Washington, DC – The Netherlands Carillon
Wed, Mar 4, 2009
Yep, I had never heard of it before either. Which is too bad really, because it’s a pretty cool monument. The Netherlands Carillon is located adjacent to the Iwo Jima Memorial and beside the Arlington Cemetery, just outside of Washington, DC.Â
The Carillon is basically a bell tower that was created in 1952 when the Dutch Queen Juliana presented President Truman with a small silver bell in appreciation for the aid that the United States gave the Netherlands after WWII.
Over the next few years, more bells were made and sent to DC until there was a total of 49 bells (a 50th bell was added in 1995, the 50th anniversary of the liberation of the Netherlands). The largest bell is 6′9″ diameter and ways 12,654 pounds. The smallest bell is 8″ in diameter and weighs 35 pounds. All together, the bells weigh approximately 61,403 pounds (30 tons).Â
In 1960, the bells were installed in the tower.Â
The tower was dedicated on May 5, 1960.Â
It stands at approximately 127 feet high and is 36 feet wide.Â
Visitors are able to climb the steel stairs inside the tower that lead to the top.
Just be careful because it’s a long way down.
At the top of the stairs is a landing located directly under the bells. You can view the city, which is only a few miles away.
Or you can look at the Arlington Cemetery, which is next door.
There are two bronze lions which guard the steps leading to the plaza.
And on the ground beside the tower is this large circle. While it looks cool, I have no idea of the meaning behind it.Â
The Carillon is a beautiful monument tucked away from the big city that offers a spectacular view of the city and the pealing of the bells is a nice surprise.  I really enjoyed hearing their song, which was unexpected as I didn’t realize that the bells worked.  But they do work, in fact, they are programed to play various songs at different times.  (Click here for a schedule.)
It’s definitely worth the time to visit, especially if you want to see something historical without driving downtown. Â
RELATED POSTS:
Washington DC – Iwo Jima Memorial
A Vision of Light: Leo Villareal
Washington DC: National Gallery of Art
Washington DC: The US Capitol (A Behind the Scenes Look)
Resources:Â
Popularity: 20% [?]
March 4th, 2009 at 5:48 am
Ok, that is crazy! I’ve seen those bells before but had NO clue about their history. Thanks for explaining…
March 4th, 2009 at 7:17 am
I loved this monument and the view was incredible. My friends and I explored all of Arlington Seminary one day and stumbled upon it pretty much like you did.
March 4th, 2009 at 7:25 am
I don’t guess I saw it when I was there. But then, I visited the cemetery the day of departure and was a little rushed for time. Oh, how I would love to go back to DC again. And have more time. Thanks for sharing, again.
March 4th, 2009 at 7:42 am
What a wonderful discovery. I’d not seen it before and now look forward to seeing it first hand on my next trip to DC. Your pictures are spectacular – can’t wait to be able to see the view and take some pictures myself from the tower. Guess I’ll have to eat my Wheaties before going so I’ll be able to climb all the steps!! Thanks for sharing this great find.
March 4th, 2009 at 8:11 am
Beautiful view! Never heard of it either.
March 4th, 2009 at 8:31 am
You’re killing me here. Just last night we decided NOT to visit D.C. this fall as planned. (Stupid economy and pay cuts.) And here you are are showing me another really cool thing we’re going to miss.
Next year . . .
March 4th, 2009 at 9:36 am
What a cool place, thanks for sharing.
March 4th, 2009 at 10:22 am
You live in such a beautiful city! If I wanted to get a shot like the one of Arlington in this post, I’d have to drive an hour plus.
March 4th, 2009 at 11:26 am
Thanks for a very interesting look at something I have never even heard of. Great photos. I needed a little outing this morning in my pitiful condition.
March 4th, 2009 at 12:03 pm
Great find and fabulous view. That will make the list of must see on my next trip to Washington D.C. THoughtful gesture on the part of the Dutch.
March 4th, 2009 at 12:09 pm
Crop circles. That’s what those circle things in the grass are.
Just kidding
I really don’t believe in crop circles.
March 4th, 2009 at 12:43 pm
I love the letters on that first sign photo. It’s slightly storybook-ish. If you’ve ever crossed the Utah-Idaho border the letters on the “Welcome to Idaho” sign look very much like the letters on The Netherlands Carillon sign.
And yes, Courtney. Those are some serious crop squares–err- circles.
March 4th, 2009 at 12:51 pm
I wish I had gone to the top of the Carillon – great view! That weird circle is usually a very pretty flower garden. The Planet Arlington World Music Festival is held at the Iwo Jima/Netherlands Carillon every year in August. Great music and it’s free! Just bring a chair or blanket and have a picnic. They even pass out free water and bug spray.
http://www.arlingtonarts.org/planetarlington/index.php?id=16
March 4th, 2009 at 1:25 pm
That grass circle is a maze- a very stylized, cool, modern European maze. Supposedly, walking a maze is a calming, meditative experience. Very appropriate, I think.
March 4th, 2009 at 2:24 pm
Wow, that’s pretty neat, though the picture down the stairs freaks me out. o.o;; I’m afraid of heights, heh.
March 4th, 2009 at 6:16 pm
Remind me as i would like to tour next time in DC!
March 4th, 2009 at 8:46 pm
Another interesting find! There are dozens of these places that are fun if you know where to look. Great view. I will have to check it out next time I’m in DC. Thanks for the photos.
March 5th, 2009 at 5:32 am
I am pretty sure tulips grow on those rectangles that make up the circle. Also, in the 90s they had a LDS Young Women celebration and played church songs on the carillon. It was very cool.
March 14th, 2009 at 10:26 am
I know what the circle is for! But someone else beat me to it. Yep, it’s for tulips in the springtime (also fittingly Dutch). we went last year, and they seriously have tulips of every size and color, it’s AMAZING and so beautiful. You have to make another trip there in the spring, about the same time as peak cherry blossom season, that’s when they’re in full bloom. We definitely plan on going again this year…thanks for the reminder!!
March 15th, 2009 at 5:06 am
Stumbled upon your website following a your link in a comment on the site of Zenhabits.
I am from the Netherlands, now living in Italy for 9 years, and i never heard of this monument!
Thank you for sharing this and maybe oneday i will have the change to visit it.
Bye