--Location/Parking-- Tucked away in a strip mall. I had to use a map to find it and follow several sign post because it can be easily overlooked by the other historical monuments nearby. --Ambience-- There are multiple floors showcasing the different Naval history. It was crammed together which I wish there was a story behind each curated section. I am not going to complain because the museum was free and open to the public. --Service/Staff-- I only one employee which was running the front desk and was a bit rude upon asking for directions, but don't let one employee ruin my whole experience. This is great for naval history and to see many of its legacy and it impact on modern warfare. --Products-- A museum without an entrance fee, this is a must stop even for not naval fans. This display in the building show and inspires us with its naval maritime experience. --Overall-- Recommended for any naval fan and people who have navy personnel in their family, be warned the collection does not compete with its neighboring memorial, but still worth a visit. read more

Top Gun and Crimson Tide are among my favorite movies. Add a little bit of the weight of legacy and going to Fleet Week so that if I would have joined the military, I would have joined the Navy. Therefore, when I was in Washington this last weekend I stopped by the US Navy Memorial. It is a hybrid space comprising of both relief plaques and an outdoor sculpture on the outside plaza as well as a smaller indoor space. The indoor space is located in the basement of an office building and includes a small movie theater for documentaries, a collection of Navy uniforms, vintage recruiting posters, a library & ship models. Highlighted by a fountain and bronze sculpture of "The Lone Sailor" as well as plaques showcasing various eras and aspects of the Navy including the Navy SEALS, women in the Navy and the medics. read more

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Pleasant Plaza featuring a Navy sailor statue adjacent to the Navy museum. The attractions are free and worth a visit. The Navy Museum features a nice store with Navy paraphernalia. read more

US Navy Memorial - Navy sailor statue - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

The Navy Memorial is all about recognizing and celebrating the men and women who have served in that branch of the United States Military. It is on Pennsylvania Avenue between 7th Street Northwest and 9th Street Northwest. You'll find it at the National Archives exit of the Washington Metro. Dating back to the original architecture of Washington, Pierre L'Enfant envisioned a memorial in the nation's capital "to celebrate the first rise of the Navy and consecrate its progress and achievements." It wasn't until 1977 that things actually started to happen and then in 1980, it was authorized by Congress though they did not provide any government funding. The Memorial Plaza features a statue, The Lone Sailor as tribute to all personnel of the sea services overlooking the Granite Sea, a map depicting the world's oceans, using an azimuthal projection centered on Washington, DC. It's a lovely plaza that truly tributes the men and women of the US Navy. [Review 14275 overall, 1599 of 2020, number 90 in Washington.] read more

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I stopped by here with my son as we were walking to the Capitol Building. The memorial was In front of archives building. In the middle of the memorial is a map on the ground, which I thought was really cool! They have statues with the memorial. There is a visitor center, but I didn't stop inside. This is an awesome honor to the navy members, past and current ! read more

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This is another memorial honoring the military. It may be easy to overlook. The United States Navy Memorial is away from most of the others that are popular. It looks impressive. There's often some activities going on around this. Even though it's a nice memorial, this is still easy to forget about. It's not along the National Mall. The memorial is on Pennsylvania Avenue behind the National Archives, so you may not even know it's there. It doesn't get the attention others get. There isn't much to actually do except read the engravings and look at the statues. In the middle is a large circle. This is a map of the oceans. Surrounding it are plaques describing Navy history. There's also a few statues. It looks even nicer if they turn on the fountain. It's appropriate to feature water in this memorial. This isn't a large memorial but you can go over a lot of information if you feel like reading all of this. read more

US Navy Memorial - Memorial - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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The one of the most beautiful plazas in DC. Great fountain, 2 beautiful buildings and Navy Orchestra concerts on summer. read more

