Visit the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial in DC. Our 2026 guide includes opening hours and essential visitor information.
The first time I walked through the Mountain of Despair and saw Dr King’s figure emerging from the Stone of Hope, I was struck by how the memorial manages to feel both monumental and intimate. Unlike the nearby Lincoln or Jefferson memorials, the Dr Martin Luther King Jr Memorial in Washington DC draws you through a physical journey that mirrors King’s philosophy — you literally pass through struggle to reach hope.
I recommend visiting the National Mall at night on an after-dark Washington DC memorials by bike tour.
Quick overview: How much does the Dr Martin Luther King Jr Memorial cost?
The Dr Martin Luther King Jr Memorial is completely free to enter, with no tickets required and no timed entry slots. It’s open 24 hours a day, every day of the year, though rangers are only on duty from 9:30am to 10pm. You can visit at dawn, midday, or midnight — there’s never a queue and you’ll never be turned away.
At a glance
| Price | Opening hours | Address | Free for | Last entry |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Free | 24 hours daily | 1964 Independence Avenue SW, Washington DC 20024 | Everyone | No restrictions |
How much does the Dr Martin Luther King Jr Memorial cost?
| Ticket type | Price | Who qualifies |
|---|---|---|
| General admission | Free | Everyone |
| Ranger-led programmes | Free | Everyone |
| Audio tours | Free | Available via NPS app |
There are genuinely no hidden costs here. The National Park Service doesn’t charge for admission to any of the memorials on the National Mall, and they’ve resisted the temptation to monetise the experience with paid fast-track access or premium viewing areas.
Is the Dr Martin Luther King Jr Memorial free to enter?
Yes, absolutely free. There are no tickets to buy, no suggested donations, and no areas that require payment to access. This is federal land managed by the National Park Service, funded through your taxes (if you’re American) or general federal revenue.
The only potential cost you might encounter is parking, which isn’t free in central DC. Street parking around the Tidal Basin is limited and metered, whilst nearby paid car parks charge around $20-30 for the day.
Why book the Washington DC Sites at Night bike tour?
- See iconic memorials illuminated at night: Cycle past the Lincoln Memorial, WWII Memorial, Jefferson Memorial and more under atmospheric evening lights.
- Guided ride with local insight: A knowledgeable guide shares history and stories about the monuments, making the experience richer and more engaging.
- Comfortable bike tour format: Enjoy a relaxed bike pace along smooth paths around the National Mall and Tidal Basin.
- Great for cooler evenings: Evening temperatures make this a pleasant way to explore without the daytime heat or crowds.
- Ideal for first-time visitors: Perfect if you want to see multiple memorials in one memorable outing and capture dramatic night photography.
What time does the Dr Martin Luther King Jr Memorial open?
The memorial grounds are open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. You can visit at any time that suits you, though the atmosphere changes dramatically depending when you go.
Park rangers are available from 9:30am to 10pm daily to answer questions and provide information. If you want to join a ranger-led programme or ask detailed questions about the memorial’s design and symbolism, come during these hours.
Early morning visits — I’m talking around 6am or 7am — offer the best light for photography and you’ll often have the place nearly to yourself. Late evening visits after 8pm can be magical too, with the memorial beautifully lit and the crowds thinned out.
These Dr Martin Luther King Jr Memorial prices and times were checked and verified in January 2026.
5 Washington DC experiences worth booking
- 🏛️ Take a behind-the-scenes tour of the US Capitol Building, with the Library of Congress or Supreme Court included.
- 🏡 Combine George Washington’s Mount Vernon with Old Town Alexandria on a history-packed day tour.
- 🕊️ Take a guided walking tour of Arlington National Cemetery, including the Changing of the Guard.
- 🚲 Visit the monuments and memorials of the National Mall on a bike tour that gets you closer than the bus routes.
- 🍽️ Go on a tasting tour of Georgetown’s top foodie highlights.
Do I need to book Dr Martin Luther King Jr Memorial tickets in advance?
No. There are no tickets, no bookings, and no capacity limits. Just turn up whenever you fancy.
During peak tourist season (March to August), the memorial can get busy between 11am and 4pm, particularly on weekends. But “busy” here means sharing the space with other visitors, not being turned away or facing long queues. The memorial’s design — spreading across four acres along the Tidal Basin — means it never feels oppressively crowded.
If you want to join a ranger-led programme, these run regularly but don’t require advance booking. Just check the NPS website or ask at the information kiosk for the day’s schedule.
