Frequently Asked Questions

General Memorial Questions

Where is the Memorial located?
The Memorial is located at the intersection of West Basin Drive SW and Independence Avenue SW in Washington, D.C. The future address of the Memorial will be 1964 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, D.C. 20024

Are there employment opportunities for the Memorial after it is dedicated?
The Washington, D.C. Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Foundation is responsible for raising funds, designing, and building the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Memorial. The memorial has been turned over to the American people and the Department of the Interior and the National Park Service will be in charge of maintaining and running the memorial from then on. There will be a National Park Service Ranger station located in an auxiliary building on the memorial site.

What will the operating hours be for the Memorial after it is dedicated?
The Memorial will have the same operating hours as all other National Memorials on the National Mall. The public may visit the park 24 hours a day. However, Rangers are on duty to answer questions from 9:30 A.M. to 11:30 P.M. daily.

Scheduling

When is the Dedication?
Access to the dedication will begin at 8:30 AM. on Sunday, October 16, 2011. The Dedication ceremony is open to the public. No tickets are required.

Tickets & The Public

Is the public invited to Dedication?
The Dedication is open to the public. We encourage attendees to bring folding chairs and blankets for comfort.

Are tickets required?
No tickets are required for the Dedication ceremony. Previously held Dedication tickets from August 28th are no longer required.

Are there other events being held during Dedication?
Yes. There is a gala on Saturday, October 15th. This event is invitation only.

Travel

Where can I find travel information?
Whether it’s traveling to Washington, D.C. or getting around by using the district’s wide range of public transportation, you will find what you’re looking for here. For further questions, please call 1-855-2011-MLK.

To download the walking directions brochure, click here.

Where can I find information about lodging options?
Please visit www.Washington.org to learn more. The Memorial Foundation is unable to assist with hotel accommodations.

Groups

Will there be parking available for vehicles? How close can they park to the dedication site?
There will not be parking for commercial or private vehicles at the site. The Memorial Foundation encourages the use of public transportation. However, please visit the following link for further information:
http://godcgo.com/home/get-my-group-there/motorcoach-operators.aspx

What is the permit process for motor coaches?
Please visit the following link for further information regarding the permit process:
http://dmv.dc.gov/info/trippermit.shtm

Accessibility

Will the Dedication be wheelchair accessible?
Yes. For the Dedication Ceremony designated areas for persons requiring the use of wheelchairs are available. Attendees utilizing the designated ADA areas can be accompanied by one additional guest. Please note that wheelchairs will not be available at the event. We encourage attendees to bring chairs and other mobility devices.

Get Involved

How can I volunteer at Dedication?
Due to the scaled-down version of Dedication and the overwhelming volunteer interest of all August 28th, the Memorial Foundation has sufficient volunteers for the October 16th Dedication. We invite you to donate at www.BuildTheDream.org.

How do I apply to sing/perform/read/speak at Dedication or the surrounding events? How may an organization participate in the dedication?
The program has been set and planned. We are not able to accommodate additional entertainment for the Dedication program.