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Memorial · Washington, D.C., Washington, D.C.
Vietnam Veterans Memorial (The Wall)
Black granite wall in a V shape, designed by Maya Lin and opened in 1982, bearing the names of more than 58,000 American service members killed or missing in the Vietnam War. It is located in Constitution Gardens, near the Lincoln Memorial.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Vietnam Veterans Memorial (The Wall)
The memorial was dedicated in November 1982 in Constitution Gardens, beside the National Mall and a short walk from the Lincoln Memorial. The design, chosen in a national competition, is by Maya Lin: two polished black granite walls, each about 75 meters long, that meet at an angle and sink into the ground, forming a V.
The names of American service members killed or missing in the war—more than 58,000—are etched into the walls in chronological order by date of death. The list begins and ends at the V’s vertex, and the reflective surface mirrors the sky, trees, and visitors standing before the names. Books near the entrances help locate each name on the panels.
The site also includes the bronze statue The Three Soldiers by Frederick Hart (1984) and the Vietnam Women’s Memorial (1993), honoring the women who served in the war. The memorial is maintained by the National Park Service and is open 24 hours a day, year‑round.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
From 30 minutes to 1 hour.
Best time
Early morning or at night, when there are fewer visitors and the site is quieter.
How to get there
It is in Constitution Gardens, between the Lincoln Memorial and Constitution Avenue. The Foggy Bottom–GWU Metro station (Blue, Orange, and Silver lines) is about a 15‑minute walk away.
Tip
Visit it together with the Lincoln Memorial and the Korean War Veterans Memorial, which are a few minutes on foot.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Vietnam Veterans Memorial (The Wall)
What is the Vietnam Veterans Memorial?
A memorial in Washington with two black granite walls on which the names of more than 58,000 American service members killed or missing in the Vietnam War are inscribed.
Who designed the Vietnam Veterans Memorial?
Maya Lin, whose design won a national competition; the memorial was dedicated in 1982.
How do I find a name on the Vietnam Memorial?
Books and guides at the entrances indicate the panel and the line for each name; the names follow the chronological order of deaths.
Is the Vietnam Memorial open at night?
Yes, it is open 24 hours a day, year‑round.