After years of renovations, the Washington Monument <a href="index.php?page=&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cnn.com%2F2019%2F08%2F16%2Fpolitics%2Fwashington-monument-open-after-repairs%2Findex.html" target="_blank">is reopening to visitors</a> on Thursday, September 19. The landmark was closed in August 2016 so that repairs could be made to its elevator control system.
After years of renovations, the Washington Monument is reopening to visitors on Thursday, September 19. The landmark was closed in August 2016 so that repairs could be made to its elevator control system.
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Before the elevator issues, the monument was closed from 2011 to 2014. A magnitude-5.8 earthquake caused extensive damage to the structure, cracking the marble in over 150 places.
Before the elevator issues, the monument was closed from 2011 to 2014. A magnitude-5.8 earthquake caused extensive damage to the structure, cracking the marble in over 150 places.
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Workers walk on scaffolding around the monument as repairs continue in April 2013.
Workers walk on scaffolding around the monument as repairs continue in April 2013.
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A tourist takes a photo of the Washington Monument — half-covered in scaffolding — in March 2013.
A tourist takes a photo of the Washington Monument — half-covered in scaffolding — in March 2013.
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Barricades are in place to keep people a safe distance from the damaged structure in August 2012.
Barricades are in place to keep people a safe distance from the damaged structure in August 2012.
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No major injuries were reported after the 2011 earthquake struck about 40 miles northwest of Richmond, Virginia.
No major injuries were reported after the 2011 earthquake struck about 40 miles northwest of Richmond, Virginia.
Contractors began conducting a block-by-block inspection of the monument in September 2011.
Contractors began conducting a block-by-block inspection of the monument in September 2011.
Gordy Kito, left, and Erik Sohn pull in rope for people working on the damaged landmark.
Gordy Kito, left, and Erik Sohn pull in rope for people working on the damaged landmark.
Contractor David Megerie traverses the exterior of the monument.
Contractor David Megerie traverses the exterior of the monument.
A worker descends the length of the monument after the earthquake. Officials said the heaviest damage seemed to be near the top of the structure.
A worker descends the length of the monument after the earthquake. Officials said the heaviest damage seemed to be near the top of the structure.