Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial located?
The memorial is located at the intersection of West Basin Drive S.W. and Independence Avenue S.W. in Washington, D.C., near the Jefferson and Lincoln memorials. The future address of the memorial will be 1964 Independence Ave. S.W., Washington, D.C. 20024.

When does the Memorial open to the public?
The memorial will officially open to the public on Monday, August 22, 2011.

Monday, August 22: 11 a.m. - 10 p.m.
Tuesday, August 23: 8 a.m. - 10 p.m.
Wednesday, August 24: 9 a.m. - 10 p.m.
Thursday, August 25: 9 a.m. - 10 p.m.

Do I need tickets to attend D.C. Residents Day?
Due to the overwhelming interest in D.C. Residents Day, the Mayor has decided not to issue tickets online or at Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library. Mayor Gray extends an invitation to all D.C. residents to visit the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial on the National Mall on Tuesday, August 23.  In honor of D.C. Residents Day, the Memorial will have extended hours from 8 a.m. - 10 p.m.  

When is the Dedication?
The dedication of the memorial will be free and open to the public. Access to the dedication will begin at 7 a.m. on Sunday, Aug. 28. A pre-dedication concert begins at 10 a.m., and the dedication ceremony begins at 11 a.m.

Tickets for certain areas will be required, and there will also be extensive public viewing areas that will not require tickets. The online ticket request program closed on May 31.

Visit the Dedicate the Dream website. 
 
What will the operating hours be for the memorial after it is dedicated?
The memorial will have the same operating hours as all other memorials on the National Mall. The public may visit the park 24 hours a day. However, park rangers are on duty to answer questions from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. daily.

What is the DC Public Library doing to celebrate the Dedication?
August 22 – September 15, the DC Public Library commemorates the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Dedication with a series of programs including exhibits, concerts, film screenings, a book signing, tours and receptions.  View the library's self-guided video tour of "The King Mural."

There will also be opportunities for you to share your King stories on the library’s Twitter and Facebook pages. Tweet your stories, share your thoughts and follow the library's events using #KingStories. Upload your video story to Facebook.

Visit the main library's web page for additional Dr. King resources and program updates.

Is there a citywide listing of events?
The District of Columbia Government welcomes the world to the nation’s capital for the dedication of the Martin Luther King Jr. National Memorial by hosting, with the Martin Luther King Jr. National Memorial Project Foundation, a memorable week of dedication events, including a MLK Street Dedication, D.C. Resident’s Day and a freedom rally and march.  View a complete schedule of events.

Where can I find the schedule of events hosted by the Martin Luther King Jr. National Memorial Project Foundation?
Here's a listing of the schedule of events.

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