Reviews of The George Washington Masonic National Memorial (Museum)

Chris Muller

Unique building and history. Wonderful views. Nice guides. Just a few dollars more than I wanted to pay.

Shawn Sommers

The monument is beautiful! Gorgeous detail and marble. We were disappointed that we were charged $18 when the local guide books advertised as $15. Also, we were disappointed that the whole tour was about the masons. We thought it would be more about George Washington and not a lesson on being a member of the masons. The look out tower is nice with great views of the surrounding area.

aaron isaacson

Moving memorial to our first president and the Masonic fraternity.

Liz Nicholson

Very neat historic building. Great viewed too!

Megan Muhlestein

Really interesting place. Our family joined with a very large group, and the only suggestion I had was that I couldn't understand the tour guide in the rooms with echo, probably just because we couldn't get too close to the guide. The small museum had some interesting artifacts that are unique from those found at Mt Vernon. Our favorite part was the overlook, and was the main point of us going on the tour. It's nice that kids under 12 are free!

Michael Baxley

Every Mason should visit this place at least once. It is a great opportunity to bring family and friends and show them how great masonry is and part of the history of George Washington.

Chequita Meade

Tour guide was fantastic.

ByAsa Photography

A beautiful spot to enjoy the views of Alexandria and cherry blossoms in the spring!

Mason Toth

Very edifying... The artufacts were cool and the stats were thought provoking.

Brennan Tolman

Very very cool, highly recommend if you're in the DC area.

Tonni Canaday

The Masonic temples are a great way to see American history . This temple is beautiful! $15.00 for a guided tour is well worth price and the fee goes back into Masonic funds. Easy to get to, parking available as well as handicap access. For those taking Metro rail- the Kings Street- Old Town -Stop is where you get off . To lefts out of station and then a walk up hill . To be honest- we were tired and took a cab for $5.00 it was well worth not walking up hill and steps. Tour is beautiful. For those with you not wanting tour- comfort seating available to wait.

Jae Lynn

This place is ABSOLUTELY gorgeous at night when it is lit up. Wish I could post a pic. It’s a really beautiful purple right now. Wondering if it’s for domestic awareness month?

Betty Williams

Incredibly interesting place! Beautiful view from the observation deck. A ton of History! Things you would never know.

Fred M

Historic landmark. I always knew where I am

Ar No

Great view. A bit lacking but great for climbing up the steps to lose some weight.

Crystal El

Great place to visit for a historical tour.

Adam Lewis

Beautiful building. I was there for a conference. It’s a bit of a maze though. Parking in that area stinks so prepare to walk and of course, walk up the hill to the building.

Justin Pomeroy

Good place to learn of our founding fathers and Masonic history. There is an $18 entry fee, but you would be surprised at the cool stuff here.

M.E.

The George Washington Masonic National Temple is a memorial in Alexandria, Va. It sits on a hill called Shooters Hill. Once walking up the steps or driving up the hill one sees a gorgeous view of Alexandria. Inside there are many concerts of various venues throughout the month. (see calendar of events) Photos added two days ago in this site are of a recent Holiday Concert by Encore Rock and Encore Chorale

Martha Ferguson

Very interesting artifacts regarding a little-discussed aspect of the first President's history. Gives insight into the prominence of the Masons in our country's early years.

Eva Narvaez

Very interesting and beautiful place

Patricia Smith

Highly recommend the tour. Tickets are $15. for a 1 hour tour of the building. Very knowledgeable guide.

jim alabi

Great to know about free masons. GW legacy is also found here and it's amazing to learn from this part of his life.

Phil Wallace

Interesting place. 3rd visit there with friends. Worth the time and the price

Waqar Arshad

An absolute gem to view the city of Arlington and DC and capture the skyline.

sarah mason

This is as close as your ever going to get to a real life Zelda dungeon. Just go and you’ll see why.

Steve Brookman

I have given this 3 stars for no other reason than it is slightly out of the Washington city centre and not everyone's cup of tea. Great views from the top but if masonry isn't your thing the interest is limited. If you are in Alexandria it is worth the 10 minute trolley ride from the town centre to enjoy the views.

Jason Leverton

Impressive structure and interesting history. Great views at the top.

