Rosslyn in Arlington in Arlington County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
Harmony of Friendship
Netherlands Carillon
| | George Washington Memorial Parkway | |
Photographed by Evan Dwyer, May 9, 2026
1. Harmony of Friendship Marker
In 1954, 49 bells were installed in a temporary structure in West Potomac Park. While the bells rang from there, construction on a permanent carillon began here.
Dutch architect Joost W.C. Boks designed the 127-foot-tall tower. The geometric design recalls the style of Dutch artist Piet Mondriaan. The tower was the first modernist steel memorial on the National Mall.
On May 5, 1960, the bells were celebrated in their new permanent home, the Netherlands Carillon. May 5 is Liberation Day in the Netherlands. It marks the end of Nazi occupation of the Netherlands during WWII.
In 1995, 50 years after WWII, Netherlands Prime Minister Kok presented President Clinton with a 50th bell.
In 2022, after a two-year rehabilitation project, the carillon was rededicated. Three more bells were added, making this a "grand carillon" with 53 bells total. One bell is for General George C. Marshall who helped rebuild Europe after WWII with the Marshall Plan. Another commemorates First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt's advocacy for human rights. The final of the three new bells honors Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s lifelong work
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Two bronze lions guard the carillon. Cast by Dutch sculptor Paul Koning, these lions symbolize the Dutch royal family. In spring, thousands of tulips decorate the grounds.
Learn More & Listen.
For concert schedules and more details on the Netherlands Carillon, please visit http://www.nps.gov/gwmp
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Edward M. Nassor, volunteer carillon director, plays the bells with his hands on the clavier batons and his feet on the pedals.
In 1952, Queen Juliana of the Netherlands presented a token to President Truman as a promise of the carillon to come in 1954.
Erected 2022 by National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Arts, Letters, Music • Parks & Recreational Areas • Peace • War, World II. A significant historical year for this entry is 1952.
Location. 38° 53.3′ N, 77° 4.156′ W. Marker is in Arlington, Virginia, in Arlington County. It is in Rosslyn. It is on North Marshall Drive 0.1 miles west of Iwo Jima Access Road, on the right when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Arlington VA 22209, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in the Washington Metropolitan Area and in Northern Virginia. It is also in the American South, specifically in the Upper South, and in the Mid-Atlantic. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region, North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture, one of the original Thirteen Colonies, one of the Confederate States of America, and the Antebellum South.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: A Song of Thanks (here, next to this marker); "Lest We Forget - We Stand on Your Shoulders"
Photographed by Evan Dwyer, May 9, 2026
2. Netherlands Carillon
View from just to the right of the marker. One of the guardian Lion sculptures is visible as well.
Other markers no longer nearby. Harmony of Friendship (has been replaced with this marker); Modern Liberation (was here, next to this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it); Symbol of Friendship (was here, next to this marker but has been reported to have been replaced with another marker now near it); Let Freedom Ring (was here, next to this marker but has been permanently removed).
Related marker. Click here for another marker that is related to this marker. It preceded this marker in the same location.
Also see . . . Netherlands Carillon. National Park Service (Submitted on June 15, 2026.)
Photographed by Evan Dwyer, May 9, 2026
3. Harmony of Friendship Marker
View from one of the carillon's guardian Lions. The marker is the furthest left of the two visible left of the sculpture.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 15, 2026. It was originally submitted on June 4, 2026, by Evan Dwyer of Richmond, Virginia. This page has been viewed 9 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on June 4, 2026, by Evan Dwyer of Richmond, Virginia. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.
