Washington Monument to Reopen and Live Entertainment Returns in D.C.
The Washington Monument, closed for six months due to the coronavirus pandemic, will reopen to the public Thursday, Oct. 1.
The National Park Service announced Monday that the monument will be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., seven days a week, though it will close everyday between 1 and 2 p.m. for disinfecting.
For the foreseeable future, tickets will only be available online, and in another departure from the past, visitors will now be charged a $1.50 non-refundable reservation fee.
Visitors must wear masks and will be limited to eight or fewer per elevator ride. Once at the observation platform, each group will be allowed 10 minutes.
The monument has been closed to the public a number of times in the past 10 years. In fact, it had been open only a few months when the pandemic caused its shut down.
Prior to September 2019, the monument had been closed for three years to replace the elevator and build new security facilities at the entrance.
An earthquake in 2011 resulted in two years of repairs, but even after the monument reopened, problems resulted in a number of shutdowns and occasional evacuations.
The Washington monument isn’t the only local venue reopening after months of pandemic closures.
The District of Columbia on Friday announced a pilot program that will allow six city venues to begin hosting live entertainment.
The six venues include the Kennedy Center, City Winery, GALA Hispanic Theatre, Pearl Street Warehouse, The Hamilton and Union Stage.
The participating venues will be allowed to host live shows with a maximum of 50 people, which includes performers and staff along with attendees.
Reserved seating and advanced ticketing are required, and group size is capped at six. Physical distancing must be followed at all venues, attendees must remain seated during shows and performances must not extend beyond three hours. Face coverings are required.
The venues are also required to maintain a record of all attendees who were inside during events. Anyone showing COVID-19 symptoms will not be allowed to attend. Food can be served, provided the venues follow guidelines associated with D.C.’s phase two guidelines.