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The United States Navy Memorial is a memorial in Washington, D.C. honoring those who have served or are currently serving in the Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, and the Merchant Marine. My wife and I are both Navy veterans and we were very happy to see the establishment of this great memorial to all the outstanding men and women who have been honored to be a member of served. My favorite story that has always one that represented what a sailor is made of is this one. In May 1921, the submarine USS R-14 under acting command of Lieutenant Alexander Dean Douglas - ran out of usable fuel and lost radio communications while on a surface search mission for the tug Conestoga about 100 nautical miles (nmi) (120 mi) southeast of the island of Hawaii. Since the submarine's electric motors did not have enough battery power to propel her to Hawaii, the ship's engineering officer Roy Trent Gallemore came up with a novel solution to their problem. Lieutenant Gallemore decided they could try to sail the boat to the port of Hilo, Hawaii. He then ordered a foresail made of eight hammocks hung from a top boom made of pipe bunk frames lashed firmly together, all tied to the vertical kingpost of the torpedo loading crane forward of the sub's superstructure. Seeing that this gave R-14 a speed of about 1 kn (1.2 mph), as well as rudder control, he ordered a mainsail made of six blankets, hung from the sturdy radio mast (top sail in photo). This added .5 kn (0.58 mph) to the speed. He then ordered a mizzen made of eight blankets hung from another top boom made of bunk frames, all tied to the vertically placed boom of the torpedo loading crane. This sail added another .5 kn (0.58 mph). Around 12:30 pm on 12 May, Gallemore was able to begin charging the boat's batteries. After 64 hours under sail at slightly varying speeds, R-14 entered Hilo Harbor under battery propulsion on the morning of 15 May 1921. Douglas received a letter of commendation for the crew's innovative actions from his Submarine Division Commander, CDR Chester W. Nimitz, USN. Bottom line: Sailors are awesome! read more

The Navy Memorial occupies downtown real estate right in front of the National Archives, and it probably sees more foot traffic than most memorials due to the neighboring Metro stop. It's not infrequently the site of musical performances and other events (I recommend searching youtube for "Baba Yetu"). It's also a nice place to sit and relax while you're walking around the many nearby sights. Personally, I like the memorials that are integrated into the city (as opposed to being set apart), as they provide the most opportunities for people who aren't seeking out a reflective experience to have one. read more

US Navy Memorial - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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If exit at the Navy Memorial metro stop you'll be directly next to the monument and the small museum/visitor center. On nice days, there is a sprinkler feature in action. Throughout the memorial you'll notice features like 3d plaques honoring groups like shipbuilders and chaplains. Additionally, there is a lone soldier statue. Inside the visitor center you'll find exhibits and a tiny shop. read more

The US Navy Memorial is one of the more casual memorials in the city meaning thousands pass through it on their way to work or to see the sites without stopping to appreciate it. It's a circular memorial with a giant map of the world on the floor. There are plenty of seats to read about the significance of the memorial. Surrounding by other memorials and museums, the views from the US Navy Memorial are phenomenal. read more

Alfred Thayer Mahan in THE INFLUENCE OF SEAPOWER UPON HISTORY wrote "The history of sea power is largely, though by no means solely, a narrative of contests between nations, of mutual rivalries, of violence frequently culminating in war. The profound influence of sea commerce upon the wealth and strength of countries was clearly seen long before the true principles which governed its growth and prosperity were detected. To secure to one's own people a disproportionate share of such benefits, every effort was made to exclude others, either by the peaceful legislative methods of monopoly or prohibitory regulations, or, when these failed, by direct violence. The clash of interests, the angry feelings roused by conflicting attempts thus to appropriate the larger share, if not the whole, of the advantages of commerce, and of distant unsettled commercial regions, led to wars. On the other hand, wars arising from other causes have been greatly modified in their conduct and issue by the control of the sea." As a nation flanked by two oceans, America has and continues to need its seapower...therefore it is fitting that DC its capitol have a memorial dedicated to those forces which have made our nation dominate in the seas: US Navy, US Marines and US Coast Guard. It is through the efforts and sacrifices, sometimes in blood and life that our nation remains safe and prosperous. The memorial is beautiful... with the flags of all the services that protect our oceans flying. It is made up of a variety of pools and fountains...fitting for a memorial for the navy, marines and coast guard. What is really interesting is that I was told by the tour guide who took us there that the water in all the pools and fountains in this memorial is taken from the seven seas. There is a ceremony every year where they refill it. That is so cool and fitting! Our ships go around the world after all. In the center of the memorial on the floor is a drawing of the globe. Again this whole memorial is beautiful! The only odd thing in a way is that next to the memorial...almost part of it is a statute to Union general Winfield Scott...not sure if it's part of the memorial or it is just there for some other reason but it's so close it makes it seem part of it....only thing I can think of as to why is because he came up with the Anaconda Plan which was having the Union Navy blockade all Confederate Ports which was on of the reasons the Union won the Civil War...but again this is just a guess. Beautiful memorial! read more

