Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Statistics

Published Mar 12, 2026

The Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial in Washington, D.C. is dedicated to the civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. It was opened in 2011 to honor his role in the American civil rights movement and his fight for equality and justice. It can be found near the National Mall, close to other important U.S. monuments.

How many people visit Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial each year?

Over 3 million people visit Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial each year.

  • 3,251,594 people visited Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial in 2024, down 2.7% from 3,341,654 in 2023.
  • 3,321,897 visitors in 2022, up 63.5% from 2021.
  • 1,083,671 visitors in 2020, down 70.5% from 2019.
  • 3,667,562 visitors in 2019, one of the most visited memorials on the National Mall.
Bar chart of annual recreational visits to the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial
Annual recreational visits to the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial.

How many people visited Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial in 2025?

From January to March of 2025, Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial welcomed a total of 725,020 visitors.

This data is preliminary and subject to change.

Number of Tourists Who Visited Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial in 2025
MonthRecreational Visit
Jan94.22 K
Feb131.23 K
Mar499.57 K

How many people visited Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial in 2024?

  • In 2024, Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial had 3,251,594 visitors, a 2.7% decrease from the previous year.

How many people visit Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial per day?

  • On average, around 9,150 visitors visit the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial per day, based on the 2023 annual total.

How much do visitors spend each year at the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial?

Visitor spending at the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial generates over $51 million each year for the local economy and this continues to rise.

  • In 2023, tourism revenue reached $72.23 million, a 2% increase from the previous year.
  • Spending increased by 65.9% to $70.79 million in 2022 from $42.69 million in 2021.
  • During the pandemic, revenue dropped to $11.87 million in 2020, a decline of 83.2% from $70.68 million in 2019.
Bar chart of annual visitor spending at the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial
Annual visitor spending at the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial.

How much does it cost to visit Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial?

  • The Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial is free to visit as part of the National Mall and Memorial Parks.

When is the peak season at Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial?

The peak season at the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial is in the spring.

  • Visitation rises significantly in March, often exceeding 500,000 and sometimes 600,000 visitors.
  • High visitor numbers continue through April and May
Chart of monthly visitors to the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial across the year
Monthly visitors to the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial.

How popular is Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial?

  • The Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial is one of the most-visited monuments in Washington, D.C., drawing over 3 million visitors annually. It ranks among the top memorials within the National Mall.

Facts About the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial

  • Dedicated on October 16, 2011.
  • Covers 4 acres along the National Mall.
  • Designed by sculptor Lei Yixin.
  • First memorial in D.C. honoring an African American leader.

How did Martin Luther King, Jr. die?

  • Martin Luther King, Jr. died from a gunshot wound to the lower right side of his face and neck while standing on the balcony of the Lorraine Motel in Memphis, Tennessee.

When did Martin Luther King, Jr. die?

  • Martin Luther King, Jr. was shot at 6:01 p.m. on April 4, 1968 and died an hour later at St. Joseph’s Hospital at 7:05 p.m., despite emergency surgery.

Who shot Martin Luther King, Jr.?

  • James Earl Ray, an escaped convict with a known history of racism, shot Martin Luther King Jr., reportedly driven by his opposition to the civil rights movement and a wish to draw public attention to himself.

Safety Tips While Visiting Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial

  • Stay hydrated, especially during summer months.
  • Wear comfortable shoes for walking.
  • Check weather conditions before visiting.
  • Be mindful of crowds during peak seasons.
  • Visit early or late in the day to avoid heavy crowds.

RV rental in the USA

References

  1. National Park Visitation Statistics · irma.nps.gov