George Washington Masonic National Memorial
The Basics
Built by the Freemason society in the 1920s, the memorial is easy to recognize by its granite tower, but the landmark represents far more than just impressive architecture. Inside, visitors discover a museum and memorial as well as a research center, library, concert hall, performing arts center, and banquet hall.
Visitors can explore the museum on their own or join an hour-long guided tour. Tours run five times a day and offer in-depth historical details and insights into the intricacies of the Freemasons. The tour includes exhibit rooms and the observation deck where visitors can enjoy views of the city. You can visit the memorial on a tour of Mt. Vernon and Old Town Alexandria or stop in on a hop-on hop-off bus tour.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The George Washington Masonic National Memorial is popular amongst history buffs and architecture enthusiasts.
- The site is wheelchair accessible with an elevator available to take guests to the observation deck.
- The memorial is included in the Washington DC Explorer Pass, which allows you to visit more than 25 different sites over a 30 day period.
- Individuals do not need reservations to join daily tours. Groups of 10 or more must make reservations.
How to Get There
The easiest way to reach the George Washington Masonic National Memorial from Washington DC is by Metrorail. Take the yellow or blue line and get off at the King Street Station in Alexandria. From there, make the short walk to the site while enjoying views of the tower. If you want to avoid public transportation, book a tour that includes a stop at the memorial.
Trip ideas
When to Get There
The memorial is open daily from 9am to 5pm and visitors can join a tour at 9:30am, 11am, 1pm, 2:30pm, and 4pm. Visit on a clear day to enjoy views of Alexandria, Washington DC, and the Potomac River Valley from the observation deck.
Visiting Old Town Alexandria
The George Washington Masonic National Memorial is just 1.5 miles (2.4 kilometers) from Old Town Alexandria and visitors should not miss the chance to explore the town’s historic attractions, restaurants, and quaint streets. You can stroll the classic cobblestone alleyways and marvel at the historic architecture, take a ride on the King Street Trolly, or enjoy fresh seafood on the waterfront.
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