J. Jackson

Interesting location and did not even know that it was a museum also. There is a lot of history in there and artifacts that are quite enlightening. The grand hall is huge and they were working on a mural on one of the walls. There's also great views of Alexandria and across the water. (You can see MGM from here.)

Michael Nugent

This is a must see sight the look from the observation deck alone is worth the trip

Amy Friedlander

Went to a concert. Orchestra is very, very close to audience. Nice, intimate experience.

Brett Thorson

We actually held an event here. It's a new venture for them, and it shows that they are trying to be very accommodating. The staff there were very nice and helpful. The venue is actually pretty cool too. Acoustics in the theater are good. Good lighting options too. I didn't get a chance to tourist around, so I can't comment there. For a venue, certainly check it out.

Louis Errante

Always nice to drive by Under outside renovations

Scott R

Great monument, fabulous organization. Problem with the monument is that they are priced far too high for a brief family or group visit. Not conducive to showing the monument to prospective members. They also close very early.

Christopher P

Fantastic tribute to Freemasonry. A guided tour explores multiple levels of the building, each displaying different periods of history within Freemasonry. Obviously a large emphasis of George Washington's role in that particular lodge. Aside from the museum, two active lodge reside in the building. Fantastic 360 degree views from the top. Very reasonably priced.

Julie Weatherington

Interesting and beautiful views. Not crowded at all.

Jay Satterlee

Very cool place. The guided tour takes about an hour. Well worth it.

Etude of Memories

Great place. Can't tell more. Highly recommended!

Guadalupe Berry

We've dined at other Clyde's restaurants and decided to try this location. It's in a office park; however, you wouldn't know that from the interior, which carries off the Northwoods lodge theme perfectly. Food was very good, especially recommend the trout and duck (seasonal item). Service was good.

STEVEN MARTINEZ

Enjoyed visiting, but they have signs saying you can’t take photos and video on the property.

Jeb Hoge

This is the hidden gem of historical monuments in my opinion. Not only is it spectacular from the outside, its interior is gorgeous, a combination of marble and massive murals that invite the eyes. We haven't taken the official tour but it's on my list of things to do. Also, the view of Alexandria and beyond from the steps is epic. It's worth the trip just for that.

Marilyn Breedlove

Wonderful tour..beautiful/scenic location. Great history tour of the Masons. Easy to find..Entry fee~

Michael Valdivielso

Visited it a couple of times. Once with my Mom and once with co-workers. Lovely exhibits, friendly people, and I can't really put in words just how lovely the whole structure is. Even the grounds AROUND it give it a feeling of calmness. There is so much history here and it is a MUST visit for anybody visiting Alexandria, the DC area, or visiting the state itself. Just make sure to check the website for tour times and so on.

Charles Jackson

Love it but they changed what you can see and what you cant theirs floors here that are incredibly that arnt shown to the public anymore very sad please bring them back.

Louis Kemp II

A must see when visiting the DC area. 360 views. Take the tour!

Paula Stavely

Beautiful place with a nice tour and a wonderful view.

Rakhu Rakhu

I'm a Prince Hall Mason and it been over 20 years since I last visited this Great Masonic Temple. And have enjoyed myself each times. Unfortunately, George Washington's original Masonic Apron is no long on display during to the fabric fading and deteriorating, but there is a replica on display. Moreover, the Masonic Library is closed to the public. I was told. The Masonic Library is being cataloged. The gift shop have a pretty good selection of Masonic paraphernalia.

Tigist Kassahun

Vey nice view of old town !

Mary Nicholson

More Interesting Than I Expected! It's a beautiful well kept building, lots of interesting history and rooms to explore. The tour was, informative, casual and just enough time to see what you want. Not boring or to long like some can be. Not for small children, to many places to get into mischief. Lots of stairs on the outside, you can drive up to the top to avoid most of them. Anyone interested in history, mystery and little known facts will enjoy a visit here.

Alberta Lalavska

Payed 18 dollars for a freakin' self guided tour. Unbelievable.

diane wilson

Wonderful place

Vanessa Contreras

If you are looking for historical places, visit Olde Town Alexandria. You will find out George Washington Masonic Memorial and many more places.

Olga Ria

Really interesting place! Recommend to go there. We spent 2hours and it’s really fun. A lot of old historical things you can see there! Great experience , good for adults and kids.

Paul Bean

Nice place for a picnic or just to walk around, especially when flowers are blooming.

Mark Toone

My 2 and 5 year old Super Beautiful girls loved visint the place as the sun went down. We can see it from the distance from our home and point it out. It was a great way to teach my daughters about George Washington.

rachel b

Phenomenal experience I highly recommend. If you visit please treat the place with respect.

Charles Ferguson

The building is in excellent condition, and very impressive. What's with the sign stating, "no exercise?" While it is probably an impressive view from up top, $15 is pretty steep to be charged for entry. There was almost nobody there, and the receptionist had to open the door for us to even inquire about going inside. The paths leading up to it could use some weed killer. It's probably very interesting, but the exterior doesn't shed much light on the history of the building besides the basics. It's only purpose seems to be a shrine.

Joe B.

I came here for a conference and the facility is wonderful and beautiful and full of history. I highly suggest if you can make your way in on a visiting day doing the full tour on for today I was unable to because the conference was also ongoing put the facility looks awesome and has a lot of cool history if you're into that. Built in 1970s

Dave Harris

$18 entrance fee and well worth it! Lots of history on our primary founding father with actual artifacts then he used as well as information on the fraternity that he loved!

Vladimir Lankin

Very informative. Impressive.

Kevin Smith

Very informative guide for my visit. A lot of great information and artifact regarding George Washington and Freemasonry. Check it out if you get a chance!

Francis Craig

For me it was one of the major highlights of my time in DC and Alexandra I enjoyed the tour and the meeting that I was invited to attend

Jen Mullins

Very interesting!!! Our tour was amazing!

Ted Peterkin

Wow, an awesome archive to visit and receive education on our founding fathers attitude toward mankind. Simply amazing considering how we treat each other today. After all, we all bleed the same color. If we would only take time to let that marinate for a while, I'm sure society as a whole would look at each other differently.

Larry VP

The GW Masonic Memorial is a majestic building in Va but you can see it from many surrounding areas because it is located on a hill. Not only is a gem belonging to the Freemasons, but also it has tours to the public, and opens its doors to community events. This is a must visit place when you are around.

James George

This was a wonderful experience for me but I am a mason. I would recommend it to anyone due to the fact that my nephew was with me and both he and my wife enjoyed it as well.

Sasha Oncley

Super cool place to learn about not only Washington but The Mason's as well.

Mark Greenwood

Quite a hike up from Old Towne but worth the effort. Was a little surprised that the grounds around the memorial were not better maintained and taken care of. Get the Alexandria Key to the City Passes at the Visitor Center in town. $15 for access to numerous historical sites within Old Towne. It's $15 dollars to take the elevator ride up the tower so the pass pays for itself in one visit. The view from the top is awesome. The memorial is a beautiful structure.

Donna Davis

Beautiful building. Many of us were disappointed that the tour guide was not well informed about Masons, etc. She did not seem to enter into the discussions that the Masons and Eastern Stars were offering. She also spoke too softly. Most of us were of the older set.

John Huston

The sales pitch on the Masons was a bit unnecessary, but our guide was friendly and knowledgeable, and it's a great building that the D.C. visitor might enjoy as an alternative to downtown. Good dining on King St., too.

Horatio Breaker

Incredibly interesting place! Beautiful view from the observation deck

Connie Beighley

Incredibly exciting place and lots of History! Beautiful view from the research level. Fabulous place to take a quick bite to eat and view all of Alexandria! I highly recommend the tour — very expert guide.

Amir

Very nice. But costly compared to most DC memorials and museums which are free.

Charles Brown

I would have loved visiting this place but three things gave me a bad impression before I could even approach the monument. First, is their posted no-bag policy. Well, this place is approachable by using the Metro and it's rare to see someone not using a bookbag or satchel to carry their things. What if it rains? You need an umbrella. What if it gets cold? You need a jacket. What if you get thirsty? You need a water bottle, etc. In other words- you need a bag to carry things. So the individuals in charge of this monument seem to discourage metro and pedestrian visitation. IOW- drive a car here so you can leave those belonging in the car. Other posted signage seemed authoritative in nature, "Private Property" etc. They want you to visit there and spend money but they assert their authority excessively with the signs and posted warnings. Another thing I didn't like was the price of admission. This was approximately $20, which I thought was a little high. Since I had a bag, I knew I might get hassled regardless so I abandoned the thought of visiting altogether. You might as well make this a dedicated trip if you fathomed it; and if you have a big family you might as well forget it at $20 a person.

Itai Lavie

The way into the building is very hard and concludes a lot of stairs.

Jim Lahr

This gives a lot of information on Washington's Masonic background along with the Free Mason's organization in general. Very impressive monument with lots of displays inside. Very nice view from the observation deck of the river and downtown DC. Admission is $15 and with that you get an hour guided tour.

Joe Bryant

$18 admission. Access only to main floor, meeting room, and 2 upper floors. 1 hour tops.

Kalinda Exum

I really enjoyed learning about the Masons and how our founding father was tied in with them and what they do for the community

DD Ro

Great place! Tons of history

Dexter Campbell

Spectacular view and history to share with my family and friends.

Joseph Katon

This is a great place to explore if you are around the area. If you opt not to pay to wonder around inside (I've added some photos, including a 360 of the theater inside), go for the beautiful grounds it sits on. It is quite the good workout starting at street level going up all the stairs to the top level front entry.

Madeline Pan

Definitely take the tour a visit the uppermost deck! Fantastic!

Basil Mokhallalati

Gorgeous view! Great place to bring a quick bite to eat and overlook all of Alexandria!

J T

Amazing architecture. Highly recommend if you are in the DC/Alexandria area.

Brik SOAB Logistics

Looking beautiful Nice park & memorial Walking distance from King street Metro .

Paul Knarr

Beautiful monument to out first president in Alexandria. Tour takes you up to the 9th floor for views of the area. Grand main lobby honoring Washington with stature off Washington and his family bible with his signature. Other rooms pro vide you with the history of free masons in the country.

Naomi Anna

So my uncle is a mason and we decided to stop in. As we were approaching the entrance we were surrounded by a crowd and ended up going into the wrong door.... when my father approached the desk thinking it was the front entrance the guard there immediately started yelling at him. At this time seeing a table of brochures, I walked to the table and he started yelling at me.... I advised him that we were looking for the front desk to inquire about a tour and he continued to yell stating that there was a sign outside... I, of course, checked for the sign which stated in very small letters at the bottom the location of the front desk. If he would have only given us a chance to explain what we were looking for but he was so busy yelling at us. By this time my family had no interest in staying because of the guard. I’m sure it’s a lovely place but until that guard either learns how to treat people or is replaced my family will not be going back.

David Morrison

Beautiful building and the tour to the top is excellent and informative.

C Carter

The museum is a must visit. The guided tour was great and offers you the best opportunity to visit all levels of the museum.

Murray Seals

Very impressive, but the tour guide was not a Mason. I highly recommend it to all Masons. Just being inside this magnificent memorial was inspiring.

Tina Schnurr

Loved it, however the prices are a little high in my opinion

John S. Galliano

Very good interesting building with some surprising artwork and a bronze statue of GW.

William Leschorn

Very interesting. I learned new facts and a history lesson. There is a tour fee but worthwhile. Not for small children

John Pearson

Official Visit of the Grand Worthy Matron and Grand Worthy Patron OES to District 41 was held here today. Beautiful building and supportive staff.

Mohtashim Jafri

A good museum to go and learn something!

Adnan Khan

Good historic sites, kids enjoyed with new learning

Bill Jackson

The New Apostolic Church had church service for the Virginia Region in this wonderful building.

Linda Bohlen

Worth a tour. About 1 hour.

Aaron Barbero

Long walk from old town to find out a that it was an hour wait for the next tour .. so we skipped it .. but it is pretty

Gina Williams

My time was limited and so I walked to the Memorial early one Saturday morning and arrived long before it opened. I walked to the top of the steps and got a great view of Alexandria. I enjoy everything about George Washington and loved his quote inscribed on one of the monuments:“Let prejudice and local interest yield to reason. Let us look to our national character and to things beyond the present period.” Our first president was a smart man, indeed. I will return to investigate more.

