The monument is requiring timed passes and limiting the time visitors get at the top.
The Washington Monument is finally joining the other attractions on the National Mall and reopening to the public. The marble obelisk will resume tours beginning on Wednesday, July 14, after being closed for more than six months.
Visitors will have to reserve tickets online and pay a $1 reservation fee. Due to the close quarters, the Washington Monument is requiring all visitors to wear masks, whether they have been fully vaccinated or not.
When the pandemic hit, the Washington Monument had only been open for six months after being closed for repairs for three years. The old, malfunctioning elevator system was completely replaced and a new security screening center was constructed. The repairs were made possible by a gift from philanthropist David Rubenstein. The monument reopened for a short period of time in October 2020 but was shuttered once again for six months when Mayor Muriel Bowser ordered closures around D.C. to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.
Photo by Sobia Akhtar from Pexels
Visitors will be required to reserve timed-entry tickets online ahead of their visit. Each ticket has a $1 reservation fee and is good for up to four people. The monument is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., seven days a week. Tickets can be reserved beginning at 10 a.m. the day before. Trips to the top of the 500-foot observation deck will take longer as capacity in the elevators will be capped at eight people. Once you reach the top, you will only have 10 minutes to enjoy the view.
Visitors will be required to wear a mask indoors at the monument and park officials recommend people follow CDC guidelines on wearing masks in crowded indoor and outdoor areas. For a current list of do’s and don’ts at the Washington Monument, visit NPS.gov.
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