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This wide open space is packed with respect and honor to seafarers of all sorts connected to the US Navy. It is a beautiful space and sailors will love it. 'civilians' will learn something too. Great fountains, ship's mast and sculptures. The attached museum with all its information and displays are nicely done also. Its free and air conditioned. Not real large and won't take up but maybe an hour of your day....its definitely worth a visit even if you only do the outside memorial. I should note also they do a wonderful blessing of the fleet ceremony at this location in April each year. read more

My dad was in the Navy - served during the Korean War. I wished he would of got to see this memorial while he was alive (Today is the 6th anniversary of his death). It is not massively impressive looking at it straight on, but as you walk around the circumference of it you'll see some pretty impressive sculptures built into the wall. The sculptures by various sculptors honor members of the other armed forces as well. Each has a memorable quote engraved below. This memorial may get overlooked with the others being closer to the Mall, but with much respect to the men and women of the Navy, this memorial should not be passed over. Here's a great link to details about the sculptures http://www.navymemorial.org/About/WhatCanYouSeeHere/TheMemorialPlaza/BronzeReliefSculptures/tabid/199/Default.aspx read more

We didn't have time to see the Naval Heritage Center nearby but the US Navy Memorial is still worth checking out. The plaza honors men & women of the us Navy, the museum is supposed to have interactive video kiosks to learn about Navy ships, aircraft, & history. The Lone Soldier w/ his bag is a nice sculpture. Metro stop: Archives-Navy Memorial. read more

This is a very nice memorial. There are numerous events that take place at or near this memorial which is a beautiful place to sit and reflect. There are benches around the world map. It is across the street from the National Archives and there are several images and quotes near by. While it may not be the first memorial you think of when you think Washington, DC it is one I would recommend for everyone either visiting or local to experience at least once. read more

US Navy Memorial - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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Bottom Line: A great way to honor those in the sea services and to learn about important events in US naval history. The United States Navy Memorial honors those in the United States Navy, the United States Marine Corps, the United States Merchant Marines and the United States Coast Guard. In fact, the memorial even recognizes the foreign navies of our allies. Not only is the memorial a nice place to remember those who have served or are currently serving in the sea services, but it is also a great place to get a little education about the United States Navy. There are many memorials in DC that invoke a deep feeling of sadness or sorrow but for me, the United States Navy Memorial is a bit more lighthearted. The sprawling granite memorial has many elements to it that are fun to check out. The masts and attached signal flags always call me to their attention. The bubbling fountains containing water from the seven seas and great lakes are also a nice touch but what I really like about this memorial are the bronze reliefs. The 26 plagues depict and commemorate special events and people of the various sea services and are definitely worth checking out. This is a lovely memorial of which I never tire of. In addition to checking out the coolness of this memorial, I also welcome a special place to give a silent salute to those who have served the United States in the Navy, Marine Corps, Merchant Marines or Coast Guard, like many members of my family have. read more

To get the best view of this monument, go inside the neighboring Naval Heritage Center. Once above the memorial. you can see the outlines of all of the different countries made up of raised, chiseled cement or granite. Even walking around the memorial at street level, the size of this monument is pretty awesome. It spans three city blocks from 7th street to 9th street. Of course, the stone part of the memorial is surrounded on four sides by water. Each part of water in front has eight fountains as if to symbolize the exhaust from a submarine. Off to one side is a statue called the "Lone Soldier" who symbolizes all men and women who have served in the navy. It is often surrounded by people posing for that photo op. read more

