Netherlands Carillon

Duration:

2 minutes, 10 seconds

The Netherlands Carillon has been a symbol of freedom and friendship between the Netherlands and the U.S. since World War II. In 2021, after enduring years of weather and corrosion, the Carillon underwent major renovations. The National Park Service removed, cleaned, and replaced all the exterior panels, and the Netherlands Embassy added three new bells to the instrument. Now, the Carillon is renewed, ringing, and ready for visitors! This project and this video were funded by your fee dollars.

 

The carillon is a gift from the people of the Netherlands to the people of the United States.

NPS / Claire Hassler

The carillon's 53 bells hang in an open steel tower. The carillon's peaceful setting, with its floral libraries and sculpted lions, is the perfect place to listen to the music of the bells.

Location

The Netherlands Carillon is in Arlington, Virginia between the US Marine Corps War Memorial and Arlington National Cemetery.

Hours and Seasons

The carillon grounds are open year-round from 6 am until midnight.

For your safety, the carillon structure is closed to visitors at all times.

 

Directions

The carillon does not have a street address, but most navigation apps can provide directions.

By Car

From VA 110 south, turn right onto Marshall Drive, then follow signs for the Netherlands Carillon and the US Marine Corps War Memorial.

From US 50 east, take the exit for Rosslyn and the Key Bridge. Turn right onto Meade Street at the top of the ramp. Turn left on Marshall Drive, then follow the signs for the Netherlands Carillon and the US Marine Corps War Memorial.

From US 50 west, cross into Virginia on the Roosevelt Bridge and take the exit for Rosslyn and the Key Bridge. Turn left onto Meade Street at the top of the ramp. Turn left on Marshall Drive, then follow the signs for the Netherlands Carillon and the US Marine Corps War Memorial.

By Metro

The carillon is 0.6 mile walk from the Rosslyn Metro Station (blue/orange/silver lines) or a 0.8 mile walk from the Arlington National Cemetery Metro Station (blue line).

 

Parking

The parking area is shared with the United States Marine Corps War Memorial.

Buses should load and unload in the inner lane around the War Memorial.

The parking area is along the rear of the War Memorial’s circular access drive. Parking is free but limited to one hour.

• 37 standard spots.
• Three accessible parking spaces. Two have access aisles.

The accessible parking area is about 0.2 miles from the carillon on paved sidewalks.

 

Refill your water bottle at the comfort station.

NPS / Laurel Brodsky

Restrooms

There is a comfort station with restrooms between the US Marine Corps War Memorial and the Netherlands Carillon. There are men’s and women’s restrooms and one single-user restroom. All restrooms are accessible and have infant/child changing tables.

Restroom Hours and Seasons

• 7:30 am to 8:00 pm from April 15 through October 31
• 7:30 am to 6:00 pm from November 1 through April 14

There are benches under a covered area outside the restrooms.

Drinking Fountain

There is a drinking fountain outside the comfort station with spouts at two heights and a water bottle filler.

 

Soak up the sun and enjoy the sounds of the bells at the Netherlands Carillon.

NPS

Things to Do

Hear the bells chime during an automated daily performance, or plan your visit for a live performance by a guest musician during the summer and fall months.

Learn more about concerts at the Netherlands Carillon.

Picnic on the grass and enjoy the views of the National Mall and downtown DC.

Nearby attractions include the United States Marine Corps War Memorial and Arlington House, the Robert E. Lee Memorial.

 

Accessibility

Viewing the Carillon

Paved, gently sloped pathways connect the parking area, bus drop-off area, the carillon, and nearby restrooms.

Please note there are no benches around the carillon.

Audio Description and Braille

There is no braille text on the the informational signs by the carillon. The text of on the signs is on the NPS app where it can be read by a screen reader.

Service Animals

Service animals are welcome at the carillon. They are legally permitted anywhere that visitors can go. Service animals are individually trained to perform a specific task that assists a person with a disability. See the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) definition of a service animal.

 

Rules and Regulations

• The carillon is a memorial. Playing ball games and flying kites are not permitted.
• Pets must be on a leash that is no more than six feet long. Pet owners must dispose of waste in a trash can.
• Commercial activities and activities by organized groups, including commercial photography/filming and weddings, require a permit. For information about permits please call 703‑289‑2513.

For a complete list of rules, please read George Washington Memorial Parkway's Laws & Policies.

 

Questions?

Please contact us for additional information or for help planning your visit.

Email Us

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Voice: 703-289-2500

 

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  Netherlands Carillon Concerts

  Enjoy stunning views of the Washington, DC, skyline while listening to the bells of the Netherlands Carillon.

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  An Enduring Friendship

  History of the Netherlands Carillon

  Learn about the history of this symbol of friendship between the United States and the Netherlands.