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Veterans Memorial Building: A Tribute to Service

A historic landmark in Cedar Rapids dedicated to honoring veterans, featuring art, memorials, and community spaces.

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The Veterans Memorial Building in Cedar Rapids stands as a monument to honor veterans. Located on May's Island, it houses memorials, galleries, and event spaces, and features a striking stained glass window by Grant Wood.

A brief summary to Veterans Memorial Building

Local tips

  • Visit the World War II gallery to explore the journey of local veterans through different theaters of war.
  • Check out the Horsky collection of model airplanes, showcasing the craftsmanship of Major Robert M. Horsky.
  • From April to October, attend the 'Angles on the Window' gallery talk to learn about the details of Grant Wood's stained glass masterpiece.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From downtown Cedar Rapids, the Veterans Memorial Building is accessible by walking across the 2nd Avenue Bridge. The building is located at 50 2nd Ave Bridge. There is no cost for walking.

  • Public Transport

    Cedar Rapids Transit provides bus service throughout the city. Several routes service the downtown area, with stops near the 2nd Avenue Bridge. From the Ground Transportation Center, walk north towards the 2nd Ave Bridge. The Veterans Memorial Building is located on the bridge. A single ride fare is typically around $1.25.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    Taxi and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are available in Cedar Rapids. Input 'Veterans Memorial Building, 50 2nd Ave Bridge, Cedar Rapids, IA 52401' as the destination. Fares vary depending on the starting location.

  • Driving

    If driving, navigate to 50 2nd Ave Bridge, Cedar Rapids, IA 52401. Parking is available near the building, but street parking may be limited. Parking is $1/hour. Veterans may park for free on the 2nd Ave bridge, but must check in with ParkCR.

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Discover more about Veterans Memorial Building

The Veterans Memorial Building, located on May's Island in the Cedar River, is a landmark in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, dedicated to honoring the sacrifices of veterans. Completed in 1927, it is one of only two buildings in Iowa purpose-built as a veterans' memorial. The building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places as a contributing property to the May's Island Historic District. The building's architecture blends Beaux-Arts and Moderne styles. The main structure has four stories, with an eight-story section at the front topped by a cenotaph, an empty tomb modeled after the Whitehall Cenotaph in London. Inside, the Memorial Coliseum displays flags representing branches of the U.S. Military. A replica of the Iwo Jima Memorial stands at the front, dedicated to veterans of World War II and the Korean War. In 2000, an eternal flame was lit on top of the building. The building features a large stained glass window designed by Cedar Rapids native Grant Wood, titled “Memorial Window”. The window depicts a Lady of Peace and Victory and is Wood's largest work of art. The building also houses a museum with artifacts from the American Revolution through the Vietnam War. The museum includes the Horsky collection of model airplanes. The Veterans Memorial Building hosts various events and gatherings. The Coliseum, Armory, and Ballroom are available for rent for weddings, meetings, and other events.

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