The Washington Monument is reopening this fall with modernized updates after being closed for the last 3 years.

The 555-foot monument is set to open on Sept. 19 following a closure to fix and modernize an elevator, along with the construction of a new visitor and screening center.



JUST IN: The Washington Monument will reopen on September 19. It’s been closed for more than 3 years to modernize the elevator and construct a new security screening facility. — Mikaela Lefrak (@mikafrak) August 16, 2019



The National Park Service said about the new center in a news release, "The new glass and steel facility will offer full ballistic and blast protection and includes queuing space for 18-20 visitors at a time, screening equipment, an accessible restroom for National Park Service and U.S. Park Police staff and a security office."

The monument has sustained damage in the past, with an earthquake in 2011 creating cracks in the monument and resulting in millions of dollars spent to repair the damage.

The marble obelisk, which along with the Lincoln Memorial makes up the centerpiece of the National Mall, is dedicated to the first president, George Washington.