Kennedy-King National Commemorative Site
Interactive Park Map
About the Location
Historical Significance
The Kennedy-King National Commemorative Site is located within Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Park on the northside of Indianapolis, Indiana. This memorial sculpture honors the contributions of two slain civil rights leaders: Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Robert F. Kennedy.
The memorial stands at the site where Robert F. Kennedy delivered a powerful impromptu speech on April 4, 1968, the night of Dr. King's assassination. Kennedy's speech is credited with helping to prevent riots in Indianapolis during a time when many other cities across the nation experienced unrest.
The Memorial Sculpture
The centerpiece of the memorial is a striking sculpture designed by Indiana artist Greg Perry, featuring the silhouettes of King and Kennedy reaching out to each other, symbolizing reconciliation and the pursuit of peace.
The sculpture is made of bronze and Cor-Ten steel, with the bronze portraits created by Indianapolis sculptor Daniel Edwards. Dedicated in 1995, the Landmark for Peace Memorial has become a significant site for reflection and remembrance.
Park Setting
The memorial is set within the larger context of the 14.3-acre Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Park, which offers a range of recreational facilities and green spaces for visitors.
On April 4, 2018, exactly fifty years after King's assassination and Kennedy's speech, the memorial was designated as the Kennedy-King National Commemorative Site, further cementing its importance in the national narrative of civil rights history.
