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  • Washington Monument Will Again Be Illuminated for America’s 250th
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Washington Monument Will Again Be Illuminated for America’s 250th

An 18-minute presentation will be projected on the monument for five nights in July.

By Maggie Roth June 24, 2026 at 10:32 am

The Washington Monument will once again light up with colorful projections as part of America’s 250th birthday celebrations.  

Each evening from July 1 to 5, there will be an 18-minute projection-mapping presentation “showcasing the people, places, moments, and ideals that have shaped the American story across nearly two and a half centuries.” It ends with an image of a giant birthday candle illuminated on the side of the monument. The projections run from 9 p.m. to 12:20 a.m. 

The presentations are being hosted by Freedom 250. The White House–driven organization is also behind events such as the Great American State Fair on the National Mall. 

The illuminations ran last year around the Fourth of July as well, kicking off the beginning of America’s 250th celebrations.  

“The overwhelming response to the Washington Monument Illumination made it clear that Americans wanted to see it return,” said Keith Krach, CEO of Freedom 250. “This spectacular tribute celebrates the triumph of the American spirit and reminds us of the courage, sacrifice, innovation, and faith that have defined our nation for 250 years. As we celebrate America’s birthday, there is no better backdrop than the Washington Monument standing at the heart of our nation’s capital.” 

Feature image courtesy Freedom 250

Maggie Roth

Maggie Roth

Associate Editor

Maggie Roth is the associate editor for Northern Virginia Magazine, where she covers news and culture in the NoVA area. Originally from New Jersey, she is a graduate of George Mason University and joined the magazine in 2021 as an editorial intern.

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