The dome
On the water.
Domaking9000 — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Anita Mishra — CC BY-SA 3.0 · Brian Hamfeldt — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Tim Evanson — CC BY-SA 2.0 · Ed Brown — Public domain · John Brighenti from Rockville, MD, United States — CC BY 2.0 · Elarijani — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Victoria Stauffenberg — Public domain
A national memorial to Thomas Jefferson, principal author of the Declaration of Independence and third president of the United States, on the shore of the Tidal Basin in West Potomac Park, built in the neoclassical style with a round dome and columns. It was designed by the architect John Russell Pope and built between 1939 and 1943, and its huge bronze statue was added four years after the dedication. Quotations from his writings on liberty and government are carved on the inner walls. The memorial faces the water, its white form reflected in the basin, and from its steps there is a view across the water to the Washington Monument and the White House. In spring, cherry trees in bloom surround it in one of the capital's loveliest sights. Visiting is free at any hour, per visitor guides. Sunset or night, when it is lit, is best, and the cherry blossom season in late March and early April is very crowded, so go early.
On the water.
In spring.
And reflections.
West Potomac Park, on the Tidal Basin, Washington
Tidal Basin and the Cherry BlossomsA man-made reservoir between the Potomac River and the Washington Channel, south4 minutes walk4.7
National MallThe great national park in the heart of Washington, D.C., running about three ki8 minutes walk4.7
Washington MonumentA white obelisk 169 metres tall at the centre of the National Mall, built to hon11 minutes walk4.6
National Museum of African American History and CultureA Smithsonian museum on the National Mall beside the Washington Monument, the wo14 minutes walk4.7
National Museum of American HistoryThe Smithsonian museum of the heritage of the United States in social, political15 minutes walk4.8Usually in late March and early April; it is very crowded, so go early.