Freedom Plaza

Freedom Plaza is a public square located on Pennsylvania Avenue NW in Washington, featuring a large granite map of the United States inlaid into the ground. The space is defined by stone paving, benches, and a central fountain that offers visitors room to sit and observe the surroundings.

The plaza was constructed between 1979 and 1980 and renamed in 1988 to honor Martin Luther King Jr., who prepared his address at the nearby Willard Hotel. This naming choice linked the location to one of the most significant moments in American civil rights history.

The plaza serves as a key gathering place where people come together for demonstrations, cultural events, and public celebrations. You will notice crowds using the open space to express views and connect with others throughout the year.

The plaza sits near several Metro stations and is easily accessible from the National Mall, making it straightforward to find and reach. Visitors should know that the space regularly hosts different kinds of events, so access to certain areas may change depending on what is happening there.

Buried beneath the plaza is a time capsule holding Martin Luther King Jr.'s Bible, robe, and recordings of his speeches. The capsule remains sealed and will not be opened until 2088, preserving his legacy for future generations.

Location: Washington, D.C.

Inception: 1980

Architectural style: postmodern architecture

Address: Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20530

GPS coordinates: 38.89580,-77.03070

Latest update: December 7, 2025 10:03