Planning a visit to the nation's capital? Get ready for an expedition steeped in history and iconic landmarks! From the Capitol to the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial, passing through the Washington Monument and the World War II Memorial: here is the top 11 monuments of Washington DC you absolutely must see, for a journey through time, across the most significant political events in the city.

1. The Capitol (or THE monument to visit in Washington)

The Capitol is one of the iconic landmarks of Washington DC. And for good reason—it's the building where the United States Congress convenes, where American laws are passed. The most recognizable architectural feature is the famous white dome...

Built in the 1800s (and inspired by the Panthéon in Paris), it's not uncommon to see it on screen, such as in the House of Cards series or the Independence Day film. The freely accessible section is located at the rear of the building, on the east side. On certain days, it's also possible to visit the House of Representatives chamber. To do so? You'll need to request a pass at the Visitor Center.

2. The White House

The White House (the official residence of the President of the États-Unis) is a superb sandstone edifice, whose construction began in 1792 and was completed in 1800. The white color of the façade is linked to a historical event. Indeed, during the War of 1812-1815, the building was set on fire, then quickly repainted white to conceal the damage caused by the flames…

The White House stands 6 stories tall and contains over one hundred rooms. It houses the president's offices, as well as numerous reception halls, offices for advisors, and a residential complex. Under President Truman's administration, it was reproduced identically in several parts of the country to house American embassies and consulates.

3. The Supreme Court

The Supreme Court of the États-Unis is an important political venue, as it holds the highest judicial power in the États-Unis (court of last resort). Erected in 1935, the building is located just next to the Capitol.

This « Temple of Justice » displays a Romanesque style (recognizable by its massive appearance and streamlined lines). Inside? You'll be able to admire a splendid spiral staircase, made of marble and gilt, as well as exhibitions devoted to major moments in the court's history.

4. The George Washington National Monument (the Obelisk)

The Washington Monument is an obelisk-shaped tower, inaugurated in 1885. Built of marble and granite, the structure rises 169 meters high and is topped with an aluminum pyramid.

Its construction, which began in 1848, was not completed until 1885, due to lack of funding. This long pause is visible in the monument's architecture! Indeed, the lower stones of the façade are darker...

Located between the Capitol and the White House, this monument pays homage to George Washington—the first president of the États-Unis, in office from 1789 to 1797. It also offers a stunning 360° panoramic view from its rooftop terrace.

Does it seem familiar? No wonder! The obelisk is a favorite of filmmakers... You've surely spotted it in Mars Attacks! or season 3 of The Handmaid's Tale.

5. Lincoln Memorial

Located west of the National Mall (an iconic park that stretches 3 kilometers), the Lincoln Memorial is a building designed in tribute to Abraham Lincoln, the 16th president of the États-Unis—whose actions helped end the Civil War.

History of the Memorial

While the idea of building a monument in honor of Abraham Lincoln was born shortly after his death in 1865, its construction didn't take place until 50 years later, following lengthy debates about its architecture and location choice… Ultimately, it was architect Henry Bacon who had the honor of designing the edifice, in the District of Columbia.

To do so, he drew inspiration from the Parthenon in Athens: an iconic temple of Greek democracy, to symbolize the ideals Lincoln embodied. It was here, in 1963, that Martin Luther King delivered his famous I Have a Dream speech, which marked a turning point in American civil rights.

Architecture and Symbolism

The edifice features 36 columns (representing the 36 states united after the war). Inside, an imposing statue of Lincoln evokes the greatness of this president, who was able to reaffirm the fundamental principle of the États-Unis: the equality of all men.

One tip? Don't hesitate to visit the edifice at night to admire the illuminated statue of Lincoln and the Memorial Bridge. From the building, you'll also enjoy an unobstructed view of the obelisk.

6. The Vietnam Veterans Memorial

Located just steps away from the Lincoln Memorial, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial pays tribute to the men and women who sacrificed their lives during the Vietnam War (which occurred between 1955 and 1975) and opposed the communist North to the South of the country.

History of the Memorial

It was at the end of the 1970s that Jan Scruggs, a Vietnam War veteran, conceived the idea of creating a national memorial in honor of veterans. With Robert Doubek, a former intelligence officer, the two men established the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund (VVMF), with Congressional approval in 1980.

The national architecture competition organized to design the edifice received 1,421 submissions! The memorial's design needed to:

• have a contemplative and reflective character,

• be harmonious with its surroundings, including neighboring memorials

• contain the names of all veterans and missing soldiers,

• not make any political statement about the war.

The Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund, Inc. wanted a powerful symbol, to begin a process of national healing... The winner is Maya Lin, then 21 years old and a student at Yale. Her project, simple and elegant, convinces the jury, composed of several architects and artists.

Architecture and Symbolism

The site consists of a black granite wall approximately 50 meters long, where the names of 58,318 American veterans who lost their lives during the conflict are inscribed.

The memorial also includes 38 statues, arranged in a marching unit formation, as well as the sculpture « The Three Soldiers ». This latter piece, created in bronze (in life-size), represents three combatants: one of African descent, another of Caucasian descent, and one of Hispanic descent—representing the three communities that make up the American population.

7. Arlington Cemetery and the Iwo Jima Memorial (USMC War Memorial)

The Iwo Jima Memorial (or the US Marine Corps War Memorial) is located 15 minutes by car from Washington DC.