A memorial born from struggle
The idea for a Martin Luther King Jr memorial in Washington DC was first proposed in 1984, but it took another 27 years to become reality. Congress authorised the memorial in 1996, but fundraising, design competitions, and the complex process of securing a prime location on the National Mall delayed construction until 2009.
The memorial finally opened on 22 August 2011 — 48 years to the day after King’s “I Have a Dream” speech at the March on Washington. It was the first memorial on the National Mall dedicated to an African American and to a non-president.
Chinese sculptor Lei Yixin designed the centrepiece: a 30-foot statue of Dr King carved from white granite. The design deliberately echoes King’s famous speech — visitors pass through the “Mountain of Despair” (two massive stone blocks) to reach the “Stone of Hope” where King’s figure stands, arms crossed, gazing across the Tidal Basin toward the Jefferson Memorial.
What you’ll see at the memorial
The Stone of Hope is the focal point — Dr King’s figure emerging from granite, looking resolute and determined rather than sentimental. Fourteen quotations from his speeches and sermons are carved into the 450-foot Inscription Wall that curves around the site.
The quotes cover civil rights, justice, democracy, and love. When I visited, I noticed people spending far more time reading these inscriptions than I’d expected — they’re carefully chosen to represent the breadth of King’s philosophy beyond just the “I Have a Dream” speech that most visitors know.
A relief of cherry blossom branches curves along portions of the wall, tying the memorial to the Tidal Basin’s famous cherry trees whilst symbolising the fragility of democracy. The symbolism throughout is thoughtful without being heavy-handed.
What’s included with your admission?
- Access to all areas of the memorial grounds
- Self-guided tours using the free NPS mobile app
- Ranger-led programmes and talks (during ranger hours)
- Interpretive panels explaining the memorial’s design and King’s legacy
- Public restrooms near the information kiosk
- Accessible pathways throughout
Things to do near the Dr Martin Luther King Jr Memorial
Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial (0.2 miles, 4-minute walk) — Four outdoor galleries chronicling FDR’s presidency through bronze sculptures and waterfalls. Free admission.
Thomas Jefferson Memorial (0.3 miles, 6-minute walk) — Neoclassical domed memorial with a 19-foot bronze statue of Jefferson. Particularly lovely during cherry blossom season. Free admission.
National Museum of African American History and Culture (0.8 miles, 16-minute walk) — Comprehensive museum covering African American history and culture through powerful exhibitions. Free admission but advance timed-entry passes required.
United States Holocaust Memorial Museum (0.9 miles, 18-minute walk) — Moving permanent exhibition documenting the Holocaust. Free admission but timed-entry passes recommended during peak season.
Lincoln Memorial (0.5 miles, 10-minute walk) — Iconic memorial where King delivered his “I Have a Dream” speech in 1963. The view from the steps is worth the walk. Free admission. Other memorials worth seeing on the National Mall include the Vietnam Veterans Memorial.
Elsewhere on the National Mall, you can pop into the Museum of American Indian after a Pennsylvania Avenue walking tour. Underrated highlights elsewhere in the city include the International Spy Museum and Lincoln’s Cottage.
Practical information
Location: The memorial sits on a four-acre site along the northwest edge of the Tidal Basin, near the FDR Memorial.
Getting there: The closest Metro station is Smithsonian (Orange, Blue, Silver lines), about a 15-minute walk. DC Circulator buses stop nearby on Independence Avenue.
Time needed: Most visitors spend 20-40 minutes here. Add extra time if you want to read all the quotations carefully or join a ranger talk.
Photography: Completely allowed and encouraged. No flash restrictions outdoors.
Accessibility: The memorial is fully wheelchair accessible with paved pathways throughout. Wheelchairs are available for loan at the information kiosk.
Crowds: Busiest March-August between 11am-4pm. Quietest early morning or after 7pm. Never unbearably crowded.
Facilities: Information kiosk, bookshop, and restrooms available. No café on-site.
Frequently asked questions
Can you visit the Dr Martin Luther King Jr Memorial at night?
Yes, it’s open 24 hours. The memorial is beautifully illuminated after dark and makes for atmospheric evening photography.
How long does it take to walk around the memorial?
About 20-30 minutes if you’re reading the inscriptions. You can see the main statue in five minutes, but that misses the point.
Is there parking at the memorial?
There’s no dedicated car park. Limited metered street parking is available nearby, or use paid car parks along Independence Avenue (around $20-30 daily).
Can you take photos inside the memorial?
Yes, photography is completely unrestricted. It’s an outdoor memorial, so there are no flash restrictions.
What’s the best time of year to visit?
Late March to early April during cherry blossom season is spectacular, though expect larger crowds. Autumn offers pleasant weather and fewer tourists.
