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Meridian Hill Park

Visitors by the fountains at Meridian Hill Park.

NPS/Anthony De Young

Quick Facts

Location:

16th Street & W Street NW, Washington, D.C.

Significance:

Architecture and landscape design

Designation:

Park, National Historic Landmark

OPEN TO PUBLIC:

Yes

Amenities

9 listed

Accessible Sites, Benches/Seating, Cellular Signal, Historical/Interpretive Information/Exhibits, Restroom, Scenic View/Photo Spot, Toilet - Flush, Water - Drinking/Potable, Wheelchair Accessible

A Garden Fit for an Aristocrat, Open to the Public

In 1819, John Porter erected a mansion on Meridian Hill. The site was called Meridian Hill because it was on the exact longitude of the original District of Columbia milestone marker, placed on April 15, 1791. In 1829, the mansion became departing President John Quincy Adams' home. After its conversion to a public park, Union troops encamped on the grounds during the Civil War.

The U.S. government purchased the grounds in 1910. Landscape architects George Burnap and Horace Peaslee planned an Italian style garden. The structures made revolutionary use of concrete aggregate as a building material.

For more information about Meridian Hill Park, visit the History and Culture Page.

Notable Features

Lower Level

Closed for rehabilitation
Rehabilitation of the lower plaza and various locations in the park is ongoing through Summer 2022 to:

• replace/repair damaged historic concrete to match

• replace hazardous trees 

• plant new shrubs 

• create accessible route to lower level at 16th Street with bollard lighting 

• create framework for tree-lined arched walkway 

• For more Information call 202-895-6000

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The Lower Plaza includes the following features:

• The thirteen basin cascading fountain is one of the longest in North America.

• Below the cascading fountain is a reflecting pool.
• James Buchanan Memorial 
• The Noyes Armillary Sphere was a prominent feature in the lower plaza of the park. It was damaged in the 1960s and later disappeared. The National Park Service is working to have it replaced.
• Dante statue

Upper Level plaza features include:

•  The Joan of Arc Statue is the only equestrian statue of a woman in Washington, D.C.
• Serenity

Hours:

Meridian Hill Park is open until 9PM in the winter and midnight in the summer.

Accessibility:

Meridian Hill Park is made from an aggregate concrete. It can be bumpy and rough in places. Due to the terracing required to overcome the terrain of the area, several of the entrances from the 16th street side have stairs and are not accessible.

Work in the lower terrace is being done to make the park more accessible. This work should be done by Summer 2022. For more information visit the park accessibility page.