The Scaffolding Comes Off the Washington Monument As the Repair Project Nears Completion

The monument, first dedicated in 1885, reopens next month.

Written by Carol Ross Joynt | Published on April 7, 2014

Photograph by Carol Ross Joynt.

The Washington Monument is looking like its old self. The overall $15 million earthquake repair project may not yet be fully completed, but as of Saturday, the scaffolding that has covered the monument since July 2013 is down. There is still plaza work to be done before a planned May 12 reopening. The National Park Service says on that day, a Monday, tours will begin at 1, on a first come, first served basis. Tickets for visits on subsequent days will be available online beginning April 16.

The repair work, focused principally toward the top of the monument, was the result of cracks caused by the 5.8-magnitude earthquake that shook Washington on August 23, 2011.