The first time I walked along the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall in Washington DC, I was unprepared for how affecting it would be — 58,000 names carved into black granite, descending into the earth before rising again. What struck me most was watching visitors trace names with their fingers or make rubbings, some crying quietly, others standing in stunned silence. It’s the most emotionally powerful memorial on the National Mall, and it achieves that power through stark simplicity.
Quick overview: How much does the Vietnam Veterans Memorial cost?
The Vietnam Veterans 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.
I recommend visiting the National Mall at night on an after-dark Washington DC memorials by bike tour.
At a glance
| Price | Opening hours | Address | Free for | Last entry |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Free | 24 hours daily | 5 Henry Bacon Drive NW, Washington DC 20245 | Everyone | No restrictions |
How much does the Vietnam Veterans Memorial cost?
| Ticket type | Price | Who qualifies |
|---|---|---|
| General admission | Free | Everyone |
| Ranger programmes | Free | Everyone |
| Name rubbings | Free | Paper and pencils available at information kiosk |
| Audio tours | Free | Available via NPS app |
There are genuinely no costs whatsoever. The National Park Service doesn’t charge for any memorials on the National Mall, and they haven’t monetised this site with premium access or paid tours. It remains free and accessible to everyone.
The only potential expense is parking, which isn’t free in central Washington DC. Street parking near the memorial is limited and metered, whilst nearby paid car parks charge around $20-30 for the day.
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.
Is the Vietnam Veterans Memorial free to enter?
Yes, absolutely free. There are no tickets, no suggested donations, and no hidden charges. This is federal land managed by the National Park Service, funded through general federal revenue.
Some visitors leave flowers, flags, or other mementoes at the wall — these are collected regularly by park staff and preserved in the National Park Service museum collection. You’re welcome to leave items, but there’s no obligation or expectation to do so.
What time does the Vietnam Veterans Memorial open?
The memorial is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. You can visit anytime that suits you, though the atmosphere changes dramatically depending when you arrive.
Park rangers are available from 9:30am to 10pm daily to answer questions, help locate names on the wall, and provide information about the memorial’s design and history. If you want assistance finding a specific name or learning about the memorial, come during ranger hours.
Early morning visits — around 6am or 7am — offer quiet contemplation with few other visitors. The black granite reflects the rising sun beautifully. Late evening visits after 9pm can be profoundly moving, with the memorial illuminated and crowds thinned to almost nothing.
The memorial is never closed, even during government shutdowns or severe weather. It remains accessible regardless of what else is happening in Washington.
A memorial born from controversy
The idea for a Vietnam Veterans Memorial emerged in the late 1970s as Vietnam veterans sought recognition for their service and sacrifice. Unlike veterans of previous wars, those returning from Vietnam often faced hostility or indifference rather than gratitude.
A national design competition in 1981 attracted 1,421 entries. The winning design by Maya Lin, a 21-year-old Yale architecture student, was immediately controversial. Critics called it a “black gash of shame” and complained that the abstract design didn’t heroically commemorate veterans in traditional style.
The controversy led to a compromise: the Three Servicemen statue by Frederick Hart was added in 1984, positioned near the wall to provide a more figurative representation. In 1993, the Vietnam Women’s Memorial by Glenna Goodacre was dedicated, honouring the women who served (primarily nurses).
The memorial was dedicated on 13 November 1982, with thousands of veterans attending. Despite initial controversy, it quickly became one of Washington’s most visited and beloved memorials. Maya Lin’s design is now recognized as a masterpiece — its power lies precisely in its refusal to glorify or condemn, instead creating space for reflection and mourning.
The wall lists 58,281 names of Americans who died in the Vietnam War or remain missing. Names are arranged chronologically by date of casualty, not alphabetically, creating what Lin described as a “journey through time.” The memorial begins and ends at the centre, where the two walls meet — the first casualty (1959) and the last (1975) are side by side.
What you’ll experience at the memorial
The Wall itself is the centrepiece — two 246-foot-long black granite walls forming a wide V-shape, descending 10 feet into the earth at the centre before rising again. The polished surface reflects visitors, the sky, and the surrounding trees, creating an intentional blurring between the names and the living.
Names are carved into the granite in chronological order. Rangers and volunteers at the information kiosk can help you locate specific names using directories organized alphabetically. Many visitors make pencil rubbings of names — paper and pencils are provided free at the kiosk.
The Three Servicemen statue stands near the wall — three young soldiers of different ethnicities, looking towards the wall. The statue provides a figurative counterpoint to the wall’s abstraction and has become iconic in its own right.
The Vietnam Women’s Memorial depicts three uniformed women with a wounded soldier, honouring the approximately 265,000 women who served during the Vietnam War. The memorial sits in a grove of trees near the wall.
