Original post, August 16:

After more than three years of repairs to its elevator and construction on its new security center, the 555-foot Washington Monument is set to welcome visitors again September 19, according to the National Park Service (NPS). NPS announced the date in a release Friday, saying the monument will reopen at 9 a.m. and providing information about getting tickets.

From opening day through October 18, tickets will be available on a first come, first served basis starting at 8:30 a.m. September 19 at the Washington Monument Lodge—situated on 15th Street NW between Madison Drive NW and Jefferson Drive SW. For tours taking place October 19 and later, tickets can be ordered online beginning at 10 a.m. October 10. Per NPS, the obelisk will be open each day from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The project had an $11 million budget.

Hold onto your hats - the Washington Monument will reopen on September 19!! Additional information, including how to get tickets to visit, is at https://t.co/zRb1xZQ8pa. pic.twitter.com/IvKgtvgPc4 — National Mall NPS (@NationalMallNPS) August 16, 2019

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The Washington Monument was initially slated to reopen this past spring, but the reopening was delayed several months because of the discovery of “possibly contaminated” soil in April. But while the monument has been closed, it hasn’t completely been without activity. In July, its side hosted a projection of a 363-foot rocket to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Apollo 11.

Update, September 12:

Workers have installed new American flags at the base of the Washington Monument in advance of the landmark’s scheduled reopening next Thursday, Park Service officials say.

Fresh finials and flags! Opening day for the Washington Monument is just a week away! pic.twitter.com/qvmqhVSqib — National Mall NPS (@NationalMallNPS) September 12, 2019

Update, September 19:

D.C.’s most famous obelisk welcomed visitors again Thursday, marking the first time it has done so since 2016. The inaugural visitor to the newly improved monument showed up at 3:30 a.m., according to the National Park Service (NPS). All tickets for Thursday were fully distributed by 10 a.m., and the first group accessed the monument soon after, at 11:30 a.m.

Tickets will continue to be distributed first come, first served through October 18, NPS says.

IT’S OPENING DAY, PEOPLE!!!! Steve from Wichita was first in line at 3:30 this morning to get tickets; come join him for the opening day ride to the top of the Washington Monument! Ticket distribution starts at 8:30 am; first group goes up at 11:30, following the ribbon cutting. pic.twitter.com/xkz9GSVZC0 — National Mall NPS (@NationalMallNPS) September 19, 2019