The Landscape Architect’s Guide to

Meridian Hill (Malcolm X) Park

Your Guide

Meridian Hill Park, also referred to as Malcolm X Park, is a rare, classically-designed open space within one of Washington’s most diverse communities, Adams Morgan. The parks history dates to 1819 when John Ported built a mansion on this prominent hill. In 1936, the park was officially opened and in 1994 the park was designated as a National Historic Landmark. While a formal garden, the park provides a variety of open lawn areas, fountains, sculpture, intimate seating areas, and a choice view of the Washington Monument. The designer of the planting plan was Ferruccio Vitale.

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The Lower-level Entrance

The lower-level entrance to the park at 16th and V streets, NW, provides the most dramatic perspective on the classical formality and signature Italian-inspired fountain element of the park.

Image: Glenn LaRue Smith Meridian-2

The Central Fountain

The central fountain creates a dramatic visual affect as water cascades down the tiered levels. The gentle water mist from the cascading fountain water creates a pleasant physical environment and relief from the Washington, D.C. summer heat.

Image: Glenn LaRue Smith Meridian-3

The Cascading Fountain

Lush perennials line the edges of the cascading fountain, providing colorful displays of yellow flowers in the spring. The evergreen shrubs lining each side of the stairways hide intimate seating alcoves that offer spaces for quiet conversations and reading.

Image: Glenn LaRue Smith Meridian-4

The Site's Formal Design

The steps leading to the upper levels of the park illustrate the site's formal design as well as the extensive use of exposed aggregate (pebble finish) concrete paving and walls throughout the park.

Image: Glenn LaRue Smith Meridian-5

A Symmetrical Design

The view south from the upper park level provides great views of the parks symmetrical design and a view of the Washington Monument.

Image: Glenn LaRue Smith Meridian-6

A Transition

Two bowl-shaped fountains anchor each side of the upper terrace after ascending the formal steps from the cascading fountain. This transition space separates the more informal central lawn from the formal stairs down to the fountain.

Image: Glenn LaRue Smith Meridian-7

Joan of Arc

The statue of Joan of Arc, on axis with the central upper lawn, stood without her sword for many years. The replacement of the sword brings the sculpture back to its original glory and gives the impression of Joan of Arc watching over and protecting Washington, D.C.

Image: Glenn LaRue Smith Meridian-8

Formal Tree-Lined Pathway

The upper level of the park has a great variety of open grass lawns and intimate formal tree-lined pathways. The pathways are lined on either side with benches that provide views into the adjacent neighborhood and activity within the central lawn.

Image: Glenn LaRue Smith Meridian-9

An Urban Feel

The park takes on an urban feel because of the apartment buildings along the 15th and 16th Street boundaries of the space. The park also has restroom facilities designed to mesh with the classical motif of the original park design.

Image: Glenn LaRue Smith Meridian-10

Sports and Picnics

The upper entry to the park at 16th Street and Euclid Street reveals a large central green where neighbors and visitors play field sports and picnic.

Image: Glenn LaRue Smith