The George Washington Masonic National Memorial

Photos on this page courtesy George Washington Masonic National Memorial

The George Washington Masonic National Memorial is dedicated to the memory of George Washington, the nation's first President, and a Mason. Construction of the Memorial, sited atop Shooter’s Hill, the western terminus of Old Town Alexandria, began in 1922 styled after Egypt’s ancient Lighthouse of Alexandria. The building was dedicated in 1932, in honor of the 200th anniversary of George Washington’s birth.

As a privately-funded memorial, interior finishes continued to be added into the 1970s as funds were raised. Because much of the interior work was started or completed between the 1920s and 1950s, there are important Art Deco elements in the Memorial’s interior design, including the first floor’s terrazzo floors. The Memorial was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2015.

Optional guided tours of the Memorial are available for $15 when purchasing tickets for the 2020 Washington Modernism Show, a savings of $3 over normal tour pricing. Children 12 and under are free when accompanied by an adult. 


Take a photographic journey through the National Landmark

Memorial Hall -- Visitors passing through the the front doors of the Memorial are greeted by an impressive portico with eight massive green marble columns and marble floor. The room has a 40-foot ceiling and, in the rounded end, an impressive statue of George Washington by Bryant Baker dedicated in 1950 by President Truman. On the sides of the Portico are  massive murals by painted by Allyn Cox completed in the 1950s.

South Lodge Room --  Home of the Alexandria-Washington Lodge No. 22. Completed in 1947, it includes a suite of rooms including an anteroom and small gallery.

The Knight Templar Chapel -- Located on the eighth level, and dedicated in 1958, the chapel expresses the symbolism of the Masonic Knights Templar. The stained glass windows were designed by Allyn Cox. 

The George Washington Museum -- Located  on the fourth level of the tower, the museum features a series of alcoves showing Washington as a Planter, Citizen, Military Officer, President, Mourned Hero, and American Icon. It includes artifacts from Mount Vernon donated by Washington family descendants, including the 1792 Washington Family Bible. 

Family of Freemasonry Exhibit -- This exhibit on the tower's third level features exhibits of organizations related to the Freemasons, including the Scottish Rite, the Shrine, the Order of the Eastern Star, and the Tall Cedars of Lebanon.

Replica Lodge Room -- Located adjacent to the Memorial Hall is a replica of the original 1802 Lodge Room of the Alexandria-Washington Lodge No. 22.  It portrays the old meeting room that existed on the second floor of Alexandria's City Hall for over 140 years. It displays the original 1802 furniture, William Joseph Williams' portrait of Washington, and other artifacts.

Theater -- The Memorial's impressive theater includes tiered seating for almost 400. Around the theater's perimeter are 16 gold-veined Missouri marble columns. Bronze plaques depict the 14 U.S. Presidents who were Freemasons. 

Theater -- With an impressive stage and room for an orchestra in front, the theater appears ideal for a fashion show or ball. It also has a large drop down screen. 

Theater Ceiling -- Perhaps the most impressive part of the theater is the ceiling.

Observation Deck -- The outdoor observation deck on the ninth floor of the tower provides panoramic views of Old Town, Washington DC, and the surroundings. Historic photos showing the construction of the Memorial in the 1920s and 1930s are exhibited in the interior.

North Lodge Room -- This room's Gothic Style includes an arched ceiling with exposed oak beams, wainscoting, and oak balconies. At the far end is a gothic arched stage.