Eisenhower’s Legacy Lives On: Modern Memorial and Presidential Library Draw Record Visitors
A Modern Tribute to an American Icon
The Dwight D. Eisenhower Memorial, situated on Independence Avenue SW across from the National Air and Space Museum, stands as a testament to one of America’s greatest 20th-century leaders, remaining accessible to visitors 24 hours a day.
Designed by renowned architect Frank Gehry, this four-acre urban park at the base of Capitol Hill showcases various elements commemorating Eisenhower’s remarkable achievements as both the supreme commander of the Allied Expeditionary Force in Europe during World War II and as the 34th U.S. president.
Memorial Features and Significance
The memorial’s contemplative core features heroic-sized bronze statues highlighting Eisenhower’s dual roles. One depicts him in the Oval Office with advisors, while another shows him as the five-star general before the D-Day invasion – the largest seaborne invasion in history. His presidency was marked by one of the highest average approval ratings in American history, with strong bipartisan support.
The memorial includes stone bas-relief images and inscription panels featuring notable Eisenhower addresses, along with a groundbreaking stainless steel woven tapestry by artist Tomas Osinski depicting the cliffs at Pointe du Hoc on the Normandy coastline.
Presidential Library Achievements
The Eisenhower Presidential Library has recently gained recognition as Newsweek’s 2025 Readers’ Choice Awards #1 Best Presidential Attraction. The 2025 programming season is particularly special as it is dedicated to honoring our nation’s veterans.
Since its opening, the memorial has welcomed over 1.5 million visitors and has established an award-winning Volunteer-in-Parks (VIP) Program, which enables diverse community members to share their knowledge through engaging experiences.
Looking to the Future
The memorial continues to evolve with modern technology, featuring a free mobile app that highlights seven key episodes in Eisenhower’s life. These include his entry to the United States Military Academy in 1911, D-Day in 1944, his presidential election in 1952, the racial desegregation crisis of 1957, and the creation of NASA in 1958.
