Lincoln Memorial

monuments · history · architecture

Neoclassical temple design. The memorial looks like an ancient Greek temple because it was built in the neoclassical style, with tall columns and a majestic structure designed by architect Henry Bacon.

Enormous marble statue. Inside sits a 19-foot-tall marble statue of Abraham Lincoln carved by the Piccirilli brothers, designed by sculptor Daniel Chester French to show Lincoln sitting and thinking deeply.

Western end of the National Mall. The memorial sits at the western end of Washington, D.C.'s famous National Mall, a large open area where many important monuments and museums are located.

Painted interior murals. Artist Jules Guérin painted beautiful murals on the interior walls, and an important quote (called an epitaph) was written above the statue to honor Lincoln's legacy.

Dedicated in 1922. The memorial opened to the public on May 30, 1922, and has been one of America's most visited tourist attractions ever since, welcoming millions of visitors each year.