US Navy Memorial - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

I gave this a 5 because I am loyal to the USN. This is a nice open memorial with some beautiful statues that really capture a sailor. This place is close to the Metro and right behind the US Archives. Take a few minutes to stroll through the open space and tribute to our Navy and all the brave sailors that have served and continue to serve. It is worth the short walk to pay tribute. read more

US Navy Memorial - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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Rating memorials is a subjective art. We have to figure out if it's worth seeing in the first place, consider ease of access and finally, subtract any negatives. Why 5 stars? Because this might be the perfect memorial (and no, I wasn't in the Navy). First, it is wide open with lots of room - it's never too crowded. It is 20 paces from a Metro entrance and sits by itself, so no big tourist crowds even in summer. It has peaceful flowing water, a giant globe carved into the ground that entertains kids, and there is plenty of seating and even street parking nearby. You can come and spend an hour reading a book here, or walk through and get a feel for the memorial in 30 seconds. It's next to the Naval Heritage Center so that you can do the museum thing if you want. Most importantly, I have never seen a group of Segway-riding tourists invade this area, so that's a win right there. All in all, if you are looking to take the long way to anything in the Penn Quarter neighborhood, come by here and take a few minutes to relax and appreciate. read more

This is a small-ish and awesome memorial. It looks cool at night when all lit up. And it's a great day spot. Get lunch to go from one of the many nearby establishments and grab a seat at this memorial. It's both a cool spot and a good people-watching place. It's a lesser-known, less frequently visited memorial, but it's well worth a stop. read more

The US Navy Memorial is an outdoor patio with a huge circle the shape of the world of course and if you look carefully you'll notice that there's a map of the world with the ocean showing the most area period after all the ocean is where the Navy works. Around the outside of the circle is a number of bronze plaques depicting various events over the history of the Navy. It is humbling to read these and remember all the good things the Navy has done for us over the decades thank you US Navy read more

Sit with my sandwich by the fountains on a beautiful day watching the world go by. I smile. Reflect on those who have greatly served our country securing my said right to sit and eat here, I smile bigger. Thank you. read more

Not a memorial that gets a lot of hype. Its a lot humbler than the ones along the Mall and Tidal Basin, but it's really lovely just the same. A pretty great storyteller, too. The names of the wars the Navy has been involved in are etched in it, and some bas relief sculptures highlight the many facets of Navy service (Hospital Corspmen, Women in the Navy, etc.) It's home to the original Lone Sailor soldier, made up of metals from different battleships, and the water (when you don't visit in winter and it's gone) comes from the Seven Seas and Great Lakes. A lot of little details, which I'm a sucker for. There's a small museum downstairs about Navy life, a little gift shop, a media room with tons of books about the Navy, a theatre with a short film, and a place for veterans to sit down and record their service story. There's also a room with portraits of each of our Presidents who have Naval service. (Name a president from the 1960's/1970's. Yep, that guy was in the Navy!) I spent about 30 minutes here, and that was really reading every sign and exploring a lot downstairs. It's not a major stop, but it's one worth making. read more

The facility is beautiful. There are photo opportunities outside the building too. It is interesting to view portraits of all the presidents who served in the Navy. We attended an event inside the memorial. The staff were so nice. The fountain outside is also worth a peek. read more

The centerpiece of this public space is a granite floor- a huge map of the world surrounded by fountains. The fountains contain recirculated water from all the seven seas. Flagstaffs suggest the rigging of a tall ship. A statue dubbed "The Lone Sailor," overlooks the expanse. A free film shows daily at noon. The best way to access the memorial using public transportation is using Metro and getting off at the Archives station (green or yellow line). read more

Fabulous Theater! I walked by the Navy Memorial many times and did not know the theater was even there until two years ago during the Politics on Film Festival two years ago. Look forward to seeing the film Staging Hope in the big theater - Staging Hope is an outstanding movie read more

My family is all Navy so I had to visit this memorial when I visited DC. I think it is very nice that this Navy memorial actually honors all those on the seas from United States Navy, Marine Corps, Merchant Marines, Coast Guard and even foreign Navies of allies. We visited during winter so there are no water effects on. I will have to return in the warmer weather to see fountains. read more

One that touched me deeply being I served my country in the US Navy. Standing on the quarterdeck and being able to salute my ship mates who have passed was an honor. read more

Though not an icon like the marine corps memorial, the Navy memorial does evoke a cross-generational sensation of solidarity. Its provocative layout, with peripheral cascading water features and lone sailor statue in the middle, makes you think for a moment that you're amid the high seas rather than in the middle of the city. The museum is very small, but offers a great insight into navy life. There's a small gallery featuring former Presidents who served in the Navy (way more than I would have guessed). Anyways, this place is totally worth a trip and is centrally located... so as to facilitate easy transition to another museum or, as the Navy would want, to a local pub! read more

I came here with Hubs, Munchkin and the in-laws because the latter are both Navy veterans and wanted to check a registry for friends and acquaintances. I haven't served at all, nor has any of my family, so this is not normally a place that might make my DC visit list. Some of the exhibits were nice, though, including examples of proper Naval attire in different generations, and a wall of plaques honoring several well-known American figures (celebrity and politician alike). The "Presidential" room was interesting, as well; paintings of all of the POTUSes that have served in the Navy were on the walls (there have been many more than I had thought), along with an object or two that they might have used in duty. There's also a "quilt" of sorts made out of name patches, some of whom are no longer with us. Obviously this will be more of an interest to Navy veterans and their families, but for someone that has no connection to the services, there's actually some interesting things to see. Not bad. read more

Was walking towards Capitol Hill and stumbled across this place. There was a navy choir and band performance going on at the memorial that summer evening. It was a beautiful show that was grease themed and also honoring our men and women in the military. I recommend coming by. It's very open and shaded area in the evening. read more

US Navy Memorial - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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This is one of those memorial that you go by so often but don't realize what it is. But when you do, you just have to check it out more closely. It's large, 100 feet in diameter, and has 4 waterfalls and the largest grid map of the world to be found anywhere. The 'Lone Sailor' sculpture is also in the plaza. The statue represents all those who have served or will serve in the US Navy. The inside of the Memorial is designed to resemble a ship. The water in the waterfalls comes from samples from each of the 7 seas. read more

While small, it's one of my favorites. The pictures I took where in the summer, the fountains are no longer on but still a very well designed memorial. read more

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This is a very nice memorial to our US Navy. Every memorial in the area has special meaning to just about everyone, this is no exception as I have family that served in the Navy like so many of our fellow Americans. read more

Great place for a host a private party. Not much to see as a museum, but go the the Navy Yard for the museum.

This is a great memorial. I've been to it multiple times however recently I went to the theater to view the DC indie film festival. I was impressed. I had never been in the theater part. The theater was easy to find. It's a great space with good audio and visual capabilities. read more

Great facilities for hearing author / historian presentations and ceremonies focused on the US Navy. Easy to get to and set up well for hosting events. It doesn't get the attention it deserves. read more

I had to do a retirement ceremony today, and I just want to say I am so proud to do it at the Navy Memorial Center. The Navy Memorial Center is a very motivating place in the workers there extremely nice and helpful. Everyone should visit the Navy Memorial Center if they have a chance to read more

The Navy Memorial is wonderful memorial that connects visitors to the Navy. The memorial is composed of many different element but one element that is unique to the Navy Memorial is the Navy Log. Found in the visitors center the Navy Log is a database for service men and women of the US Navy, the US Coast Guard, the Marines, and the Merchant Marines to record their service for generations to come. The Navy Log is open for everyone to look through and for all sea service personnel to log in their data, creating a living link between the Navy and Memorial visitors that will endure throughout time. The Navy Log is great way for sea service personnel to connect with each other and to remember those who served before. The Navy Log is free to use and completely online, so sea service men and women all over the world can contribute to and become a part of the Navy Memorial. The workers at the visitors center are kind and ready to help and answer questions. Though the Navy Log is not the most prominent feature it is still part of the Memorial as a whole. I would recommend a visit to the Memorial for anyone in the area as it is a place to relax and learn and in the summer to listen to outdoor concerts. I would also suggest to service men and women to log themselves in the Navy Log and if anyone has had a family member that was in the sea service then to sponsor them and put in their service time in the log. read more