History of the Iwo Jima Memorial

The monument commemorates the Battle of Iwo Jima, when the American military sought to capture the island to establish air bases and move strategically closer to Japan. This terrible battle, which occurred in 1945, was marked by extreme violence, and many American soldiers lost their lives.

Architecture and Symbolism

The Iwo Jima Memorial was built to honor these Marines who fell during the battle. The monument is famous for its statue depicting six soldiers raising the American flag atop Mount Suribachi. This work is inspired by the famous photograph, taken by reporter Joe Rosenthal (for which he won the Pulitzer Prize).

The statue was created from a plaster model before being cast in bronze following a lengthy manufacturing process, conducted by sculptor Felix de Weldon. This three-year effort required the transport of pieces, the heaviest of which weighed over 20 tons! The memorial was dedicated on November 10, 1954, by President Dwight D. Eisenhower.

The monument is located near Arlington Cemetery, the largest military cemetery in the États-Unis, which houses over 400,000 former combatants who died for their nation since 1775. This cemetery is an iconic location, regularly visible in films and series, thanks to the harmonious arrangement of its white tombstones.

Among the iconic graves, you'll find that of the Unknown Soldier as well as that of President John F. Kennedy.

8. The Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial

The Memorial's History

Dedicated to the former President, the Franklin Roosevelt Memorial spans 3 hectares. It was dedicated by President Bill Clinton in May 1997. The latter is divided into five distinct sections, one section as a prologue and the four others symbolizing his 4 years of terms. The memorial was designed by architect Lawrence Halprin.

Architecture and Symbolism

Several renowned sculptors also contributed to the creation of its sculptural works. These statues depict Franklin Roosevelt at different key moments in his life, both political and personal. Placed at human height, they allow visitors to experience an immersive and intimate experience, drawing closer to the past of this political figure.

You can also see numerous fountains here, whose presence goes beyond mere aesthetic appeal. Indeed, each water feature carries meaning and illustrates a major event in the history of the États-Unis under Roosevelt's presidency.

For example, one of the cascades symbolizes the collapse of the American economy that led to the Great Depression, while another evokes the construction of the Tennessee Valley Authority dam.

If you have the chance to visit Washington in early spring, don't miss the cherry blossoms at the memorial—a truly spectacular natural display and a symbol of friendship between the États-Unis and Japan

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9. Thomas Jefferson Memorial Washington DC

History of the Memorial

The Thomas Jefferson Memorial, dedicated in 1943, is a monument dedicated to the third American President (and primary author of the Declaration of Independence of the États-Unis, published in 1776). Designed by architect John Russell Pope, this place draws inspiration from the Panthéon in Rome.

Architecture and Symbolism

The edifice, in rotunda form, displays a neoclassical style, as well as influences from ancient Greece (with its marble dome and richly ornate Corinthian columns). Inside? The memorial houses a gigantic bronze statue of the former President, as well as the Declaration of Independence inscribed on the walls of the monument.

It's a very beautiful edifice, less touristy than other Washington attractions, due to its discreet location on one side of the National Mall, north of the East Potomac Park peninsula.

The monument is located on the shore of the artificial Tidal Basin lake. The shores of the site are also very pleasant for strolling...

10. Martin Luther King Memorial Washington DC

History of the Memorial

The Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial is also located on the shore of the Tidal Basin. It forms, along with the Lincoln and Jefferson memorials, an ensemble symbolizing the evolution of ideals through three major figures in American History.

Dedicated in 2011 (on the 48th anniversary of the March on Washington for Freedom), the memorial invites reflection on the legacy of Martin Luther King, his principles of justice and non-violence.

Architecture and Symbolism

The monument is divided into three sections, each representing the notions of justice, democracy, and hope—symbolized by water, stone, and trees.

On either side of the sculpture of Martin Luther King, you can read passages from his famous I Have a Dream speech, delivered on August 28, 1963, which gathered over 200,000 people.

11. The National World War II Memorial

History of the Memorial

Dedicated in 2004 by President George W. Bush, the National World War II Memorial pays tribute to the 400,000 American soldiers who died during World War II. Located between the Washington Monument and the Lincoln Memorial, it embodies the national unity of the États-Unis.

Architecture and Symbolism

The National World War II Memorial is dotted with 56 granite columns, each representing a state. The edifice is crowned with two arches, which symbolize the Allied victories in Europe and the Pacific.

At the center, a pool and fountains represent the water of life and freedom. Behind the pool, you can observe the « Wall of Stars » and its 4,048 gold stars… Each one representing a thousand American soldiers who died in combat.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are there no skyscrapers in Washington DC?

In Washington DC, building heights are limited by the federal Height of Buildings Act of 1910. This regulation aims to preserve views of the Capitol and maintain the architectural harmony of the city!

What is the most famous monument in Washington DC?

The city of Washington possesses a rich historical and memorial heritage. No monument is more important than another, each being recognized for its history and values. Among them, the Capitol (the most political), the White House (the most presidential), Lincoln Memorial (the most solemn), the Washington Monument (the tallest in the city), or the Vietnam Veterans Memorial (among the most moving).

What is the monument across from the White House?

The monument located across from the White House is the Washington Monument. It's an obelisk 169 meters tall, dedicated in 1884. It bears the name of the first president of the États-Unis, George Washington—who also gave his name to the city.

What is the largest monument in the USA?

The largest monument in the États-Unis (aside from skyscrapers) is the Statue of Liberty. Standing at 93 meters in height (statue + pedestal), it overlooks Liberty Island (an uninhabited island in the Upper New York Bay).