The Washington Monument reopened yesterday after being closed for a few years for repairs from the 2011 earthquake. We are so happy to see the scaffolding gone and the DC skyline back to its usual glory. (I kind of miss how the scaffolding lit up at night though- I’ll be honest)
Our friend Jordan stood in line for us yesterday morning to get tickets to ride to the top of the monument on its first day back in business (thanks Jordan) and a group of us met up after work. The evening started out beautiful and sunny…
…and then some storm clouds came rolling in. We managed to get inside the monument just before the skies opened up – perfect timing!
This was actually my first time to go inside the monument (Dave technically went as small child but does not really remember the experience) so we were both very excited to see the view from the top. They even gave all of us commemorative tickets for visiting during the reopening.
We were greeted by a regal, tiled waiting area and were then ushered into the elevators to ride to the top. The room at the top had small windows for visitors to look out on the national mall – the rain made it a bit hard to see, but the views were still quite beautiful.
When you look up you can see the interior of the ‘point’ of the monument and you can even see where some of the post-earthquake repairs were made. We walked down to the next floor after seeing the view, where they had many exhibits describing the construction and history of the monument. It really blows my mind that the structure was built without electricity or modern construction equipment. The old photos of the construction workers sitting at the top eating lunch on their break are unreal.
When we came down, the rain had just stopped (lucky us!), but it left us with some beautiful clouds over the sunset.
Our city really is beautiful -we love living here. It’s easy to forget that we live where history is being made around us every day – but then I find myself in the middle of the mall at sunset and I am quickly reminded of the grandeur of this capital city.
And then it was photo time…
The whole group minus me – don’t worry, I jumped in the next one.
If you haven’t been to Washington, DC, you really need to get here and check out our nation’s capital! Congratulations to the National Park Service for the Reopening!
I was born in DC. My dad was a DC policeman and my mom a congressional secretary… Yet I’ve never actually been UP the Washington Monument. Headed there in a couple weeks for college tours with my youngest. Will DEF make this a priority!
That’s great! Now’s the time – You guys will love it 🙂
I’ve seen a picture of the monument before but always thought it was just a huge rock and nothing else. But that you can actually go inside and have a look at the city from above is amazing! I also love the pictures you took in front of the many flags! I can totally see now why this monument is so important for Americans. It is an impressive one!
I had no idea how much was inside either! I knew there was an elevator but didn’t know anything about how ornate the walls were or the small museum inside. It really is an impressive monument. Thanks for visiting!
I love DC! I’ve only been once, but you are right – you do live in a beautiful city. I think I’m actually going to have the chance to re-visit next Spring when the cherry blossoms are in bloom. I’m pretty excited about it.
The cherry blossoms are my favorite week in DC – they really are worth all of the hype! I have a few posts about the cherry blossoms that I did a few weeks ago, you should check them out! 🙂 Thanks for visiting!
Love the flag photos =) So jealous you got to go up on the day of reopening. I have been up, but several years ago. Definitely want to go back.
Thanks Sara! Our visit was a fun surprise. It’s definitely worth a trip up 🙂
Oh so pretty. I love the jumping photo – they are always so fun to do!
I agree – always a fun photo 🙂 Thanks for visiting!
BEAUTIFUL! I’m heading back for the wedding in June and am definitely going to take a trip up to the top of the monument. Great pictures (as always)!
Thanks Margo! Your wedding is getting so close!! So excited for both your wedding and your DC visit!
What gorgeous views from the monument! I haven’t been to Washington DC since I was in middle school, but this post is inspiring me to visit next time I’m stateside 🙂
You should come! Washington DC is such a fun city to visit. It’s full of history and most monuments and museums are free!
The view of the monuments at night all lit up is so beautiful.
Nighttime is my favorite way to see the monuments. The lights light them so beautifully and the DC heat is gone (and so are the mobs of tourists) Thanks for visiting !
I love the bokeh in that last shot. 🙂
Thank you Pieni! Had a little bit of fun with all of the lights 🙂
Great post! I live within 6 miles (as the crow flies) of the earthquake’s epicenter, and we still get aftershocks every couple of months or so. There are still houses around here with broken chimneys that the owners still haven’t gotten fixed. Glad the monument is reopened so that I can finally go up it the next time we’re in DC!
Wow! It’s amazing that you still feel after shocks. We are not used to such large earthquakes here in the DC area. Hope you are able to make it to the monument 🙂
Great images, but my favourite it the JUMP one!
Mollyxxx
Haha thanks Molly! We always love a good jumping photo!
Fantastic shots of the opening ~ really beautiful and heart warming for SWF ~ xoxo
artmusedog and carol (A Creative Harbor)
So glad you liked the post! Thanks for visiting! 🙂