National Mall Coalition

05/28/2026

One hundred and four years ago this week, on May 30, 1922, the Lincoln Memorial was dedicated on the National Mall.

It had its place on the Mall thanks to the 1902 McMillan Plan (https://www.nationalmallcoalition.org/legacy/national-mall-history/) that expanded the boundaries of the Mall one mile west of the Washington Monument to create a monument to “that one man in our history as a nation who is worthy to be named with George Washington -- Abraham Lincoln.”

Today, there are numerous proposed new museums, memorials, gardens, and more proposed for the Mall. WE NEED A NEW 3RD CENTURY PLAN (https://www.nationalmallcoalition.org/innovation/3rd-century-mall/) to update the one from 1902 if we are to continue honoring our country's history and culture.

05/07/2026

DC columnist Petula Dvorak's recent “Persisters” column gives a shout out to National Mall Coalition chair Dr. Judy Scott Feldman’s longtime Mall advocacy.

Trump's trying to remake Washington. He's painting a pool, demolishing history and proposing a (tragic) Triumphal Arch. This woman saw it coming.

04/16/2026

"Without an updated plan for thoughtful, meaningful growth, the Mall is at the mercy of special interests and those seeking to remake the Mall in their own political interest."

Whatever you think about the president’s proposed memorial arch, it is nowhere clear this is the best location.

04/10/2026

"An anonymous group called the Secret Handshake has put up satirical statues of Trump and artworks that emphasize everything from the president's friendship with the late convicted s*x offender Jeffrey Epstein to Trump's taste for marble and gold leaf."

The Trump administration and its critics are waging a war of images on the National Mall like none before. The president's face stares down from federal buildings while statues and posters mock him below.

02/03/2026

"Congress must act now. It should establish an independent commission of architects, engineers, historians, and planners to advise immediately on the Garden of Heroes and to prepare an updated, comprehensive McMillan Plan for our National Mall in the 21st century."

Congress must act to establish an independent commission to advise immediately on a National Garden of American Heroes.

12/16/2025

"Now, more urgently than ever, we need a comprehensive, long-range plan for our National Mall to update the last plan, the 1902 McMillan Plan, to show where and how the Mall can continue to grow with public open spaces, museums, monuments – and White House improvements."

Challenges to the future vitality of the National Mall as the Stage for American Democracy are front and center in the public eye.

09/13/2025

"There are four sites are under consideration: east and west of the Constitution Gardens, D.C. War Memorial and the Washington Monument. You can weigh in from now through Oct. 8"

The National Park Service is accepting public comment until Oct. 8.

07/25/2025

"In Thursday’s episode of “Matt About Town,” WTOP’s Matt Kaufax heads to the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial and provides a helping hand to the National Association of Landscape Professionals."

Ever wonder how D.C.’s National Mall stays beautiful year-round? Much of the credit goes to a little-known army of volunteers, who come from across the country.

06/09/2025

"I'm here because I’m really horrified at the way they’ve been stealing jobs and medical care," George Idelson said.

Thousands were on the National Mall on Friday for the Unite for Veterans, Unite for America rally.

05/26/2025

What does it take to get authorities to take seriously the flood threat to our nation’s capital? One artist proposes public art.

With climate science under attack, artists and others must engage the public on these issues.