Visitors walk from the sidewalk along West Basin Drive straight into the open memorial area. The memorial’s surface is firm granite.
To the left of the memorial is a wheelchair accessible sidewalk. Slopes on the sidewalk range from 3.1%-6.8%.
There are pathways at either end of the memorial that lead to the Tidal Basin. Some of these pathways have stairs, but some of them are wheelchair-accessible.
Throughout the memorial, there are more than 82 places to sit. None of the benches/seats have a back or arm rests.
Information panels are placed throughout the memorial. It is 27 inches from the ground to the underside of each panel.
There is room to navigate between the outdoor exhibits in a wheelchair.
There are fountains located throughout the memorial. Be cautious when approaching the fountains, as some do not have barriers.
Prologue
Photo: NPS / Kelsey Graczyk
Prologue
As visitors enter the memorial from the street, the Prologue is located to the right, across from the bookstore. Included in the Prologue is a statue of FDR in a wheelchair, braille and inscriptions behind the statue, and an information panel.
1st Term Room
Photo: NPS / Kelsey Graczyk
1st Term Room
Visitors will encounter a Presidential Seal, a bronze bas relief, a small fountain, and a large fountain.
2nd term room
Photo: NPS / Kelsey Graczyk
2nd term room
As visitors enter the first half of the 2nd term room, they will encounter three sculptures: the Appalachian Couple, the Breadline, and Fireside Chat.
Entering the second half, they will see a large fountain, a fence, a five-panel mural, five columns, and a small fountain.
3rd term room
Photo: NPS / Kelsey Graczyk
3rd term room
Visitors will encounter two separate jumbles of big, linear stones. The one to the left consists of 12 stones. The one to the right consists of five stones. A fountain with jumbled stones is positioned to the right. Beyond the fountain is an alcove, in which FDR and his dog, Fala, sit. There are two stairs leading up to FDR and Fala.
4th term room
Photo: NPS / Kelsey Graczyk
4th term room
In the upper level of the 4th term room, there is a paved ramp to the right with a slope of about 4.7%. The ramp leads to a bronze bas relief and a still pool of water below it. Exiting the area, there is another ramp (slope of 4.1%) to the left and handrailed stairs to the right. Turning the corner, there is a statue of Eleanor Roosevelt.
On the lower level is a large fountain with a ramp at the end. There are two opportunities to leave the upper level in Room Four to get to the Tidal Basin walkway. Near the beginning of Room Four, there is a set of handrailed stairs and an accessible paved path. Near the end of Room Four, there is a similar option.
Bookstore exhibits
Photo: NPS / Kelsey Graczyk
Bookstore
The bookstore is located near the beginning of the memorial across from the Prologue.
The entrance is a set of double doors that visitors must push to open.
Once inside, visitors encounter an exhibit area with various tactile elements. The exhibits stand at different heights: 27, 28, and 33 inches. To enter the bookstore, visitors must turn left. There is room to navigate through the bookstore in a wheelchair. The information desk is located to the right once inside the bookstore. There is a smaller desk that stands at about 32 ½ inches high.
Restrooms at the south entrance
Photo: NPS / Kelsey Graczyk
Restrooms
Restrooms are located at the front and back of the memorial. Restrooms on the north side are located on the backside of the bookstore and separated by gender. Restroom doors have handles that visitors must pull open. Inside, there are two wheelchair-accessible stalls, one wheelchair-accessible sink, and a baby changing station. There are two benches (with no arms or back rest) and a broken water fountain outside of the restrooms.
The restrooms on the south side are separated by gender. Each restroom has a changing station, two wheelchair-accessible stalls, one wheelchair accessible sink, and one wheelchair-accessible hand dryer.
