Destination Spotlight

Martin Luther King, Jr. National Memorial

The Martin Luther King, Jr. National Memorial opened in August of 2011 on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. A calm and reflective space, the memorial consists of a crescent-shaped Inscription Wall and a plaza along the Tidal Basin which houses a statue of Martin Luther King, Jr. The Inscription Wall presents 14 of his most memorable quotes, and the sound of the water in the Tidal Basin provides a calm atmosphere, emphasizing Dr. King’s efforts to create peaceful change.

Did you know?

• The MLK Memorial adds 182 new cherry blossom trees to the area around the Tidal Basin. Their peak blooming period each year includes April 4, the anniversary of Dr. King’s assassination.
• None of the quotations featured on Dr. King’s memorial come from his famous “I Have a Dream” speech.
• The Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial is located directly between the Lincoln and Jefferson Memorials, along a visual “line of leadership.” Directly behind Dr. King’s statue at the memorial is the Lincoln Memorial – the site where he delivered his famous “I Have a Dream” speech.

Links:

National Parks – MLK Memorial