.
The Freedom Plaza design was the result of a competition organized by the Pennsylvania Avenue Development Corporation. The space was designed by architect Robert Venturi of Venturi, Rausch and Scott Brown and landscape architect George Patton, which was completed in 1980. It was originally named Western Plaza and renamed in 1988 in honor of Martin Luther King’s “I Have a Dream”. Jr. »speaks.
Venue and Events
Pennsylvania Avenue NW between 13th and 14th streets
Washington, DC 20004
The closest metro stations are Federal Triangle and Metro Center
Annual events that take place at Freedom Plaza include DC Emancipation Day, Bike to Work Day, the Sakura Matsuri Japanese Street Festival, and more.
The Freedom Plaza design was partially completed due to concerns expressed by the chairman of the Fine Arts Commission, J. Carter Brown. The original plan was to include large models of the White House and Capitol buildings and several additional sculptures.
About architect Robert Venturi
The Philadelphia-based architect has won numerous awards, including the Presidential Design Award for Franklin Court, and has published extensively on modern architecture and planning. His firm completed a variety of projects including Dumbarton Oaks (renovation), Dumbarton Oaks Library, Dartmouth College Library, Harvard University Memorial Hall, San Diego Museum of Contemporary Art, Philadelphia Zoo Tree House and much more.
About Landscape Architect George Patton
The North Carolina-based landscape architect has designed Locust Walk at the University of Pennsylvania, the Philadelphia Museum of Art, and the Kimbell Museum of Art in Fort Worth, Texas. He published articles on architecture and planning, taught architecture at the University of Pennsylvania, and was one of the six founders of the Landscape Architecture Foundation.
