;

After 3 years, the Washington Monument reopens

by | Sep 19, 2019 | History

From the National Park Service:

Fees & Passes

Visit D.C.’s Centerpiece!

Get a bird’s eye view of the nation’s capital from the Washington Monument, the nation’s grandest memorial to the Father of His Country! Timed tickets are required to ride the elevator to the 500 foot observation deck. Tickets are required for all visitors ages 2 and up.

How to Get Washington Monument Entry Tickets

For entry to the monument September 19, 2019 – October 18, 2019
Same-day, free tickets for opening day (September 19) and all entry through October 18 will be available on a first-come, first-served basis starting at 8:30 a.m. at the Washington Monument Lodge, located on 15th Street, between Madison Drive, NW and Jefferson Drive, SW. The monument will be open daily from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m.

For entry to the monument beginning October 19, 2019
Starting on October 10 at 10 a.m., advance reservation tickets may be ordered at www.recreation.gov, or by calling 877-444-6777, for entry dates beginning on Oct. 19 (advance reservation tickets require a nominal processing fee). Same-day, free tickets will also be available on a first-come, first-served basis daily, starting at 8:30 a.m. at the Washington Monument Lodge. The monument will be open daily from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m.

Advisories

  • The waiting area is outdoors and exposed to sun, wind, ambient temperature, and precipitation. No bathrooms, water, food, or other amenities are available inside the Washington Monument. The nearest restrooms are in the Washington Monument Lodge, located at the bottom of the hill to the east of the monument along 15th Street.
  • Visitors who are uncomfortable with heights, enclosed spaces, crowding, and elevators should consider that the Washington Monument involves all these factors.
  • For your safety, the Washington Monument may be closed for unsuitable weather conditions including high wind and thunderstorms. Tickets will be voided for the affected entrance times.
  • While the ticket booth (at monument lodge) opens at 8:30 a.m., during high visitation times of the year individuals may start lining up earlier than opening time to obtain their same day/non-reserved ticket(s). Tickets can go quite quickly, so plan ahead to assure that you can obtain yours.

What to Expect during your visit:

Signs posted outside the Washington Monument indicate the waiting areas for specific entry times. The waiting area is located on the east side of the Washington Monument inside the circle of flags. Park Rangers will direct you to the security screening area in small groups. All visitors are subject to security screening. Weapons, strollers, and bulky items are prohibited. Wheelchairs are permitted. For a full list of restricted items click HERE.

You will be directed to the Washington Monument’s ground floor lobby. A Park Ranger will help you board the elevator for the express ascent to the top floor 500 feet above the ground. The ride lasts approximately 70 seconds.

Visitors may enter the 500′ level observation deck at their leisure. Visitors then proceed down the steps to the 490′ level museum. Visitors with limited mobility may take the elevator to the museum level from the 500′ level when it is available.

The 490′ level contains exhibits and is where visitors enter the queue to reboard the elevator for the descent. Park Rangers will help you board the elevator. On the approximately 2-minute descent, the elevator slows in preprogrammed areas of the monument to provide passengers with views of select areas of the monument’s interior viewing some of the 193 Commemorative Stones set in the stairwell walls. Upon reaching the ground floor, passengers exit the elevator and the monument.

Subscribe To Daily News Updates

Join our mailing list to receive the latest news from The Free Press

You have Successfully Subscribed!

Share This