Washington Monument reopening to the public

After a three-year closure, the Washington Monument is reopening to the public. The 555-foot stone obelisk was closed in September 2016 in order to replace the aging elevator and upgrade security systems.

Section:Gallery

Wed., Sept. 18, 2019

The Washington Monument is seen past a sign greeting visitors during a press preview tour ahead of the monument's official reopening, Wednesday, Sept. 18, 2019, in Washington. The monument, which has been closed to the public since August 2016, is scheduled to re-open Thursday, Sept. 19.

Patrick Semansky Associated Press
Visitors look out from the observation level inside the Washington Monument during a press preview tour ahead of the monument's official reopening, Wednesday, Sept. 18, 2019, in Washington. The monument, which has been closed to the public since August 2016, is scheduled to re-open Thursday, Sept. 19.

Patrick Semansky Associated Press
National Parks Service park rangers gather near glass panels that provide a view of interior sections of the Washington Monument's observation level during a press preview tour ahead of the monument's official reopening, Wednesday, Sept. 18, 2019, in Washington. The monument, which has been closed to the public since August 2016, is scheduled to re-open Thursday, Sept. 19.

Patrick Semansky Associated Press
A National Parks Service park ranger walks past glass panels that provide a view of interior sections of the Washington Monument during a press preview tour ahead of the monument's official reopening, Wednesday, Sept. 18, 2019, in Washington. The monument, which has been closed to the public since August 2016, is scheduled to re-open Thursday, Sept. 19.

Patrick Semansky Associated Press
Clouds roll over the Washington Monument, as seen from the foot of the monument, during a press preview tour ahead of its official reopening, Wednesday, Sept. 18, 2019, in Washington. The monument, which has been closed to the public since August 2016, is scheduled to re-open Thursday, Sept. 19.

Patrick Semansky Ap
A visitor looks out toward the U.S. Capitol from the Washington Monument's observation level during a press preview tour ahead of the monument's official reopening, Wednesday, Sept. 18, 2019, in Washington. The monument, which has been closed to the public since August 2016, is scheduled to re-open Thursday, Sept. 19.

Patrick Semansky Associated Press
The World War II Memorial and Reflecting Pool viewed from the Washington Monument, Wednesday, Sept. 18, 2019, in Washington.

Patrick Semansky Associated Press
The U.S. Treasury Department building, bottom left, and downtown Washington viewed from the Washington Monument, Wednesday, Sept. 18, 2019, in Washington.

Patrick Semansky Associated Press
The Lincoln Memorial and Reflecting Pool viewed from the Washington Monument, Wednesday, Sept. 18, 2019, in Washington.

Patrick Semansky Associated Press
The U.S. Capitol building viewed from the Washington Monument, Wednesday, Sept. 18, 2019, in Washington.

Patrick Semansky Associated Press
The White House viewed from the Washington Monument, Wednesday, Sept. 18, 2019, in Washington.

Patrick Semansky Associated Press
The Eisenhower Executive Office Building on the grounds of the White House Complex viewed from the Washington Monument, Wednesday, Sept. 18, 2019, in Washington.

Patrick Semansky Associated Press