Throughout the memorial area, you’ll see flowers, photographs, letters, military insignia, and other items left by visitors. Some people leave full cans of beer (a promise kept to fallen friends), dog tags, or handwritten notes. The National Park Service collects these items regularly and preserves them.
What’s included with your free admission?
- Access to all areas of the memorial grounds including the Wall, Three Servicemen statue, and Vietnam Women’s Memorial
- Assistance from rangers in locating names on the wall
- Free materials for making name rubbings (paper and pencils)
- Self-guided audio tours via the free NPS mobile app
- Ranger-led programmes and talks (during ranger hours)
- Public restrooms near the memorial
Things to do near the Vietnam Veterans Memorial
Lincoln Memorial (0.2 miles, 4-minute walk) — Iconic memorial to Abraham Lincoln with his seated statue and inscribed speeches. The steps offer sweeping views of the Reflecting Pool and Washington Monument. Free admission.
Korean War Veterans Memorial (0.3 miles, 6-minute walk) — Haunting memorial featuring 19 stainless steel statues of soldiers on patrol, reflected in a black granite wall. Particularly atmospheric at dawn or dusk. Free admission.
Martin Luther King Jr Memorial (0.5 miles, 10-minute walk) — Powerful memorial with King’s figure emerging from the Stone of Hope, surrounded by quotations from his speeches and sermons. Free admission.
World War II Memorial (0.4 miles, 8-minute walk) — Large memorial honouring the 16 million Americans who served in World War II, with pillars representing states and territories surrounding a central plaza and fountains. Free admission.
National Museum of American History (0.8 miles, 16-minute walk) — Smithsonian museum covering American history through cultural artifacts, from the Star-Spangled Banner to Julia Child’s kitchen. Free admission.
Other attractions on the National Mall include the Washington Monument, the Jefferson Memorial and the National Museum of the American Indian. You can visit at the end of a Pennsylvania Avenue walking tour.
Elsewhere in Washington DC, you can go all James Bond at the International Spy Museum and discover Abraham Lincoln at Lincoln’s Cottage.
Practical information
Location: On the National Mall near the Lincoln Memorial, between Constitution Avenue and the Reflecting Pool. The memorial is set into Constitution Gardens.
Getting there: The closest Metro station is Foggy Bottom-GWU (Orange, Blue, Silver lines), about a 20-minute walk. DC Circulator buses stop nearby. Limited metered street parking available.
Time needed: Many visitors spend 30 minutes to an hour here. Allow extra time if you’re searching for specific names or want to visit all three components (the Wall, Three Servicemen, Vietnam Women’s Memorial).
Emotional impact: This memorial affects people powerfully, even if you have no personal connection to the Vietnam War. Allow space for your own emotional response and be respectful of others who may be grieving.
Photography: Completely allowed and encouraged. No flash restrictions outdoors. Be mindful of photographing other visitors, particularly those who appear to be mourning.
Accessibility: The memorial is fully wheelchair accessible with paved pathways throughout. The wall’s gradual descent means wheelchair users can view names at all levels.
Finding names: Rangers and volunteers at the information kiosk can help locate specific names using alphabetical directories. The NPS website also has a searchable database if you want to find a name before visiting.
Crowds: Busiest March through August between 11am and 4pm. Quietest early morning (before 9am) or evening (after 7pm). Never unbearably crowded.
Weather: The memorial is completely outdoors with minimal shade. Bring sun protection in summer, warm clothing in winter.
Frequently asked questions
Can you visit the Vietnam Veterans Memorial at night?
Yes, it’s open 24 hours. The memorial is beautifully lit after dark and visiting at night offers a profoundly moving experience with fewer crowds.
How do I find a specific name on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial?
Rangers at the information kiosk can help you locate names using alphabetical directories. You can also search the NPS website before visiting — it provides the panel and line number for each name.
Can you make rubbings of names on the wall?
Yes, this is encouraged. Free paper and pencils are available at the information kiosk. Rangers can help you locate names and show you the proper technique for making rubbings.
How many names are on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial?
Currently 58,281 names are inscribed, representing Americans who died in the Vietnam War or remain missing. New names are occasionally added when casualties are verified.
What should I do if I see something left at the memorial?
Leave it undisturbed. Items left at the wall are collected regularly by National Park Service staff and preserved in the museum collection. Do not remove or disturb items left by others.
Is the Vietnam Veterans Memorial the same as the Vietnam War Memorial?
Yes, these names refer to the same memorial. It’s officially called the Vietnam Veterans Memorial.
Can you leave items at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial?
Yes, many visitors leave flowers, flags, letters, photographs, or other mementoes. The National Park Service collects and preserves these items. There are no restrictions on what you can leave, though offensive items will be removed.
