At the southern tip of Roosevelt Island, this memorial park honors Franklin D. Roosevelt and his 1941 Four Freedoms speech. Architect Louis I. Kahn designed its triangular granite layout, with a monumental staircase and rows of trees leading toward the East River. Stop for unusual views across the water to Midtown Manhattan and Long Island City, then take time with the FDR memorial and Banned Book Library marquee. The open lawns and quiet setting also make room for a picnic or a peaceful walk.
A memorial at Roosevelt Island’s southern tip
Franklin D. Roosevelt Four Freedoms State Park occupies the southernmost point of Roosevelt Island, between Manhattan and Queens. It commemorates Roosevelt, the 32nd president of the United States, and his Four Freedoms speech to Congress in 1941.
Louis I. Kahn designed the park as a triangular composition in granite. A monumental staircase and lines of trees draw the eye toward the river. The memorial was designed in 1973 and completed in 2012, decades after Kahn’s death.
The memorial and its setting
The park’s open layout gives the memorial room to be seen as part of its surroundings. From the tip of the island, look across the East River toward Midtown Manhattan and Long Island City. The views offer a different angle on the city skyline, with the river foregrounding the buildings.
The FDR memorial and the Banned Book Library marquee are among the details to explore on foot. The broad grassy area also provides space to sit with a book or picnic. Geese sometimes roam the grounds, adding a glimpse of local wildlife to a visit.
Häufige Fragen
Is Four Freedoms Park free to visit?
Yes. The park has no entry fee.
Where is Four Freedoms Park?
It is at the southern tip of Roosevelt Island in the East River, between Manhattan and Queens.
What can you see at Four Freedoms Park?
The park includes a memorial to Franklin D. Roosevelt, Kahn’s granite design, the Banned Book Library marquee and views of Midtown Manhattan and Long Island City.
