D.C. Monument to Reopen

The Washington Monument will reopen May 22 after the longest closure in its 113-year history, the National Park Service said.

The 555-foot-tall obelisk, which offers a sweeping bird’s-eye view of the nation’s capital from its observation level, was closed Jan. 12 to modernize the visitors’ elevator and install new heating, air-conditioning and ventilation. It will remain obscured by scaffolding during restoration work on its marble exterior, expected to take about two years.

Summer hours are 8 a.m. to 11:45 p.m. daily. Free, timed entry tickets, which are required until 8 p.m., are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis at the monument starting at 7:30 a.m. each day. Tickets can also be reserved in advance from Ticketmaster, (800) 551-7328.