Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial, Washington D.C.

The Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial, located in Washington D.C., is dedicated to commemorating Franklin Delano Roosevelt, the 32nd President of the United States, and the historical era he represented. This memorial is one of two in Washington that pays tribute to Roosevelt.

It was officially inaugurated on May 2, 1997, by President Bill Clinton. Situated on a 7.5-acre site next to the southwest side of the Tidal Basin, along the Cherry Tree Walk in West Potomac Park, the memorial chronicles 12 years of American history through a series of four outdoor rooms, each corresponding to one of FDR's presidential terms. Sculptures, inspired by photographs, portray the 32nd president alongside his dog, Fala.

The memorial also features sculptures depicting scenes from the Great Depression, such as people listening to Roosevelt's fireside chats on the radio and waiting in bread lines, including a bronze sculpture created by George Segal. Another prominent sculpture portrays First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt standing in front of the United Nations emblem, honoring her commitment to the UN. Notably, this is the only presidential memorial that includes a depiction of a First Lady.

In recognition of Roosevelt's own physical challenges, the memorial's designers aimed to make it accessible to individuals with various physical impairments. Among its accessibility features is an area with tactile reliefs featuring braille writing for visitors who are blind.

Why You Should Visit:
Impressively laid out memorial (going through all four of FDR's terms) that feels both monumental and serene at the same time – like a mini outdoor museum.

Tip:
Make sure to approach from the Lincoln Memorial, so you can enjoy the FDR memorial in a chronological order.
You can walk through the exhibit on your own or you can request a tour from the park rangers. They are on duty to answer questions from 9:30am to 10pm daily.