National Mall

Washington, DC

A civic space of immense significance, the National Mall lacks the strong management necessary to coordinate events, partner with neighboring institutions, and add amenities that draw people in.

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Why It Doesn't Work

Our National Mall should be a symbol to the entire world of how public space is essential to a democratic society. By virtue of its proximity to the nation's most prestigious cultural institutions, including the Smithsonian Institute, National Museum of American History, National Museum of Natural History, and National Gallery of Art, the Mall is a part of most people's visits to the capitol. But each of these institutions is self-contained with very little presence on the Mall. And the Mall itself is sorely lacking in basic amenities, such as benches or other places to sit, that would encourage tourists, government workers, and residents to spend time in a place that ought to be enjoyed as a national treasure. So while millions of people see the Mall each year, it is experienced mostly as a space to move through in between destinations, without a strong civic identity of its own.

Opportunities
The unparalleled collection of cultural resources nearby should have a much stronger presence on the Mall, with outdoor exhibits, festivals, and performances in constant rotation. And the 2.5-mile-long expanse could become home to numerous landmarks and focal points. For inspiration, look to Paris's Jardin des Tuileries, another linear park in a world capital. The Tuileries, which connect the Place de la Concorde to the Louvre (along the same axis as the Arc de Triomphe), are anchored by two large fountains where children can sail toy boats. The wildly popular fountains are complemented by other amenities, including public art along all walkways (not confined to a "sculpture garden") and a series of small cafés that expand and contract using awnings, umbrellas, heat lamps, and movable chairs to accommodate seasonal use. With the proper management, the National Mall could support an even greater spectrum of public use, fulfilling its role as a symbol of our democracy.

Contact Info:

National Park Service, The National Mall, 900 Ohio Drive, SW, Washington, DC 20024
Visitor Information: (202) 426-6841
Headquarters: (202) 485-9880

User Comments:

07/29/05 Bruno Carvalho said:: I completely disagree with the classification of the National Mall as a bad urban space. Very few public urban spaces of this scale have the kind of vibrancy and multi-dimensionality as the Mall. It's both a large, open area for festivals (which is constantly holds), as well as contains many more intimate spaces that you can create by simply placing a blanket underneath a tree. How many times have I seen children want to touch the waters of the reflecting pool, or the WWII memorial, and of the Sculpture Garden. Even riddled with monuments, the Mall still is able to flow and read a cohesive urban oasis. True, its lawns are not manicured like that of the White House's South Lawn, but people still gather to throw frisbees, play with their dogs and let their children run free. It has all the programming of a world-class park without any formal programming built into its design like many other urban parks. The Mall has evolved from its early beaux-arts beginnings to its current simplistic, yet refined form according to the needs, and desires of the City which surrounds it and the Country which it symbolizes, let's not be so quick to judge it's value by it's spartan appearance.
04/18/06 John Tyson said:: First, I would like to say that I think the Mall is a great space, and that I agree with most of what the last person said. However, I also agree with your criticisms of the Mall, and I believe there is certainly room for improvement. Just because it's a good space doesn't mean it can't improve!
10/08/09 Michelle Jaffe said:: The National Mall does not deserve to be in the worst category. As a resident of the district for 8 years, I have fond memories of the national mall, playing frisbee, watching people play soccer. Although when i was there recently they had closed off the turf areas, so maybe that's partly why it made this list. It's also important to understand this green space in it's context is surrounded by the Smithsonian museums, which add to the diversity of activity. The space is also used for many festivals.