Washington Monument to Reopen Monday

WASHINGTON —  The Washington Monument will reopen to the public Monday, restored by a $10-million renovation that has meticulously patched the marble exterior and updated the mechanical systems of the 115-year-old icon.

No ceremony is planned, but the National Park Service is expecting a large turnout.

“We are turning the monument back over to the American people,” said Vikki Keys, a deputy superintendent who has overseen the three-year restoration. “It’s their monument.”

Although from a distance the 555-foot monument remains unchanged, a closer inspection details the work of the stonemasons who repaired hundreds if not thousands of cracks and chips.

The viewing space on the observation deck was made larger not by changing the size of the six windows but by reducing the width of the metal frames by 1 inch on each side. And the walls have been encased in glass to protect them. On the lower level, the Park Service has added an exhibit that depicts George Washington’s life, the monument’s history and the restoration.

The only major element of the last phase not yet ready is the new elevator cab. Rather than delay the opening until December, when the cab is expected to be delivered, the monument will close for about two months for the replacement then, Keys said.