FDR - Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial, Washington D.C.

This memorial is more like a park with 4 rooms, waterfalls, and a visitor center.

1st room commemorates his first term.
2nd room displays a sculpture of figures in the breadline representing the Great Depression during his terms.
3rd room displays disabled president and his dog Fala.
4th room honors his 4th term.

I consider Franklin Delano Roosevelt (FDR) to be one of the three greatest presidents in US history. Pulling us through the Great Depression was a monumental task. FDR commented that he saw one-third of the nation “ill-housed, ill-clad, and ill-nourished.” Faced with the task of lifting the country out of a crippling depression, FDR traveled the nation speaking to farmers who had lost all their worldly possessions, meeting with relief organizations over-burdened by the demands of those in need, and addressing the fears of people struggling to survive. While he had little in common with these people, what they saw was a man who felt their pain and who exhibited sympathy, understanding, and reassurance.

This was then followed by WWII which again questioned whether we would be able to continue as a nation. FDR again let this country through those difficult time till the end was almost at hand. Unfortunately he, like Moses, was not going to see the promised land. On April 12, 1945, only a few weeks since being sworn in as the President of The United States for a unprecedented fourth term, the President was stricken with a cerebral hemorrhage and died while sitting for a portrait in Warm Springs, Georgia.

The Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial is one of the most expansive memorials in the nation. Yet, its shade trees, waterfalls, statuary, and quiet alcoves create the feeling of a secluded garden rather than an imposing structure. The memorial is divided into four outdoor galleries, or rooms, one for each of FDR’s terms in office. The rooms are defined by walls of red South Dakota granite and by ornamental plantings; quotations from FDR are carved into the granite. Water cascades and quiet pools are present throughout. Each room conveys in its own way the spirit of this great man.

This monument for Franklin Delano Roosevelt, the 32nd President, covers 7 1/2 acres and features waterfalls, four outdoor galleries symbolizing each term of his Presidency, 10 bronze sculptures including one depicting his fireside chats, one with his little dog Fala and one of his wife Eleanor Roosevelt, the first statue of a first lady. Also, engraved on the granite connecting the galleries are many of his famous quotes.

Curiously, none of the statues depict FDR in a wheelchair which he used during his entire presidency having contracted polio in 1921.
There's discussion of this at : NPS

The Memorial was designed by Lawrence Halprin and was unveiled in 1997.

I stopped by this memorial on my walk from Arlington Cemetery to the Jefferson Memorial via the Lincoln Memorial and Korean War Memorial. It's fairly well marked.

This memorial takes quite some space, like a park. I visited it in the evening so by the time I finished walking around, it got quite dark (excuse the quality of the picture). At first I thought it was nothing special, but as I went along discovering more of it, I was stunned by the design and the overall message coming across.

The FDR Memorial consists of 4 large open-air chambers, each one being devoted to one term of Roosevelt's office. They are arranged in sequence so as you walk along, you're taken through 12 years of American history. You see interesting sculptures which portray that era, and you can read various quotes from Roosevelt's addresses. So in fact this is a memorial to the whole era that FDR represents. I'd say it is quite an involving experience to see it all!

The sculpture in this picture portrays Roosevelt in a large cape that covers his wheelchair. Of course, at his feet is his beloved Scotch terrier, Fala. For more pictures go to this travelogue.

The FDR memorial was dedicated in May 1997. Located near the National Mall, on the Western side of the Tidal Basin, along the Cherry Tree Walk.

This outdoor memorial is dedicated to our only president to serve four consecutive terms. Franklin Delano Roosevelt is well known for his role in helping America get through the Great Depression of the 1930's and for leading us through World War II in the 1940's. His memorial consists of an area of sculptures, statues, and fountains that symbolize his legacy. Save a visit to this memorial for a pleasant day outdoors. You will find it on the Tidal Basin not far from the Jefferson Memorial.

Gosia and I visited the Roosevelt Memorial of an evening on the twilight trolley tour. It was raining lightly and we had limited time. Actually this monument deserves more time to enjoy and reflect. There is so much to it...with its various "rooms" and aspects of the man and his presidency. The bronze sculptures are insightful as well as beautifully executed.

This is a very moving garden monument. It is is fitting that they carved many famous and touching quotes into this memorial. It makes you think of the needs of the world during FDR's time and our own.

Roosevelt Memorial is one of the newest addtions to Washington DC (I think in the 90's). And you can tell its design concept is very different from other memorials or monuments. First of all, it's low and continuous with several waterfalls and public art works, while other memorials/monuments are big, tall, and grand. Second, the memorial also included a statue of Eleanor, Roosevelt's wife, which is unseen in other memorials. Finally, the memorial does not try to hide the fact that Roosevelt was on wheelchair.

From architectural viewpoint I think I am a little old fashioned and prefer the biggies like Lincoln or Jefferson Memorial. But Roosevelt Memorial is definitely friendly to visitors; you see kids playing around the waterfalls and sitting on the lap of Roosevelt's statue.

1 more image

Had heard bad comments but was impressed with the monument in person. You can find it by taking the long way around the Tidal basin towards the Jefferson Memorial