The World War II Memorial on the National Mall is now closed for several months so crews can make improvements there.
The project aims to modernize the nearly 22-year-old memorial’s fountains and lighting, the National Park Service (NPS) said in a news release Thursday that stated the site would close the following day.
“The work will address aging infrastructure, improve reliability, and enhance the appearance of one of the nation’s most visited memorials,” the NPS statement said.
People should expect to see fencing and construction barriers in the area, the NPS said. Some pedestrian routes may be affected during the project.
According to the NPS, the improvements will include:
- the installation of new in-fountain lighting to replace lighting systems that are no longer working
- the replacement of in-ground lighting that highlights the memorial’s state and territory pillars
- related necessary electrical and mechanical upgrades
“This work also supports the goals of President Donald J. Trump’s Executive Order on Making the District of Columbia Safe and Beautiful by reinvesting in nationally significant public spaces and ensuring they are ready to welcome visitors for major national events,” the NPS statement said. “The projects also support preparations for the nation’s semiquincentennial in 2026 under Executive Order 14189, Celebrating America’s 250th Birthday.”
The project is expected to be done no later than May 15, the NPS said, which means the site would reopen in time for Memorial Day.
The World War II Memorial debuted on the National Mall in spring 2004 and hosted a dedication ceremony on Memorial Day weekend that year, welcoming thousands of WWII veterans and their families.
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