If you’ve been wondering when you’ll get to ride to the top of the Washington Monument again, you’re in luck: the 555-foot obelisk will reopen to the public on Sept. 19, at 9 a.m.
From Sept. 19 to Oct. 18, tours of the Washington Monument will be available on a first-come, first-served basis, starting at 8:30 a.m. at the base of the monument at the Washington Monument Lodge. The monument will be open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. On Oct. 10, tickets will go on sale for tour dates beginning on Oct. 19 and beyond.
Since 2016, the monument has been undergoing renovations to modernize the elevator control system and to construct a new security screening facility. The monument was originally shut down in the summer of 2016 when a cable in the elevator broke. The most recent renovation cost more than $10.7 million in repairs.
The monument has been consistently under repairs for several years. In 2011, an earthquake caused damage to the structure, causing it to shut down for a three-year renovation. The monument reopened in May 2014, but shut down soon after for more repairs.
To purchase tickets for the reopening, or to find out more, visit nps.gov/wamo or recreation.gov. // 2 15th St. NW, Washington, DC; free
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