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Washington, D.C.

Vietnam Veterans Memorial

A black granite wall lists the names of more than 58,000 Americans who died or remain missing from the Vietnam War. Its design by Maya Lin, then a college student, has influenced memorials around the world.

Official visitor website(opens nps.gov in a new tab)
Names etched into the black granite face of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial.

All landmarks

Photo: National Park Service, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The story

  • Military History & Remembrance

Why it matters

A black granite wall lists the names of more than 58,000 Americans who died or remain missing from the Vietnam War. Its design by Maya Lin, then a college student, has influenced memorials around the world.

Why it may matter to you

For families who came from Southeast Asia, the war is also part of their own history. The memorial invites quiet reflection.

The fuller story

The war divided Americans deeply, and the memorial's design was controversial when it was chosen. Today many visitors leave letters and objects at the wall.

Plan your visit

Hours, prices, reservations, and closures change. Check the official visitor website.
Time to allow
About 1 hour (our estimate)
Setting
Mostly outdoor
Tickets and reservations
Open-air memorial; no ticket needed.
Getting there
Metrorail and buses serve the National Mall; street parking is limited and paid. Many visitors walk between Mall sites.
With family
A place for quiet reflection; volunteers can help locate names.
Seasons and weather
Open around the clock.
Accessibility
Accessibility information from the operator(opens nps.gov in a new tab)
Times are estimates and distances are straight-line. Citizen Navigator is an independent educational resource. Visitor access and conditions change. Confirm current details with the destination's official operator.