Clinging to the southern tip of Roosevelt Island on the East River is architect Louis Kahn's spectacular memorial to Franklin D Roosevelt. A sweep of steps lead up to a sloping triangular lawn, which spills down to a bronze bust of Roosevelt by American sculptor Jo Davidson. Framing the sculpture is a granite wall, hand engraved with Roosevelt's rousing State of the Union speech of 1941. Beyond it is 'The Room', a contemplative granite terrace with hypnotic skyline and water views.
Kahn's arresting design befits Roosevelt's celebrated speech, in which America's 32nd president addressed his desire for a world based upon four essential human freedoms: freedom of speech, freedom of worship, freedom from want and freedom from fear.
Although the F subway line reaches Roosevelt Island, a much more thrilling way to get here is by tramway car, which glides above the East River from Midtown East. The monument is a 15-minute, riverside walk south of both the Roosevelt Island tramway car and subway stations.
