Attraction
National Air and Space Museum
The Smithsonian's flagship aviation and space museum on the National Mall, home to the Wright Flyer, the Spirit of St. Louis and the Apollo 11 command…
Washington Monument
The 555-foot marble obelisk at the centre of the National Mall, with a lift to an observation level that looks over the city in every direction.
At a glance
- Type
- Monument and observation deck
- Area
- National Mall, Washington DC, United States
- Official site
- nps.gov
Good to know
- Timed-entry tickets
- Lift to observation level
- Security screening
- National Park Service
Why we recommend it
The Washington Monument is the white marble obelisk at the heart of the National Mall, and at around 555 feet it is visible from most of the city. The cornerstone was laid on 4 July 1848, but work stopped in 1854 and did not restart until 1879. The capstone was set in December 1884, the monument was dedicated in February 1885 and it opened to the public in 1888. The long pause is visible in the stonework: look about a third of the way up and you will see where the shade of marble changes.
Visitors take a lift to the observation level, around 500 feet up, where windows face all four directions. The views take in the length of the National Mall, from the Lincoln Memorial and the Reflecting Pool at one end to the Capitol at the other, along with the Tidal Basin. The stairs are closed to the public, so the lift is the only way up.
A timed-entry ticket is needed to go up. Advance tickets are sold through Recreation.gov and are normally released 30 days ahead, and a limited number of same-day tickets are given out on site from 8:45am. Arrive at the security screening area at least 15 minutes before your entry time. Food, drink and large backpacks are not allowed inside, so leave them at your hotel.
The National Park Service says hours and ticket availability change with the season, and the monument can close temporarily for thunderstorms or high winds. It is closed on 25 December. Check the official page on the morning of your visit, particularly in summer when afternoon storms are common.
A visit takes about 45 minutes to an hour once you are through security. It suits families and first-time visitors who want to see how the city is laid out; the view makes it much easier to plan the rest of a walk on the Mall. Children enjoy the lift ride, and the grounds around the base are a good place to sit and look back at the obelisk.
The monument is a short walk from the Smithsonian Metro station. The National Museum of African American History and Culture is next to it, and the Lincoln Memorial is at the far end of the Reflecting Pool to the west.
Washington Monument FAQs
Do I need a ticket to go up the Washington Monument?
Yes. A timed-entry ticket is required to take the lift to the observation level.
How do I get tickets?
Advance tickets are released on Recreation.gov, usually 30 days ahead, and same-day tickets are handed out on site from 8:45am.
When should I arrive?
At least 15 minutes before your entry time, to allow for security screening.
Can I take the stairs?
No. The stairs are closed to the public and visitors go up by lift.
Can I bring food or a backpack?
No. Food, drink and large backpacks are not permitted inside.
Does it ever close?
It is closed on 25 December and can close temporarily for thunderstorms or high winds.
How long does a visit take?
About 45 minutes to an hour once you are through security.
Why does the stone change colour?
Building stopped in 1854 and resumed in 1879 with marble from a different source, so the shade changes part of the way up.