Close-up of a bronze sculpture of Franklin Delano Roosevelt, highlighting his thoughtful expression, with soft, dappled light filtering through trees in the background.

Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial

400 West Basin Drive SW, Washington, D.C.

Amenities

  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Restrooms — Daytime hours vary
  • Open 24 hours
  • Gift shop — Daytime hours vary

During the government shutdown, open-air Memorials will generally remain accessible to visitors. Restrooms, bookstores, gift shops, and information kiosk services may be suspended. For more information, please visit: doi.gov/shutdown.

There are several multi-year construction projects ongoing around the Tidal Basin. While visiting the Memorial is not impacted, Ohio Drive SW and the Potomac Heritage Trail are closed for vehicle, bicycle, and pedestrian access between Independence Avenue SW and West Potomac Park Drive SW.

The Franklin Delano Roosevelt (FDR) Memorial honors the 32nd President of the United States.

FDR served as President of the United States from 1933 to 1945, leading the country out of the Great Depression and through most of World War II. Despite his battle with polio, FDR's charismatic leadership and “fireside chats” helped restore public confidence and his administration implemented the New Deal, a series of programs and reforms aimed at economic recovery and social welfare. During World War II, Roosevelt's policies and alliances were crucial in the Allied victory. He was elected to an unprecedented four terms, but died in office in April 1945, just before the end of the war in Europe.

The Memorial honoring FDR was designed by Lawrence Halprin with a dedication in May 1997 by President Bill Clinton. Spanning seven and a half acres, this Memorial features a series of outdoor rooms with water features that chronologically represent FDR's four terms in office. The Memorial also houses bas-relief panels, inscriptions from the former president’s speeches, and sculptures—notably, a statue of FDR in a wheelchair was added in 2001 to highlight his battle against polio.

Contents

Take a virtual stroll through this National Mall site

Take a virtual stroll through this National Mall site

History

Timeline of events

1882, Jan. 30

The former president is born in Hyde Park, NY.

1905, Mar. 17

FDR marrries Anna Eleanor Roosevelt; given that her father had died in 1894, her uncle (and FDR's fifth cousin) President Theodore Roosevelt gives her away.

1913, Mar. 17–1920, Aug. 26

FDR serves as Assistant Secretary of the Navy. In this capacity, he influences the landscape of the National Mall in building the temporary Navy Department buildings.

1921, Aug.

FDR is diagnosed with polio.

1929, Jan. 01–1932, Dec. 31

FDR serves as Governor of New York.

1932, Jul. 11

FDR pledges "A New Deal" for the American people.

1933, Mar. 04

FDR begins his first term as President.

1933, Mar.

FDR proposes and enacts New Deal measures.

1937, Jan. 20

FDR is inaugurated for his second term.

1941, Jan. 06

FDR delivers his 'Four Freedoms' speech.

1941, Jan. 20

FDR is inaugurated for his third term.

1941, Dec. 07

Pearl Harbor is attacked; America officially enters WWII.

1945, Jan. 20

FDR is inaugurated for his fourth term.

1945, Apr. 12

FDR dies in Warm Springs, Georgia.

1965, Apr. 12

A modest memorial plaque is dedicated at the Archives 1 building of the National Archives and Records Administration in Washington, D.C. on the twentieth anniversary of his passing.

1997, May 02

The FDR Memorial is dedicated in Washington, D.C.

2001, Jan. 10

A statue of FDR in a wheelchair is added to the memorial.

Key Features

The FDR Memorial spans seven and a half acres and contains some unique and awe-inspiring elements.

Reflection Questions

High school learners: Our nation’s past is complex and often provokes reflection, especially as we look to the future.

Here are a few questions to inspire deeper thinking:

  1. How does the FDR Memorial differ from other presidential memorials in Washington, D.C.
  2. What is the significance of the water elements in the memorial?
  3. How did FDR's leadership during the Great Depression and World War II shape his legacy?

Educational Activities

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Other Resources

Interested in learning more? The following links will provide you with additional context and information: