The Lincoln Memorial Undercroft is like a "cathedral"
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Inside the undercroft. Photo: Tyler M. Andrews/The Washington Post via Getty Images
Escape the heat by going underground at the new Lincoln Memorial Undercroft.
Why it matters: You can finally explore the cave-like space that's been hidden beneath the memorial since it opened in 1922, with historical artifacts nestled between its exposed concrete columns.
Zoom in: The 15,000-square-foot exhibit opened to the public on Thursday, after about a decade of planning.
- There are immersive exhibits that showcase Lincoln's legacy and the monument's construction.
- Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum likens the chamber to a "cathedral."
"As you walk in here, you'll understand that the Lincoln Memorial is essentially built on the roof of a cathedral," he recently told reporters. "And that cathedral underneath is 122 arched columns."
If you go: It's free to visit, but you need timed-entry tickets.
- They can be reserved up to 30 days in advance online or by calling 877‑444‑6777.
- Same-day tickets can be found starting at 8:45am at the Korean War Veterans Memorial kiosk.