Washington National Mall Architecture Audio Tour

Discover the stories and design ideas behind Washington’s most recognizable landmarks on a self-guided Washington National Mall architecture audio tour. With GPS-guided playback, you can explore at your own pace and listen as architect Kristen Weller brings the landscape to life.

Begin at the Ulysses S. Grant Memorial, in front of the Capitol Reflecting Pool, and follow the route from Union Square toward the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. Along the way, hear how the Mall has changed over time, why its park design recalls the Garden of Versailles, and how the space was envisioned as a stage for American democracy. The walk also takes in the Washington Monument, the Tidal Basin, the Smithsonian Castle, and the Lincoln Memorial, whose setting has its own surprising history.

Download the audio, maps, and geodata for offline use, or choose virtual playback to listen from anywhere. Bring your own smartphone and headphones, then set out to see the National Mall with fresh perspective.