Jefferson Memoria in Washington (United States)
Location show on map
900 Ohio Drive, S.W., National Mall, Washington, D.C., United States
Date of build
1938-1947 - date of creation
April 13, 1943 - date of unveiling
- Other building names: Pomnik Thomasa Jeffersona (pol.)
- Building type: Monument, Monument
- Architectural style: Neoclassicism, Classicism
- Material: white marble, pink granite
- Cost: Just over $3 million
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Height: 43 meters
- Area: 79.758 m²
- Architect: John Russell Pope, Daniel P. Higgins, Otto R. Eggers
The Thomas Jefferson Memorial is one of the most recognizable sites in Washington, DC in the United States. Its beauty is highlighted by its location on the banks of the Potomac River, facing the Tidal Basin, which gives a beautiful view of the surrounding countryside, as well as the tulips that bloom here, donated by the Netherlands in 1962.
Construction of the monument began in 1939 and was completed in 1943. The monument was officially opened to the public on April 13, 1943, the 200th anniversary of Thomas Jefferson's birth.
The monument is an excellent example of neoclassical architecture, which draws inspiration from the classical models of ancient Greece and Rome, including the Pantheon in Rome.
The monument was designed by John Russell Pope, a well-known American architect who also designed other well-known buildings in the United States, such as the National Archives Building and the National Gallery of Art.
The Thomas Jefferson Monument is about 55 meters wide and 109 meters long. The main dome is about 21 meters high and 50 meters in diameter. The total height of the monument, measured from the base to the top of the dome, is about 43 meters.
The building is supported by a circular colonnade of 26 Ionic columns made of pink granite. 12 columns support the northern portico, and 4 columns stand in each of the 4 memorial openings. The monument consists of a total of 54 columns. Each is 13 meters high and 1.6 meters in diameter.
The portico (front entrance with columns) is 31 meters wide. It has a triangular pediment with a sculpture by Adolph Alexander Weinman, depicting five members of the drafting committee of the Declaration of Independence reporting to Congress.
The interior of the monument contains a statue of Thomas Jefferson, made of bronze by sculptor Rudulph Evans. The height of the monument is 5.8 meters and it weighs 4336 kilograms.
The monument's walls feature quotes from Thomas Jefferson's writings, highlighting his important role in the history of the United States.
The entrance to the monument is through a wide staircase, which has a symbolic meaning. They are meant to represent the ups and downs in Thomas Jefferson's political, intellectual and social life.
In the center of the monument is a large dome with openings through which natural light enters. This provides beautiful interior illumination and emphasizes the monumentality of the building.
The Thomas Jefferson Memorial is not only a tribute to one of the principal authors of the United States Declaration of Independence, but also an important symbol of American democracy and heritage.
The monument was placed on the viewing axis that leads from the White House across the National Mall to the Capitol, symbolizing the importance of Thomas Jefferson as one of the founding fathers and his impact on democracy in the United States.
Every year, on Thomas Jefferson's birthday (April 13), ceremonies and celebrations are held here.
The monument has also become a popular venue for rallies, protests and community events in Washington.
The building is accessible 24 hours a day, and is visited by more than 3 million people each year.
Tickets
- Price: $1.
Open hours
- Open 24 hours a day all year round.
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