Washington Monument Status: Currently Open (Post-COVID, Post-Earthquake, Post-Elevator Repair)

As of 2024, the Washington Monument is OPEN. The COVID-19 closure (March 2020–October 2021) ended. The 2011 earthquake damage repair (2011–2014) ended. The 2019–2021 elevator modernization ended. It's running normally.

Current Operations

• Hours: 9 AM–5 PM daily (last entry 4 PM); closed July 4, Dec 25
• Tickets: **Free, timed-entry, required** — reserve at recreation.gov (30 days ahead, 8 AM ET release)
• Same-day: Limited walk-up at 8:30 AM (Washington Monument Lodge) — line forms early
• Elevator: New 2021 system — 70 sec to 500-ft observation deck
• Stairs: 897 steps — **closed to public** (ranger-guided tours only, rare)

What You'll See

• 500-ft observation level: 8 windows (N/S/E/W) — Mall, White House, Capitol, Arlington, Potomac
• 490-ft museum level: Exhibits on construction, 1884 completion, 2011 earthquake
• Commemorative stones: 193 state/ociety/country stones visible in stairwell (elevator passes them)

Security

• Airport-style screening (magnetometer, bag X-ray)
• No food, drink, large bags, tripods
• Allow 30 min for screening + ascent

Pro Tips

• Book exactly at 8 AM ET, 30 days out — slots vanish in minutes
• Morning = better light for east-facing views (Capitol, Mall)
• Late afternoon = better light for west-facing (Lincoln, Arlington, Potomac)
• Combine with Ford's Theatre (timed entry) or Capitol tour for efficient Mall day

The monument survived earthquake, pandemic, and elevator obsolescence. It's back — 555 ft of marble, granite, and American ambition.