Paul Duncan

One of the best things to do in Alexandria. I didn’t know about this place until last year and I have gone a few times to show friends who are in town.

Tommy Turpin

The Memorial has a nice sized museum featuring history of Geo. Washington, the Masons and Alexandria. It is large enough to learn something new but small enough to take your time with different objects or displays. The view from the top is just amazing!

Weston Grimmly

I had a great time visiting last summer, it has a wonderful convention hall that can be rented and the tour is decent to although I will say if you have personally studied the Histoire then that will greatly improve your experience.

David Cardon

We went on the guided tour. It was interesting.

Laura W.

Such an iconic location to visit in Alexandria, VA.

Robert Lockheed

Such a cool place! But the military/veteran discount is pathetic! Clearly they forgot about that part of GENERAL George Washington’s life.

shane Johnson

Very interesting, the elevators are awesome. Great view and so much to see and learn. Very interesting Knights Templar exhibit.

Chad Vrchota

This place is creepy! Don’t waste your money

Phelix Handover

This place is just provides you with an amazing experience the tour is very well worth it especially revisiting history and learning about things you never knew.

Aaron Butters

A really interesting place, definitely worth checking out. Beautiful on the inside. There is an 18 dollar entrance fee, but no discounts other than for masons

John Miles

Interesting and impressive building even if you are not a mason. Beautiful view of the DC skyline from highest point in Alexandria.

Sophia Musgrave

The tour was great. So much u don't know about masons. Cool exhibits on Washington's involvement & artifacts like the sash from his casket with masonic symbols & chair from his home office, used in ceremonies. The view from the 9th floor observation deck is not to be missed. But watch for hornets on warm fall days.

Michael Gibson

An interesting building with quite a few historical displays relating to both the Masons and some belonging to George Washington. The views across Alexandria and its surroundings from the top floor are spectacular.

Parwiz Safi

Beautiful place to visit, lots of history, scenic areas and nice people.

J Harris

If your interested in anything George Washington was involved in along with the Masons. This is the place is for you. Different floors pay homage to different lodges. This is really all about the building and a little about the Masons.

Roberto Bernate

Beautiful! Even on a dreary morning. Grounds are maintained immaculately, the views are stunning. A must see in your Northern Virginia travels. Please click "Like" if you have a positive opinion of this review. Thank you.

John Arford

Every Freemason should make the trip to see the center piece of your Masonic education prayed

Wes Hirschhorn

This is an outstanding Memorial to our first president's Masonic history.

Don Rubin

Interesting tour of a beautiful building. You will learn about the Masons and George Washington contributions

Oscar Gutierrez

I love this place, it is a simbol of the Masonic organitation in US.

Richard Brett

Great history lessons to be found here.

Belinda Rhoten

I wasn't willing to pay the $18 entrance fee seeing as how there are so many free museums available to visit within the DC area. However, I can say that the view of the city from the building steps is impressive!

George Vargas

Wonderful place to visit and obtain historical facts...not found easily.

King Stratford

I paid $30 to get in the museum and was rushed by the tour guide. He did not show us all parts of the museum. Instead he rushed us through the few parts he did show.

Craig Talley - Hardcore Metal Detecting

Amazing building I was disappointed that you have to pay for a tour! Used to be free!

Lodewijk van Delden

I am a mason, living in Aruba. Many years ago with a good friend we have visited. It was a great experience. I recommend a visit by all masons whenever they are in this neighborhood. I am sure that they will be glad that they did.

Zinc Gas Mask

Very cool place love the inside very pretty

Mohamed Wasel

An iconic national memorial, hovering over old town Alexandria.

Eric White

Neat building. Needs some general maintenance. Looks amazing inside! Very cool venue for a conference!

David Dzien

The George Washington National Masonic Memorial is a very educational destination 4 Masons and nonmasons alike. Is conveniently located close enough to the Tysons Corner metro areas that you can easily incorporate it into a road trip around the area with friends or family. Interesting lie enough, if you go to the observation floor, you are able to easily see the DC area with a handful of monuments as well as Baltimore over the horizon. If you have never been before, it is highly, highly recommended.

