George Washington Masonic National Memorial in Alexandria

by Petr Novák, ? This article’s information was last verified on this date. If you notice any errors, let us know in the comments. Thank you! :-) Updated 01/29/2025 Tips for Trips, Washington D. C.

The Masonic Memorial of the first President of the United States, George Washington, is located in Alexandria, Virginia. It is 9 mi away from the White House in the U.S. capital. The memorial serves as both a museum and an observation point overlooking the surroundings.

1. Table of Contents

   1. The George Washington Masonic National Memorial
   2. Touring the George Washington Masonic National Memorial
   3. Photos of the George Washington Masonic National Memorial

   The George Washington Masonic National Memorial

   The construction of the memorial took a surprisingly long time, even by the standards of the time. The project was announced in 1910, the cornerstone was laid on June 5, 1922, and the building was opened to the public on May 12, 1932. The interior furnishings were not completed until 1970.

   The design of the George Washington Memorial resembles ancient lighthouses, including the Lighthouse of Alexandria on the island of Pharos in Egypt. This resemblance is partially due to the shared name of the cities and partially to the architect’s fondness for ancient structures. The memorial stands 333 ft tall and was declared a National Historic Landmark in 2015.

   The memorial features an observation deck with views of the city of Alexandria and Washington, D.C.

2. Touring the George Washington Masonic National Memorial

   🚇 How to Get to the Memorial

   The memorial is located at 101 Callahan Drive in Alexandria. Traveling from Washington, D.C. is easy—just get off at King St-Old Town Metrorail Station. The trip takes about 30 minutes.

   🕒 Hours of Operation

   The memorial is open Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Guided tours start at 9:30 AM, 11:00 AM, 1:30 PM, and 3:30 PM, and each tour lasts approximately one hour.

   🎟️ Admission

   The ticket price is $20.00, and children under 12 are admitted for free (updated January 29, 2025). It is recommended to book your tour in advance.

   💡 Good to Know

   The memorial is not among the most popular tourist destinations, but it’s ideal for history enthusiasts. The tour covers not only George Washington’s life but also the history of Freemasonry. Visitors interested in these topics can expect to spend about two hours at the site.

   • Official website of the memorial
   • Map of the George Washington Memorial

3. Photos of the George Washington Masonic National Memorial