Features of the Lincoln Memorial

The Lincoln Memorial

Carol Highsmith

Architect Henry Bacon modeled the Lincoln Memorial after the Parthenon in Athens, Greece. Bacon felt that a memorial dedicated to a man who defended democracy should echo the birthplace of democracy. The towering memorial is 190 feet long, 120 feet wide, 99 feet tall and constructed with Colorado Yule marble.

Throughout the memorial, various artists worked to capture the essence of the memory of Abraham Lincoln through sculpture and painting, through words and symbolism.

 

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  Exterior Features

  From the imposing columns to ornate carvings, discover iconic features of the Lincoln Memorial.

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  Statue of Abraham Lincoln

  The centerpiece of the Lincoln Memorial is Daniel Chester French's sculpture of Abraham Lincoln.

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  Murals

  Jules Guerin's massive paintings flank the Lincoln Memorial chamber.

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  Landscape

  Because of its prominent placement, the Lincoln Memorial maintains a visual communication with other points of interest.

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  Inscriptions

  Two of Lincoln's speeches are enshrined in the Lincoln Memorial, flanked by symbols of union and eternity.

 

This aerial view of the Lincoln Memorial shows its relationships to the Washington Monument, Memorial Bridge beyond and the Potomac River.

Carol Highsmith Photo.