Lauren Walker Hill

Great for wedding we attended.

Terzah Horton

Fine if you want to kill a couple of hours. The MO ument is easy to reach on foot despite the construction. It's fairly expensive ($18) but very informative. About half the info is about George Washington and half about the Masons. The view from the ninth floor is amazing; don't skip if you've paid you entrance fee.

Erin Anderson

Wow! There are no words! If you want to know our founding father George Washington, this is the place to do it. You really get to see his beliefs and how they were formed. The Free Mason's were skilled and had very high standards of moral character. The Free Mason's today do as well. The museum and tour are excellent as is the education received! I highly recommend going there.

Dawn Goodrich

We loved this find on the way shopping. A must stop.

Heart

Very interesting site to explore. There is a lot to see.

Earl Griffin

For years I have taken my family to the George Washington National Masonic Memorial and loved it. However, twice in the last year, we went and had a negative experience. There is a member of security there who has, each of the last two times that we went, been rude to us - made us feel unwelcome. Not because we did anything wrong. But, it just seems like he's a bully. Despite feeling a strong connection to the place, we no longer feel welcome there. This is no longer among the places that my family looks forward to visiting.

Stephen Perry

Great concert. Really interesting building

zor

A lot of cool historic artifacts. Great view at the top. Very well-kept. Tour guide was very informative and engaging.

Royce Raju Beena

A must visit memorial around the Washington DC area recording and highlighting the Masonic legacy and contributions of George Washington . It's often skipped by most travel enthusiasts due to a plethora of more popular and rated options , however if you've the time do check this out , it's totally worth the visit

M M

Great place to take the Family get your membership for even better options

aka Missy Margie Mason

Loved loved loved. We took our Kindergarten-4th graders there and it was wonderful. The staff gave a great tour, asked appropriate aged questions and the 360 degree view was out of this world! But please be very quiet. The staff was nice. Elevator and the students were able to roll down the hill

John Mullin

Wonderful p place to visit.

Richard Hays

Over all it was a fantastic experience. Beautiful architecture coupled with immensely rich Masonic History. An informative host delivered a very professional and descriptive tour of the building, ending with a walk on the 333 foot tall observation tower. Flawless victory for American Freemasonry!

Michael Elkind

Thank you for the great details

Dean Wright

Ok is kind, not so much the place but the name would put me off, after all I am English and despite the current trend for sucking up to anyone and everyone, there are those of us that would consider Washington a traitor and the stitch up known as the war of independence as nothing less than a treasonable conspiracy. No apologies.

Amber Elbers

All the rooms in the memorial have been well kept. A lot of information on the wall the be read at your on pace.

john preston

Not free 18 dollar entry fee

Tom Duffy

Very educational and what a great view from the top

Lorenzo Coplin

Very nice place to visit we the kids in the familis together

Robert Becker

3D painting Excellent

Michelle MacFarlane

Go...just go. Don't think about it - Don't second guess yourself. Just go! We spent well over two hours in this museum from start to finish. So much to look at and so much to explore.

Corey Folta

Loved it. Great tours.

Dave Smith

Not my first or tenth time there. Always enjoy my time there. As a Mason and a lover of history, I highly recommend the visit.

sas As

George Washington joined the Masonic Lodge in Fredericksburg, Virginia, at the age of twenty in 1752. During the War for Independence, General Washington attended Masonic celebrations and religious observances in several states. He also supported Masonic lodges that formed within army regiments. At his first inauguration in 1791, President Washington took his oath of office on a Bible from St. John’s Lodge in New York. During his two terms, he visited Masons in North and South Carolina, and presided over the cornerstone-laying ceremony for the U.S. Capitol in 1793.

Matthew Wible

Awesome place to get some history of the free masons and George Washington. Super nice staff and the view from the top was amazing!

City Music Records

Great place. So much history. So much regalia. Just an awesome place to be. Looking to become apart of the fraternity. This would be a good start to get an idea of how things are.

Blake Baker

It was closed when we went, so my review can be updated once I make it in. Really neat building from the outside though!

Mark Sutherland

See the ASO here and be most pleased with that decision. Spectacular venue. Yes and...!