During your visit to the George Washington Masonic Memorial, get a glimpse into the private life and the deep spiritual leanings of the father of our country, George Washington and gain a better understanding of the Freemasons. Be sure to shop for George Washington and Freemason memorabilia in the Gift Shop.
What You Will See at the George Washington Masonic National Monument
Ground Floor
At the center of the Ground Floor is the Grand Masonic Hall. To its north are two rooms dedicated to the Order of the Mystic Shrine, a Masonic social order known for its great hospitals and burn centers for children. On the south side of the Ground Floor, visitors will find The Form and Function of the Freemasonry exhibit. Make your way into the Shrine exhibit, a 4,000-squre-foot exhibit boasting five audio- visual displays that offer a look at the history of the fraternity and what many call the greatest philanthropy: Shrines Hospitals for Children. In addition the exhibit features a cinema-styled presentation that explores the history of the Shriners of North America. Head to the south of the Ground Floor to learn about what Freemasonry is and its role in American history. Divided into three sections, the exhibit chronicles the history of the Freemasons from the 1700s to the 1900s with focus on Benjamin Franklin, Andrew Jackson and Harry Truman.
Main Floor
Ascending to the Main Floor of the George Washington Masonic Memorial, enter through a massive portico symbolic of ancient Greek and Roman Temple entrances, and delight in spectacular views of Old Town, Alexandria; the Metro and Amtrak Station; the Potomac River; and even Washington D.C. and Maryland. On the Main Floor of the Masonic National Monument are Masonic lodges and the memorial and museum Gift Shop. To the left of the entrance through the Gift Shop, you will find the Alexandria Washington Replica Lodge Room converted into a courtroom when it was moved to the George Washington Masonic National Memorial in the 1940s. On display you will see original furniture from the 1802 Lodge room, a replica of a Masonic apron worn by George Washington and a silver trowel used by Washington during the cornerstone ceremony for the United States capitol in 1793. Make your way into Memorial Hall. Located at the heart of the Main Floor, the room is 100 feet long, 66 feet wide and 51 feet high and is supported by sleek, green granite columns. Highlights of Memorial Hall include a bronze statue of George Washington depicted as a Master of a Lodge and two magnificent murals on the north and south walls by Allyn Cox. Tucked behind Memorial Hall is Memorial Theater, an impressive theater that regularly hosts concerts, plays, graduation ceremonies and other public events. On the south and north sides of Memorial Hall are South Lodge, featuring a small exhibit gallery including many of Alexandria-Washington Lodge No. 22 objects, paintings and portraits of past Masters of the Lodge and North Lodge, a Gothic style room reminiscent of the cathedrals of the Middle Ages.
The Tower
The Memorial’s three-tier tower is comprised of six floors. On the third floor, visitors will find information on the Masonic social order known as the Grotto. Making your way to the fourth floor of the Tower you will find the George Washington Museum examining the roles and offices George Washington filled in his life and featuring artifacts from the Washington family, items from Washington’s participation in the cornerstone ceremony of the United States Capitol and the pocket watch Dr. Elisha Cullen Dick used at Washington’s death. The fifth, seventh and eighth floors of the Tower honor the three main bodies of the York Rite of Freemasonry: The Royal Arch, Royal and Select Master and the Knights Templar. The Library on the sixth floor of the Tower is open only by appointment.
The Observation Deck
On the ninth floor of the George Washington Masonic National Memorial is the Observation Deck. At 400 feet above sea level, the Observation Deck offers panoramic views of the Metropolitan area. Delight in the sights of Alexandria, Virginia: the Potomac River; Maryland, the U.S. Capitol; and the Washington Monument.
Be sure to stop by the Gift Shop, located on the Main Floor of the George Washington Masonic National Memorial. Apparel, art, books, emblems and jewelry unique to the George Washington Masonic National Memorial and Virginia are available to purchase.
Travel Tip
- Still photography is permitted throughout the George Washington Masonic National Memorial.